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Ivermectin topical

Generic name: ivermectin topical

Brand names: Rid One and Done, Sklice, Soolantra

Used for head lice rosacea
Last updated November 2, 2026 0 views
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What is ivermectin topical?

Ivermectin lotion is used to treat head lice in adults and children who are at least 6 months old.

Ivermectin cream is used to treat the inflamed skin spots caused by rosacea.

Ivermectin topical may also be used for reasons not mentioned in this medication guide.

This section was rewritten for readability and reviewed for meaning.

How should I use ivermectin topical?

Use exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor. Read all medication guides or instruction sheets.

Wash your hands before and after applying this medicine.

To use ivermectin cream:

  • Apply once a day, using a pea-sized amount for each affected facial area (forehead, chin, nose, and each cheek). Spread evenly in a thin layer.

To use ivermectin lotion:

  • Use only enough lotion, up to 1 tube, to completely cover dry hair and scalp. Cover the scalp first, then coat every hair from root to tip.
  • After fully covering your hair and scalp, leave the lotion on for 10 minutes using a timer or clock. Rinse completely with water only.
  • Wait 24 hours before using shampoo.
  • Use the lotion only once. Do not use it again on the same person for the same lice infestation without talking to a healthcare provider.
  • Throw away after one use, even if medicine remains.
  • Have another person check everyone in your household for lice or eggs. Recheck everyone for lice 1 week after treatment. Treat anyone affected as directed. Machine-wash bedding and clothing used by anyone with lice at 150°F, then dry them in a hot dryer for 20 minutes.

Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve, or if they get worse.

Do not cover treated skin with a bandage unless your doctor tells you to.

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Do not freeze ivermectin lotion.

This section was rewritten for readability and reviewed for meaning.

Warnings

Stop using ivermectin topical and call your doctor if you get a rash, eye irritation, or an infection on your skin or scalp, or if the irritation on your skin or scalp does not go away.

This section was rewritten for readability and reviewed for meaning.

Before taking this medicine

Tell your doctor if you have or have ever had:

  • any allergies; or
  • skin conditions or sensitivities.

It is not known if ivermectin topical will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.

Ask a doctor if it is safe to breastfeed while using ivermectin topical.

If you breastfeed, avoid getting this medicine on your breast to prevent contact with your baby.

Do not use ivermectin lotion on a child younger than 6 months old. An adult should supervise the use of the lotion in children 6 months to younger than 12 years. Do not use ivermectin topical on a child without medical advice.

This section was rewritten for readability and reviewed for meaning.

Ivermectin topical side effects

Get emergency medical help if you notice signs of an allergic reaction: hives, difficulty breathing, swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Ivermectin topical may cause serious side effects. Stop using ivermectin topical and call your doctor right away if you experience:

  • any skin rash, no matter how mild;
  • eye irritation;
  • skin or scalp irritation that does not go away;
  • a skin or scalp infection; or
  • trouble breathing.

Common side effects of ivermectin topical may include:

  • skin burning or skin irritation;
  • dandruff or dry skin; or
  • eye redness, soreness, or irritation.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

This section was rewritten for readability and reviewed for meaning.

Ivermectin topical dosing information

Usual Adult Dose for Acne Rosacea:

1% Cream: Apply topically to the affected area(s) of the face once a dayComments:-A pea-size amount should be used for each area of the face (forehead, chin, nose, each cheek) that is affected.-To be spread as a thin layer, avoiding the eyes and lips.Use: For the treatment of inflammatory lesions of rosacea

Usual Adult Dose for Lice:

0.5% Lotion: Apply topically to dry hair an amount sufficient (up to 1 tube) to thoroughly coat hair and scalp; leave on for 10 minutes, then rinse off with waterComments: It is recommended to wait 24 hours after use before applying shampoo to hair and scalp.Use: For the topical treatment of head lice infestations to be used in conjunction with an overall lice management program

Usual Pediatric Dose for Lice:

6 months or older:-Lotion (0.5%): Apply topically to dry hair an amount sufficient (up to 1 tube) to thoroughly coat hair and scalp; leave on for 10 minutes, then rinse off with waterComments: It is recommended to wait 24 hours after use before applying shampoo to hair and scalp.Use: For the topical treatment of head lice infestations to be used in conjunction with an overall lice management program

What happens if I miss a dose?

If you forget to use ivermectin cream, apply it as soon as you remember, but skip the missed dose if it is nearly time for your next dose. Do not apply two doses at the same time.

Ivermectin lotion is used as a single dose and does not have a daily schedule for use.

This section was rewritten for readability and reviewed for meaning.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical help or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222 if anyone accidentally swallows the medicine.

Do not get ivermectin topical in your eyes or mouth, on your lips, or inside your nose, ears, or vagina. If it gets in your eyes, gently rinse with water.

When using the lotion, keep your eyes tightly closed and cover them with a washcloth or towel. Do not use this medicine to treat head lice in your eyebrows or eyelashes; see a doctor instead.

This section was rewritten for readability and reviewed for meaning.

What other drugs will affect ivermectin topical?

Medicine applied to the skin is not likely to be influenced by other medications you take, but many medications can interact. Inform your doctor about all your current medicines, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

This section was rewritten for readability and reviewed for meaning.

Common questions about ivermectin

How long does it take for Soolantra to start working?
Most people start to see fewer bumps and pimples within 2 to 4 weeks of using Soolantra (ivermectin 1%) cream, but the full effect takes about 12 weeks. In two large FDA studies, Soolantra clearly beat a cream without medicine in it starting at week 4, and the number of bumps kept dropping through week 12. Results often keep getting better for up to a year of daily use. Continue reading
How often should I use Soolantra?
Soolantra (ivermectin 1%) cream is applied once a day, every day, to the affected areas of your face. Use about a pea-sized amount for each area you are treating, and spread it in a thin layer. Continue reading

Related medicines

Before you take this medicine: the information on this page is general and may not cover your personal circumstances. Read the label supplied with your medicine and ask a pharmacist or doctor if you are unsure, especially if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, taking other medicines or managing a long-term condition.
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Content is provided for education and is not medical advice. See our medical disclaimer.