Ivermectin Topical
Ivermectin lotion is used to treat head lice (small bugs that attach themselves to the skin) in adults and children 6 months of age and older. Ivermectin is in a class of medications called anthelmintics. It works by killing lice.
🔔 How should this medicine be used?
Ivermectin comes as a lotion to apply to the scalp and hair. It is usually applied to the scalp and hair in one treatment. Ivermectin is available without a prescription (over the counter). Follow the directions on the package and product insert carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Use ivermectin lotion exactly as directed. Do not use more or less of it or use it again unless told to do so by your doctor or pharmacist.
Ivermectin lotion should only be used on the hair and scalp. Do not apply to the eyelashes or eyebrows; contact your doctor if these areas are affected. Avoid getting ivermectin lotion in your eyes, nose, ear, mouth, or vagina.
If ivermectin lotion gets in your eyes, flush them with water right away.
To use the lotion, follow these steps:
- Children 12 years of age and younger will need an adult to help apply the lotion.
- Use the top of the cap to break the seal on the tube of lotion.
- Apply ivermectin lotion to dry hair and dry scalp area starting at the scalp and then working outwards towards the ends of your hair. Be sure to use enough lotion to cover the entire scalp area and hair, then rub thoroughly. Use up to one entire tube.
- Keep eyes tightly closed and protect eyes with a washcloth or towel.
- Leave the lotion on your hair and scalp for 10 minutes after you have completely covered your hair and scalp with ivermectin lotion.
- After 10 minutes have passed, rinse your hair and scalp only with water and dry and style your hair as usual. Wait 24 hours before applying shampoo.
- You and anyone who helped you apply the lotion should wash your hands carefully after the application and rinsing steps.
- Use a fine-tooth comb or lice comb to remove the dead lice and nits (empty egg shells) after this treatment.
- Discard any unused portion of the tube once you finish this treatment. Do not use ivermectin lotion again without talking to your doctor.
After using ivermectin lotion, sanitize all the clothing, underwear, pajamas, hats, sheets, pillowcases, and towels you have used recently. Machine wash clothing at high temperatures (150°F) and tumble in a hot dryer for 20 minutes. You should also wash combs, brushes, hairs clips and other personal care items in hot water.
Ask your pharmacist or doctor for a copy of the manufacturer’s information for the patient.
Americans see their primary care doctors less often than they did a decade ago. Adults under 65 made nearly 25% fewer visits to primary care providers in 2016 than they did in 2018, according to National Public Radio. In the same time period, the number of adults who went at least a year without visiting a primary care provider increased from 38% to 46%.
