✓ Medically reviewed by · Last reviewed: May 2026
Pharmacy Researcher · 8 years experience
Pharmacy researcher with 8 years reviewing clinical drug information, generic formulation equivalence, and international pharmaceutical standards. Focuses on patient-facing accuracy in medication education.
- Ivermectin 12mg is the most convenient strength for adults — one tablet covers a full 200 µg/kg dose for most people (60–70 kg).
- Established human uses: scabies, strongyloidiasis (threadworm), head lice, onchocerciasis, lymphatic filariasis.
- Over 4 billion doses administered globally since 1987 — one of the most-studied antiparasitic drugs in history.
- Always use pharmaceutical-grade human formulations, not veterinary products (horse paste, pet drops) — dosing and excipients are not designed for human use.
- Multiple WHO-GMP certified brands available at MedsBase: Vermact, Ivecop, Iverheal, Ivermectol, Neomec. No prescription required to order.
- Take on an empty stomach with water. For scabies: two doses 8–14 days apart. For strongyloidiasis: single dose (repeat after 2 weeks if immunocompromised).
Quick Answer
Ivermectin 12mg tablets for humans are available to order online from MedsBase. Used for scabies, strongyloidiasis, head lice, and threadworms. Sourced from WHO-GMP certified manufacturers. Discreet packaging and worldwide shipping. No prescription required to order.
What Is Ivermectin Used For?
Ivermectin is a broad-spectrum antiparasitic drug used to treat parasitic infections in humans. It was developed in the 1970s and introduced for human use in 1987, earning its discoverers the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 2015. It remains on the WHO List of Essential Medicines.
Ivermectin was discovered in 1975 by researchers Satoshi Ōmura and William Campbell. In 2015, they shared the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine for this work. Since 1987, Merck has donated over 4 billion doses through the Mectizan Donation Program to eliminate river blindness and lymphatic filariasis in endemic regions. The WHO regards it as one of the most impactful pharmaceutical contributions to global public health in the 20th century.
Established clinical indications for human use:
- Strongyloidiasis — intestinal infection with Strongyloides stercoralis (threadworm). Ivermectin is the first-line treatment. A single weight-based dose (200 µg/kg) is typically curative.
- Scabies — infestation by Sarcoptes scabiei mites. Oral ivermectin is used alongside or instead of topical permethrin, especially for crusted (Norwegian) scabies or outbreak control.
- Head lice (pediculosis capitis) — particularly for permethrin-resistant lice. Oral ivermectin eliminates lice that topical treatments miss.
- Onchocerciasis (river blindness) — Onchocerca volvulus infection, primarily in tropical regions. Mass drug administration programmes use ivermectin for this indication.
- Lymphatic filariasis — used in combination with albendazole or diethylcarbamazine in endemic regions.
Ivermectin 12mg: Standard Human Dosage Guide
The most commonly used dose for adults is 200 µg/kg body weight — which translates to:
| Body Weight | Dose (200 µg/kg) | 12mg Tablets |
|---|---|---|
| 36–50 kg | 6–9 mg | ½ tablet |
| 51–65 kg | 9–12 mg | 1 tablet |
| 66–79 kg | 12–15 mg | 1–1¼ tablets |
| 80–100 kg | 15–18 mg | 1½ tablets |
Administration: Take on an empty stomach with a full glass of water. Food (particularly high-fat meals) significantly increases absorption — if a higher systemic effect is needed clinically, some protocols specify with food, but standard guidance is fasted.
Frequency:
- Strongyloidiasis: single dose (repeat after 2 weeks if immunocompromised).
- Scabies: two doses, 8–14 days apart to eliminate the next generation of mites.
- Head lice: two doses, 7–10 days apart.
- Onchocerciasis: single annual dose under medical supervision.
Available products at MedsBase: Vermact (Mankind Pharma), Ivecop (Menarini), Iverheal (Healing Pharma), Ivermectol (Sun Pharma), Neomec. All WHO-GMP certified.
Ivermectin 12mg Tablets for Sale: Brand Comparison
MedsBase stocks five pharmaceutical-grade ivermectin brands, all manufactured by WHO-GMP certified facilities. The active ingredient is identical across all brands — the choice comes down to manufacturer preference, available strengths, and price per tablet.
| Brand | Manufacturer | Strengths Available | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vermact | Mankind Pharma | 3mg, 6mg, 12mg | Most widely recognised; Mankind is India’s largest pharma company |
| Ivecop | Menarini | 3mg, 6mg, 12mg | Menarini quality assurance; includes Ivecop DT dispersible for paediatric use |
| Iverheal | Healing Pharma | 3mg, 6mg, 12mg | Competitively priced; widely used for high-volume or household-contact treatment |
| Ivermectol | Sun Pharma | 6mg, 12mg | Sun Pharma is one of the world’s top-5 generics manufacturers |
| Neomec | Intas Pharma | 6mg, 12mg | Long-established brand name in ivermectin; good availability |
Which brand should I choose? For most buyers, Vermact or Ivecop at 12mg are the most popular. If you need the dispersible tablet (for children or those who cannot swallow tablets), choose Ivecop DT. For scabies outbreak treatment across multiple household members, Iverheal offers the most competitive per-tablet pricing.
Does Ivermectin Kill Roundworms?
Ivermectin is effective against several roundworm (nematode) species, but its efficacy varies by species:
- Strongyloides stercoralis (threadworm) — highly effective, first-line treatment.
- Ascaris lumbricoides (roundworm) — ivermectin has some activity but albendazole or mebendazole are preferred for this species.
- Enterobius vermicularis (pinworm) — ivermectin is effective but mebendazole or albendazole are the usual first choice.
- Trichuris trichiura (whipworm) — ivermectin has limited efficacy; albendazole is preferred.
Ivermectin’s mechanism: it binds to glutamate-gated chloride channels (GluCl channels) present in invertebrate muscle and nerve cells. This causes hyperpolarization, paralysis, and death of the parasite. These channels do not exist in mammals, explaining the drug’s favourable safety profile in humans.
For a broad roundworm/parasite coverage, combination with albendazole is often used. See the threadworm treatment category for the full antiparasitic range.
Ivermectin 12mg vs 6mg: Which Strength to Choose?
Both strengths use the same weight-based dosing (200 µg/kg). The 12mg tablet simply means fewer tablets per dose for average adults:
- 12mg: More convenient for adults 60kg+ — one tablet covers a full dose for most people.
- 6mg: Useful for dose precision with lighter adults, children (under medical guidance), or when splitting a dose.
- 3mg (dispersible, e.g. Ivecop DT): Water-dispersible format for paediatric or difficult-swallow use.
Ivermectin for Scabies: Step-by-Step Treatment Protocol
Scabies is one of the most common reasons people seek ivermectin tablets for humans online. The oral route is preferred over topical permethrin in outbreak settings, for crusted (Norwegian) scabies, and when household contacts need simultaneous treatment. Here is the standard evidence-based protocol:
- Calculate your dose. Standard dose is 200 µg/kg body weight, taken as a single oral dose. At 12mg tablets: one tablet covers a 60–79 kg adult; lighter or heavier adults adjust accordingly (see dosage table above).
- Take on an empty stomach 1–2 hours before food. Fasted administration gives more predictable absorption for the antiparasitic effect.
- Treat all household members simultaneously on Day 1, regardless of whether they have symptoms. Scabies mites spread through skin-to-skin contact; treating only the index case causes rapid reinfection.
- Second dose at Day 8–14. Ivermectin kills active mites but not freshly laid eggs. The second dose eliminates the next generation that hatch from eggs not affected by the first dose.
- Wash all bedding, clothing and towels at 60°C on Day 1. Items that cannot be washed should be sealed in a bag for 72 hours (mites cannot survive off the host for more than 2–3 days).
- Expect itching to continue for 2–4 weeks after successful treatment. Post-scabies itch is an immune reaction to dead mite proteins in the skin — it does not mean the treatment failed. Antihistamines or mild topical corticosteroids help manage this symptom.
For crusted (Norwegian) scabies — a more severe form common in immunocompromised patients — higher doses and additional doses (Day 1, 2, 8, 9, 15) combined with topical permethrin are typically needed under medical supervision.
How to Order Ivermectin from MedsBase
- Choose your product and strength. Browse the threadworm treatment category or go directly: Vermact 12mg, Ivecop 6mg / 12mg, Iverheal 3mg / 6mg / 12mg, Neomec 12mg. All products sourced from WHO-GMP certified manufacturers.
- Check out securely. Card (Privacy Shield) or crypto (Plisio). Billing statement shows the payment processor name — never a pharmacy or medication name.
- Discreet worldwide shipping. Plain, unmarked packaging. Covered by Reshipment Assurance — reship within 20 business days of dispatch if not delivered.
Where to Buy Ivermectin for Humans Online
Ivermectin for humans is available in several ways, but not all sources are equal:
- Local pharmacies (US, UK, EU): In many countries, ivermectin for human use requires a prescription. Doctors typically prescribe it for confirmed scabies or strongyloidiasis. Over-the-counter availability varies significantly by country.
- International online pharmacies: Ivermectin is available without prescription in many markets (India, Southeast Asia, parts of Africa and Latin America). Licensed international online pharmacies can supply pharmaceutical-grade ivermectin tablets globally. MedsBase is one such supplier, stocking five WHO-GMP certified brands.
- Avoid veterinary sources: Horse paste, cattle pour-on, and pet formulations are not appropriate for human use. Concentration, excipients, and dosing conventions differ — use pharmaceutical human tablets only.
When ordering ivermectin for humans online, check that the supplier:
- Stocks branded pharmaceutical products (not loose powder)
- Names the manufacturer (Mankind, Sun Pharma, Menarini, Healing Pharma, etc.)
- Ships in original sealed blister packs
- Provides a reshipment or quality guarantee
MedsBase meets all of these criteria. Browse the full range at the threadworm treatment category. For combination antiparasitic regimens, the Ivermectin & Fenbendazole Combo Pack is a popular choice. See also our guide on fenbendazole for a related antiparasitic compound.
🛒 What you get with MedsBase:
🔒 Discreet billing — statement shows payment processor name, never a medication name
📦 Discreet packaging — plain envelope, no product names on exterior
🌎 Worldwide Shipping — 100+ countries
🛡 Reshipment Assurance — reship if not delivered within 20 business days
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I buy ivermectin for humans online?
Yes — MedsBase supplies ivermectin tablets for human use in 3mg, 6mg, and 12mg strengths, sourced from WHO-GMP certified manufacturers including Mankind Pharma, Menarini, Healing Pharma, and Sun Pharma. No local prescription is required to order.
Is ivermectin for humans different from animal ivermectin?
Human ivermectin tablets are pharmaceutical-grade, manufactured under GMP conditions with precise dose uniformity. Veterinary ivermectin products (horse paste, pet drops) are formulated for different body weights and routes of administration, and should not be used by humans — dosing is unreliable and excipients are not tested for human safety.
What is the difference between ivermectin 12mg and 6mg tablets?
Both contain the same active molecule — the difference is concentration per tablet. For a 70kg adult requiring 14mg (200 µg/kg), one 12mg tablet + a small portion of a second covers the dose. At 6mg per tablet, the same adult would take two tablets. Most adults find 12mg more convenient. Both formulations are available at MedsBase.
How long does ivermectin take to work?
Parasite death typically occurs within 24–48 hours of a dose. However, symptom relief timelines differ: scabies itch (an immune reaction to dead mite proteins) can persist for 2–4 weeks after successful treatment — this does not mean the treatment failed. A second dose at 8–14 days covers newly-hatched mites. Strongyloidiasis: stool clearance is typically confirmed at 2–4 weeks post-treatment.
Can ivermectin be used for scabies?
Yes — oral ivermectin is an established treatment for scabies, particularly where topical permethrin fails (due to resistance) or in outbreak settings. Standard protocol: two doses 8–14 days apart (200 µg/kg each). All household and close contacts should be treated simultaneously regardless of symptoms.
Is ivermectin safe?
Ivermectin has been administered over 4 billion times in global public health programmes with a well-established safety record. Common side effects (Mazzotti reaction in onchocerciasis patients): fever, rash, muscle ache — these are immune responses to dying parasites, not drug toxicity. Serious adverse events are rare. Do not use in patients with confirmed or suspected Loa loa infection without specialist guidance (risk of encephalopathy).
What antiparasitic should I use for pinworms vs threadworms vs scabies?
Pinworms (Enterobius): mebendazole or albendazole are first-line; ivermectin is an alternative. Strongyloides (threadworm): ivermectin is first-line. Scabies: topical permethrin (first-line) or oral ivermectin (second-line or outbreak control). See the full comparison in our Best Antiparasitic Medications (2026) guide.
Where can I buy ivermectin for humans (not for animals)?
Pharmaceutical-grade human ivermectin tablets are available at MedsBase without a prescription: Vermact (Mankind Pharma), Ivecop (Menarini), Iverheal (Healing Pharma), Ivermectol (Sun Pharma), and Neomec (Intas). All are manufactured under WHO-GMP conditions, sourced from the same facilities that supply public health programmes globally. Do not use animal ivermectin products — they are not formulated for human dosing.
Can I order ivermectin 12mg tablets without a prescription?
Yes — MedsBase supplies ivermectin 12mg tablets for humans without requiring a local prescription. The minimum order is typically one strip (10 tablets). All products ship in original sealed blister packs from WHO-GMP certified manufacturers. Billing and packaging are fully discreet.
What parasites does ivermectin kill in humans?
Ivermectin is effective against a range of human parasites: Strongyloides stercoralis (threadworm/strongyloidiasis — first-line treatment), Sarcoptes scabiei (scabies), head lice (Pediculus humanus capitis — particularly permethrin-resistant strains), Onchocerca volvulus (river blindness), and Wuchereria bancrofti / Brugia malayi (lymphatic filariasis, used in mass drug administration with albendazole). It has some activity against Ascaris and Enterobius but albendazole or mebendazole are preferred for those species. It does not treat tapeworms (which require praziquantel).
🛡 Every MedsBase order is covered by our Reshipment Assurance Policy — if your order doesn’t arrive within 20 business days of dispatch via EMS or ITPS, we reship at no charge.
Written by
Sophie ChenPharmaceutical Content Researcher · 8 years experience
Sophie Chen is a pharmaceutical content researcher with 8 years covering generic medication access and clinical pharmacology. She specialises in international regulatory frameworks, bioequivalence standards, and patient-facing education on therapeutic drug classes. She is not a clinician.