Question 1

What is Ivermectin used for?

Accepted Answer

Ivermectin is indicated for: bots, Cheyletiella (fur mites), demodicosis, Ear mites, Ear mites (alternative to selamectin), Ear mites (Psoroptes cuniculi), Ectoparasites, Ectoparasites (alternative to injection), Ectoparasites (mites), external parasites, feather mites, fur mites, Gastrointestinal nematodes, generalized demodicosis, Generalized demodicosis (high dose), GI nematodes, GI nematodes (Haemonchus, Ostertagia, Trichostrongylus), GI strongyles, Heartworm prevention, Internal and external parasites, Knemidocoptes mites (scaly face/leg), lice, lungworms, mange, Mange mites (Trixacarus caviae), mites, Mites (alternate), Nematodes, pinworms, Sarcoptic mange, sarcoptic mites, scabies.

Question 2

What routes can Ivermectin be administered by?

Accepted Answer

Available routes: PO, SC, TOPICAL.

Question 3

Which species have cited Ivermectin dosing data?

Accepted Answer

Ivermectin dosing in the ExoticRx formulary covers 18 species: African Grey Parrot, African Pygmy Hedgehog, Ball Python, Bearded Dragon, Cat (Domestic), Cattle (Beef/Dairy), Chicken (Poultry), Chinchilla, Dog (Domestic), Ferret, Goat (Caprine), Guinea Pig, Horse (Equine), Pet Rat, Rabbit (Domestic), Sheep (Ovine), Swine (Pig), Turkey.

Question 4

Is Ivermectin a controlled substance?

Accepted Answer

Ivermectin is not federally scheduled as a controlled substance, but is veterinary prescription only in most jurisdictions.

Question 5

What are the warnings or contraindications for Ivermectin?

Accepted Answer

TOXIC to MDR1-mutant dogs (Collies, Shelties, Aussies) at elevated doses. DO NOT use in chelonians (turtles/tortoises). Narrow safety margin in some species. Test MDR1 status before use in herding breeds.

Question 6

What are the side effects of Ivermectin?

Accepted Answer

TOXIC to MDR1-mutant dogs (Collies, Shelties, Aussies) at elevated doses. DO NOT use in chelonians (turtles/tortoises). Narrow safety margin in some species. Test MDR1 status before use in herding breeds.

Question 7

How does Ivermectin work?

Accepted Answer

Potentiates glutamate-gated chloride channels in invertebrate nerve and muscle cells, causing paralysis and death of parasites.

Species	Route	Dose	Frequency	Evidence	Source
Dog (Domestic)	PO	0.3–0.6 mg/kg	q24h	Strong	Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 9th Ed
Dog (Domestic)	PO	0.006–0.012 mg/kg	q30d	Strong	Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 9th Ed

Ivermectin

Drug Class

Routes

Indications

Mechanism of Action

Side effects & warnings

Species with Ivermectin dosing data (51 dose rules)

Evidence levels across 51 dose rules

Backed by 8 published primary sources

Sample dosing (2 of 51 cited rules)

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