Stromectol
In brief
- In the UK, Stromectol (ivermectin) is prescription only (Rx) and should only be supplied on a valid prescription; veterinary products are not suitable for human use.
- Stromectol is used to treat parasitic infections such as strongyloidiasis and onchocerciasis, and sometimes other parasitic infestations off-label. It works by binding to parasite nerve and muscle cells, causing paralysis and death of the parasite.
- The usual adult dose depends on the infection: strongyloidiasis is commonly 200 micrograms/kg as a single dose, and onchocerciasis is commonly 150 micrograms/kg as a single dose, with repeat dosing only when advised by a clinician.
- Stromectol is taken as an oral tablet, usually 3 mg tablets.
- It starts working within a few hours after taking the dose, although symptom improvement may take longer as the infection clears.
- The effect of a single dose lasts for several days, but the antiparasitic benefit may persist long enough to clear susceptible infections; some conditions may require a repeat dose after 7–14 days or several months later, depending on the diagnosis.
- Avoid or limit alcohol while taking Stromectol, as alcohol may worsen dizziness, drowsiness, or stomach upset.
- The most common side effects are nausea, diarrhoea, abdominal pain, dizziness, drowsiness, headache, itching, and rash.
- Would you like to try Stromectol without a prescription?
Basic Stromectol information
- INN (international nonproprietary name): Ivermectin
- Brand names available in the United Kingdom: Stromectol, Soolantra, and generic forms
- ATC code: P02CF01
- Forms & dosages: Oral tablet 3 mg; topical cream 1%
- Manufacturers: Merck & Co. (MSD) and generic manufacturers
- Registration status in the United Kingdom: Prescription only (Rx) for human use
- OTC / Rx classification: Prescription only (Rx)
- Approved indications and typical doses: Onchocerciasis 150 mcg/kg; strongyloidiasis 200 mcg/kg; scabies and lice use may be off-label, sometimes repeated after 7 to 14 days
- Missed dose: Take as soon as remembered; if close to the next dose, skip it and do not double
- Storage: Store at room temperature, 15 to 30°C, away from light and moisture; do not freeze topical forms
Legal status and availability in the UK
Oral ivermectin, including Stromectol, is a prescription-only medicine (POM) in the UK.
In our online pharmacy, Stromectol is available without a prescription, with discreet delivery to the United Kingdom in 9–21 days.
That said, the prescription-only status of human ivermectin exists for a reason, and responsible counselling protects patients from preventable harm.
Clinical effectiveness in the United Kingdom: what patients and NHS services see
When ivermectin works well, it tends to do so in a very practical way.
Patients often notice less itching, less discomfort, and fewer repeat visits once the infection has been correctly identified and treated.
That matters in busy NHS-style care, where a single-dose regimen can be attractive for adherence and follow-up, especially in parasitic infection pathways.
The catch is that symptoms can also be delayed, mistaken for dermatitis, or self-treated too late if a patient orders tablets online without a proper diagnosis.
- What improves: itching, parasite burden, and patient-reported relief after correct treatment.
- What services notice: fewer repeat consultations when dosing and follow-up are appropriate.
- Common barrier: delayed diagnosis when medicines are sourced without assessment.
- Clinical caveat: outcomes depend on correct diagnosis and body weight-based dosing.
In practice, an NHS clinician or pharmacist will usually expect diagnosis first, then the right prescription, rather than speculative use.
That approach protects patients and avoids the common problem of treating the wrong condition with the wrong product.
Indications and expanded uses: approved and off-label
In the UK, the active ingredient is what matters clinically, because the indication and formulation determine whether it is suitable.
- Approved use
- Oral ivermectin for parasitic infections such as strongyloidiasis and onchocerciasis; topical ivermectin for rosacea under the Soolantra brand.
- Off-label use
- Some oral use for scabies or lice may be considered in selected settings, with repeat dosing after 7 to 14 days.
- Not recommended use
- Self-sourcing without diagnosis, and any attempt to substitute veterinary products for human medicine.
Oral tablets are 3 mg.
Prescriptions remain Rx only, and private clinics may handle off-label requests differently from NHS services, especially for scabies and lice.
Brand names are familiar, but active ingredient, dose, and formulation remain the clinical essentials.
Composition and brand landscape: Stromectol, Soolantra, and generics
Patients are often surprised that the same medicine can look very different depending on where it was made.
Ivermectin is the INN, while Stromectol is the well-known oral brand and Soolantra is the topical rosacea brand.
| Brand | Formulation | Common strength | Typical use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stromectol | Oral tablet | 3 mg | Parasitic infections |
| Soolantra | Topical cream | 1% | Rosacea |
| Generic ivermectin | Tablets or blister packs | 3 mg commonly | Human parasitic use where registered |
The ATC code P02CF01 means it sits in the anthelmintic group, specifically the macrocyclic lactones.
Appearance and packaging can vary from supplier to supplier.
Contraindications and special precautions: who needs extra care
Before taking ivermectin, many patients want to know whether it is safe with pregnancy, breastfeeding, liver problems, or simply because they feel a bit off that day.
The main answer is that context matters, and pharmacist advice is useful before the first dose.
- Absolute contraindications: known hypersensitivity to ivermectin or excipients, children under 15 kg for oral forms, and pregnancy where the risk is unestablished and avoidance is usually advised unless urgently indicated.
- Relative precautions: severe liver dysfunction, possible Loa loa co-infection, immunocompromised status, and breastfeeding, which is not generally recommended immediately after dosing.
UK patients should also think about driving and day-to-day functioning, because dizziness and drowsiness can happen.
Breastfeeding advice needs individual review rather than a blanket answer, and a pharmacist or prescriber should tailor that discussion to the situation.
Dosage guidelines: standard regimens and special populations
Does the dose stay the same for everyone?
Not with ivermectin.
It is weight based, indication specific, and in children the body weight threshold matters a great deal.
| Condition | Adult dose | Duration | Key caveat |
|---|---|---|---|
| Onchocerciasis | 150 mcg/kg once orally | Repeat every 6 to 12 months as needed | Children under 15 kg are not approved for oral use |
| Strongyloidiasis | 200 mcg/kg once orally | Often one dose | Diagnosis should be confirmed first |
| Scabies or lice, off-label oral use | 200 mcg/kg | One to two doses, sometimes repeated after 7 to 14 days | Local guidance and follow-up may be needed |
Topical forms are used differently, with once-daily use for rosacea.
Take the tablet exactly as prescribed, do not double a missed dose, and seek help if vomiting happens soon after swallowing.
Elderly patients do not have a formal dose adjustment listed, but liver and kidney function should be considered carefully.
Interactions overview: medicines, food, alcohol, and practical counselling
Most patients ask the same question in plain English: can I take it with my other tablets, and can I still have a drink?
The main counselling point is to list all prescribed, over-the-counter, and herbal products before starting treatment.
| Interaction type | What to do |
|---|---|
| Medicines that may increase sedation | Use caution and report any extra drowsiness or dizziness |
| Liver-affecting medicines | Tell the prescriber so risks can be reviewed |
| Alcohol | The bigger concern is tolerability and dizziness rather than a classic food interaction |
| Tea and coffee | No special interaction is expected; stay alert to how you feel |
From a pharmacist’s point of view, the most important advice is practical: if you feel light-headed, sit down, drink water, and avoid driving until you know how you react.
Any serious adverse event should be reported through the MHRA Yellow Card scheme.
Comparable medicines and patient preferences
People often ask, “Is there a better option?”
The answer depends on the condition, age, weight, pregnancy status, and local guidance.
- Permethrin: commonly used for scabies and lice, often preferred in topical treatment pathways.
- Albendazole: used for some worm infections and may suit different parasitic diagnoses.
- Mebendazole: another alternative anthelmintic for certain worm infections.
Preference is not the same as suitability.
NHS prescribing usually follows the best evidence and the local formulary choice, so the “best” medicine is the one that matches the diagnosis and the patient in front of you.
Frequently asked questions
- Is Stromectol available on the NHS?
- It may be prescribed when clinically appropriate for a recognised parasitic infection, but access depends on diagnosis, local practice, and formulary choices.
- How long does ivermectin take to work?
- That depends on the condition being treated, the dose, and whether repeat treatment is needed.
- Can children take it?
- Oral ivermectin is not approved for children under 15 kg, so paediatric use needs proper clinical review.
Guidelines for proper use: pharmacist-style counselling and support
Taking ivermectin properly is usually straightforward, but the details matter.
- Take the dose exactly as prescribed and use the right tablet strength for your body weight and condition.
- Do not double up if a dose is missed; take it when remembered unless the next dose is nearly due.
- Speak to a pharmacist or GP if you feel dizzy, drowsy, develop a rash, or get stomach upset.
- Use NHS support portals after the prescription is issued if you need to check instructions or follow-up advice.
- Store tablets at 15 to 30°C, keep them dry, and do not freeze topical forms.
Side effects that often need discussion include dizziness, itch, rash, and gastrointestinal upset.
Delivery across the United Kingdom
| City | Region | Delivery time |
|---|---|---|
| London | England | 9–21 days |
| Birmingham | England | 9–21 days |
| Manchester | England | 9–21 days |
| Leeds | England | 9–21 days |
| Liverpool | England | 9–21 days |
| Sheffield | England | 9–21 days |
| Bristol | England | 9–21 days |
| Nottingham | England | 9–21 days |
| Newcastle upon Tyne | England | 9–21 days |
| Cardiff | Wales | 9–21 days |
| Edinburgh | Scotland | 9–21 days |
| Glasgow | Scotland | 9–21 days |
| Belfast | Northern Ireland | 9–21 days |
| Aberdeen | Scotland | 9–21 days |
| Exeter | England | 9–21 days |
