Class Name(s):

• 84:04.12 Scabicides and Pediculicides

Pronunciation:

• (eye ver mek' tin)

Brand Name(s):

• Sklice^®

WHY is this medicine prescribed?

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:

1. Children 12 years of age and younger will need an adult to help apply the lotion.
2. Use the top of the cap to break the seal on the tube of lotion.
3. 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.
4. Keep eyes tightly closed and protect eyes with a washcloth or towel.
5. Leave the lotion on your hair and scalp for 10 minutes after you have completely covered your hair and scalp with ivermectin lotion.
6. 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.
7. You and anyone who helped you apply the lotion should wash your hands carefully after the application and rinsing steps.
8. Use a fine-tooth comb or lice comb to remove the dead lice and nits (empty egg shells) after this treatment.
9. 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.

Are there OTHER USES for this medication?

This medication may be prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

What SPECIAL PRECAUTIONS should I follow?

Before using ivermectin lotion,

• tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to ivermectin, any other medications, or any of the ingredients in ivermectin lotion. Check the package label for a list of the ingredients.
• tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking or plan to take.
• tell your doctor if you have or have ever had any skin conditions or sensitivities or any other medical conditions.
• tell your doctor if you are or possibly could be pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. Avoid getting the lotion on your breasts if you are breast-feeding.

What SPECIAL DIETARY instructions should I follow?

Unless your doctor tells you otherwise, continue your normal diet.

What SIDE EFFECTS can this medicine cause?

Ivermectin lotion may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:

• red, swollen, itchy, irritated, or teary eyes
• dandruff
• dry skin
• burning feeling on the skin
• rash

Ivermectin lotion may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while using this medication.

If you experience a serious side effect, you or your doctor may send a report to the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program online (http://www.fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch) or by phone (1-800-332-1088).

What should I do in case of OVERDOSE?

If someone swallows ivermectin lotion, call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. If the victim has collapsed or is not breathing, call local emergency services at 911.

Symptoms of overdose may include the following:

• rash
• swollen skin
• hives
• difficulty breathing
• headache
• dizziness
• weakness
• nausea
• vomiting
• diarrhea
• stomach pain
• seizure
• problems with coordination
• swelling of the hands, feet, ankles, or lower legs
• pain, burning, or tingling in the hands or feet

What should I know about STORAGE and DISPOSAL of this medication?

Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). Do not freeze ivermectin lotion.

Keep all medication out of sight and reach of children as many containers are not child-resistant. Always lock safety caps. Place the medication in a safe location - one that is up and away and out of their sight and reach. http://www.upandaway.org

Dispose of unneeded medications in a way so that pets, children, and other people cannot take them. Do not flush this medication down the toilet. Use a medicine take-back program. Talk to your pharmacist about take-back programs in your community. Visit the FDA's Safe Disposal of Medicines website http://goo.gl/c4Rm4p for more information.

What OTHER INFORMATION should I know?

Lice are generally spread by close head-to-head contact or from items which come in contact with your head. Do not share combs, brushes, towels, pillows, hats, scarves, hair accessories, or helmets. Be sure to check everyone in your immediate family for head lice if another family member is being treated for lice.

Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about ivermectin.

Keep a written list of all of the prescription and nonprescription (over-the-counter) medicines, vitamins, minerals, and dietary supplements you are taking. Bring this list with you each time you visit a doctor or if you are admitted to the hospital. You should carry the list with you in case of emergencies.

This report on medications is for your information only, and is not considered individual patient advice. Because of the changing nature of drug information, please consult your physician or pharmacist about specific clinical use.

The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc. represents that the information provided hereunder was formulated with a reasonable standard of care, and in conformity with professional standards in the field. The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc. makes no representations or warranties, express or implied, including, but not limited to, any implied warranty of merchantability and/or fitness for a particular purpose, with respect to such information and specifically disclaims all such warranties. Users are advised that decisions regarding drug therapy are complex medical decisions requiring the independent, informed decision of an appropriate health care professional, and the information is provided for informational purposes only. The entire monograph for a drug should be reviewed for a thorough understanding of the drug's actions, uses and side effects. The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc. does not endorse or recommend the use of any drug. The information is not a substitute for medical care.

AHFS^® Patient Medication Information™ Copyright, 2025. The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists^®, 4500 East-West Highway, Suite 900, Bethesda, Maryland. All Rights Reserved. Duplication for commercial use must be authorized by ASHP.

Selected Revisions: December 15, 2020.