Key Facts
- Drug Class
- Antiparasitic agent
- Prescription
- Over the counter
- NAFDAC Status
- NAFDAC Registered
- Forms
- Tablet
- Price Range
- ₦500 - ₦3,500
- WHO Essential
- Yes
What is Ivermectin?
Ivermectin is an antiparasitic medicine with a long and important history in Nigeria. Best known here by the brand Mectizan, it is the backbone of the national programme against river blindness (onchocerciasis) — a disease spread by blackfly bites that, untreated, causes intense itching, skin damage, and blindness. For decades ivermectin has been distributed free in community mass-treatment campaigns across affected Nigerian communities, and it has transformed the outlook for millions of people.
Ivermectin works by paralysing and killing certain parasites — particularly the microscopic larvae (microfilariae) of the worms behind river blindness and lymphatic filariasis — as well as the mites that cause scabies and some intestinal worms. For river blindness it is usually given as a single dose once or twice a year, because it clears the larvae that cause symptoms and reduces transmission, even though it does not kill the adult worms outright.
In recent years ivermectin became widely talked about for a very different reason: claims that it treats or prevents COVID-19. It is important to be clear — large, well-conducted studies have not shown ivermectin to be an effective treatment for COVID-19, and health authorities including the WHO do not recommend it for that purpose. Taking large or repeated 'anti-COVID' doses, or using animal (veterinary) ivermectin meant for livestock, is dangerous. Used properly for its genuine parasitic indications, ivermectin is a safe, valuable medicine; used on the basis of internet claims, it can cause harm.
What is Ivermectin used for?
In Nigeria, Ivermectin is commonly used for:
- River blindness (onchocerciasis) — the main use in Nigeria, often via mass campaigns
- Lymphatic filariasis (elephantiasis) control, usually combined with other medicines
- Scabies (including difficult or widespread cases)
- Certain intestinal worm infections such as strongyloidiasis
- Head lice in some settings
Dosage
IMPORTANT
Always follow your doctor's or pharmacist's instructions. The information below is for general reference only.
Adults
Ivermectin is dosed by body weight (commonly around 150-200 micrograms per kg). For river blindness it is typically a single dose once or twice a year, taken with water — often on an empty stomach for worm infections, though taking it with food increases absorption for some uses. For scabies, a dose is usually repeated after 1-2 weeks. Follow the specific programme or prescriber's instructions; the community-distributed Mectizan is given using a simple height/weight guide by trained distributors.
Children
Given by weight to children above a minimum size (usually those weighing at least 15kg or above a certain height), in the same programmes; not given to very small children except on specialist advice.
Elderly
Standard weight-based dosing.
Take the correct weight-based dose — more is not better and high doses are dangerous. Never use veterinary (animal) ivermectin, which is far more concentrated and can cause serious poisoning. Do not take ivermectin to 'treat or prevent COVID-19' — it does not work for that. In areas where a related worm (Loa loa) is present, a doctor should assess before treatment because of a rare risk of serious reactions.
Side Effects
Common side effects
- •Itching, rash, or hives (often from the body's reaction to dying parasites rather than the drug itself)
- •Swollen or tender lymph glands
- •Mild fever, headache, or muscle aches
- •Dizziness
- •Temporary eye irritation or swelling in river blindness treatment
Serious side effects — seek medical help immediately
- Severe allergic-type reactions, more likely when there is a heavy parasite load
- In areas with the Loa loa worm, a rare but serious brain reaction (encephalopathy) — which is why screening matters there
- Signs of overdose (from wrong or veterinary dosing): confusion, severe drowsiness, unsteadiness, vomiting, low blood pressure, seizures
- Severe skin reactions
When to see a doctor
Seek care for a severe reaction after a dose (marked swelling, difficulty breathing, high fever), for confusion or drowsiness that could signal overdose, or if you have taken a large or veterinary dose. If you live where Loa loa occurs, or have had heavy worm infections, get medical advice before treatment rather than self-dosing.
Warnings & Precautions
Do not take Ivermectin if you have:
- Do not use veterinary (animal) ivermectin in humans — it is far too concentrated and can cause serious poisoning
- Do not take large or repeated 'anti-COVID' doses — ivermectin is not an effective COVID-19 treatment
- Caution in areas with the Loa loa worm — a doctor should assess first
- Use in young children (under the minimum weight/height) only on specialist advice
- Avoid in pregnancy unless clearly needed and advised by a doctor
Drug interactions
- •Warfarin — ivermectin may increase its blood-thinning effect; monitoring may be needed
- •Sedatives and alcohol may add to dizziness or drowsiness
- •Ivermectin has relatively few interactions with everyday medicines at correct doses
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
Ivermectin is generally avoided in pregnancy unless the benefit clearly outweighs the risk, and mass-treatment programmes exclude pregnant women. Small amounts pass into breast milk; it is usually considered acceptable while breastfeeding when needed, but check with a health worker. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding and think you need treatment, seek medical advice rather than self-dosing.
Brands of Ivermectin in Nigeria
The NAFDAC registry holds 4 Ivermectin products from 2 manufacturers, including combination products and older listings whose status you can check in the full list. Below are some of the most common brands — see the full, searchable list for all of them.
| Brand Name | Manufacturer | Strength | Form |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mectizan | Merck (MSD) | 3mg | Tablet |
| Ivermectin | Various generic manufacturers | 6mg, 12mg | Tablet |
How to Verify Your Ivermectin is Genuine
- 1For genuine human ivermectin, buy from a licensed pharmacy or receive it through the official community programme (Mectizan)
- 2Check the NAFDAC registration number on the pack and verify it on the NAFDAC Green Book or app
- 3Never buy or use veterinary ivermectin sold for animals — it is not safe for people
- 4Check the expiry date and that the packaging is sealed and untampered
- 5Be extremely wary of ivermectin marketed online as a COVID-19 cure or prevention — this is misinformation, and such products may be fake or wrongly dosed
- 6Confirm the strength on the pack and take only the correct weight-based dose
Ivermectin Price in Nigeria
Ivermectin prices in Nigeria typically range from ₦500 to ₦3,500 per pack, depending on the brand, strength, and where you buy it.
₦500 – ₦3,500
per pack
Prices vary by location and vendor. Last updated: 2026-07-18
Where to Buy
Purchase Ivermectin only from licensed pharmacies and verified distributors. Avoid buying medicines from unverified sources, roadside vendors, or unregistered market stalls.
Before you buy, verify the product's NAFDAC registration and check the current online prices above so you know a fair price before you pay.
Buying Ivermectin in bulk or for resale? Our guide on how to buy medicines in bulk in Nigeria safely covers verifying a supplier and spotting fakes before a large order.
Need Ivermectin in bulk, or can't find it near you?
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Related Resources for Ivermectin
Guides, articles, and tools related to Ivermectin and other antiparasitics medicines in Nigeria.
Frequently Asked Questions
Sources
- •NAFDAC Greenbook — the official database of all products registered with Nigeria's National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control. Brand-level NAFDAC numbers for Ivermectin on this page were cross-referenced against the Greenbook.
- •WHO Model List of Essential Medicines — Ivermectin is included in the WHO's list of essential medicines, meaning it is considered essential for basic healthcare needs.
- •British National Formulary (BNF) dosing and interaction guidance for Ivermectin.
- •Nigerian Standard Treatment Guidelines (Federal Ministry of Health).