Ivermectin Uses

Ivermectin is a common anti-parasite medication that is used to battle a variety of parasites in small to large animals. Ivermectin can be taken in chewable pill or injectable form, and is primarily known to help prevent and treat various parasites such as heartworm, ear mites, and most intestinal parasites. It is ineffective when used against tapeworms, ticks, and flies, and cannot kill adult heartworms although it may reduce their length of life.

  1. Larval Heartworm

    • One common use of Ivermectin is in the treatment of larval heartworm. Ivermectin cannot kill adult heartworm, but it can kill heartworm that is in the larval stage while it circulates in the blood. Ideally, ivermectin can be used as a preventative measure against heartworm and should be given to animals regularly. Most commonly ivermectin is given to dogs, cats, and horses in treatment of or preventative measures against heartworm and other parasites.

    Mites, Lice, and Other Skin Parasites

    • Ivermectin is also used to prevent and treat parasites that attack animals externally, such as sarcoptic mange, mites, lice, and others. Some symptoms of these parasites are easier to identify than others, such as visible lice in an animal's hair. If a dog or cat frequently scratches his ears, mites may be present. Ivermectin can be purchased in chewable form, making it easy for smaller animals to consume, and it should clear up any external parasite problems within a few days.

    Intestinal Parasites

    • Ivermectin is often used to treat intestinal parasites that develop in horses and other large animals. Ivermectin will effectively treat nearly all intestinal parasites, with the exception of tapeworms. Symptoms of an animal with an intestinal parasite can include swift loss of weight, diarrhea, vomiting, and dehydration. In smaller animals, it is especially important to regularly treat against intestinal parasites before animals begin to show symptoms, as humans are susceptible to these parasites and can obtain them by interacting with pets with intestinal parasites.