Quick answer: The oral tablet form of ivermectin is FDA-approved to treat exactly two conditions: intestinal strongyloidiasis and onchocerciasis, both caused by parasitic worms. It is not approved for any other condition. A licensed provider determines, based on a patient's specific situation, whether treatment for one of these two conditions is appropriate.
The two FDA-approved indications
Per the FDA-approved Stromectol drug label, oral ivermectin is indicated for the treatment of two conditions (FDA-approved Stromectol drug label, accessdata.fda.gov):
Intestinal strongyloidiasis
Strongyloidiasis is an infection caused by the parasitic roundworm Strongyloides stercoralis, which can live in the human intestine, sometimes for years, without obvious symptoms. It is more common in tropical and subtropical regions and among people who have spent time in areas where the parasite is present. Oral ivermectin is FDA-approved to treat the intestinal form of this infection.
Onchocerciasis
Onchocerciasis, also called river blindness, is caused by the parasitic worm Onchocerca volvulus, transmitted through the bite of infected blackflies. It is found primarily in parts of Africa, and to a lesser extent in parts of Latin America and Yemen. Oral ivermectin is FDA-approved to treat this infection.
How a diagnosis and treatment decision is made
Diagnosing either condition generally involves a clinical evaluation and often laboratory testing, since symptoms of parasitic infection can overlap with other conditions or be minimal. A licensed provider reviews a patient's history, including travel and exposure history, before determining whether ivermectin treatment is appropriate. This page is educational only and is not a substitute for that evaluation; it cannot diagnose you or confirm you have either condition.
What ivermectin is not approved for
Because the FDA-approved indication is specific to these two conditions, any other use of oral ivermectin is off-label, meaning the FDA has not evaluated or approved the drug for that use. This page does not list or discuss specific off-label uses. If you have questions about a specific condition, a licensed provider is the right person to ask.
How access and prescribing works
Oral ivermectin is prescription-only under federal law in most states. A licensed provider decides whether treatment for strongyloidiasis or onchocerciasis is appropriate for a specific patient. For more on how the prescribing and access process works, see How to Get Ivermectin and Get an Ivermectin Prescription Online. For side-effect information related to treatment for these two conditions, see Ivermectin Side Effects: What to Know Before Treatment.
Compounded versus brand-name product
Ivermectin prescribed for either approved indication can be dispensed as the FDA-approved brand-name product or as a compounded tablet prepared by a licensed compounding pharmacy. See What Is Compounded Ivermectin? for the difference.
The 50 Stars Health path
50 Stars Health's telehealth intake collects the health information a licensed provider needs to evaluate whether ivermectin treatment for one of its two approved indications is appropriate for you. Start an intake at 50 Stars Health ivermectin to see whether your state is eligible.
Bottom line
- Oral ivermectin has exactly two FDA-approved uses: intestinal strongyloidiasis and onchocerciasis.
- Both are parasitic worm infections, diagnosed and confirmed through clinical evaluation.
- Any use outside these two conditions is off-label.
- A licensed provider, not self-diagnosis, determines whether treatment is appropriate.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is ivermectin used for?
Oral ivermectin's FDA-approved uses are the treatment of intestinal strongyloidiasis and onchocerciasis, both caused by parasitic worms.
What is strongyloidiasis?
Strongyloidiasis is an infection caused by the parasitic roundworm Strongyloides stercoralis, which can live in the human intestine. Oral ivermectin is FDA-approved to treat the intestinal form of this infection.
What is onchocerciasis?
Onchocerciasis, also known as river blindness, is an infection caused by the parasitic worm Onchocerca volvulus, transmitted by blackflies. Oral ivermectin is FDA-approved to treat this infection.
Does ivermectin kill parasites immediately?
This page does not make timing or efficacy claims outside what a licensed provider communicates for an individual patient's treatment plan. A provider is the right source for questions about how treatment for a diagnosed infection is expected to proceed.
How do I know if I need ivermectin treatment?
Only a licensed provider can determine that, based on a clinical evaluation of your health history and, often, laboratory testing. This page is educational only and cannot diagnose a parasitic infection.
This page is for general educational purposes only and is not medical advice, nor a substitute for consultation with a licensed healthcare provider. Ivermectin is a prescription medication approved by the FDA to treat certain parasitic infections. It is not approved to prevent or treat viral infections or cancer. Only a licensed provider can determine whether a treatment is appropriate for you, and prescriptions are issued at the provider's discretion following a clinical evaluation. Compounded medications are not FDA-approved and are not reviewed by the FDA for safety, effectiveness, or manufacturing quality. If you believe you may have a parasitic infection, speak with a healthcare provider. Do not self-treat. In an emergency, call 911.
