What is the standard Ivermectin dosage for parasite treatment in humans?

1. Typical outpatient dose: weight-based single dose

Most mainstream clinical references state that ivermectin for many human parasitic infections is prescribed as a single, weight-based oral dose — commonly about 150 to 200 mcg/kg (0.15–0.2 mg/kg) — with some dose tables and product labeling using 200 mcg/kg for strongyloidiasis and onchocerciasis ^{[1] [3] [4]}. Patient weight determines the tablet count (3 mg tablets are commonly used), and clinicians convert body weight in kg into the microgram/kg regimen to calculate total mg ^{[7] [1]}.

2. Variability by infection and regimen: single vs repeated dosing

Dosage and frequency differ by parasite and program. For example, treatment for intestinal strongyloidiasis is often a single dose intended to deliver ~200 mcg/kg, whereas scabies or persistent ectoparasite problems may require repeated doses or combined topical treatments; mass drug administration (MDA) programs for filariasis have used different dosing schedules (including annual regimens and higher single doses) in research or public-health campaigns ^{[3] [2] [5] [6]}.

3. Wider ranges and alternative figures reported in secondary sources

Some consumer-facing or clinical-summary outlets note a typical single-dose range extending from 150 to 250 mcg/kg (0.15–0.25 mg/kg) for common parasitic indications, and older trials or reviews report doses as low as 50 mcg/kg or higher regimens used experimentally; these reflect historical trials, different parasites, and dose-finding research rather than a single universal standard ^{[2] [8] [6]}.

4. Labeling, approvals, and accepted indications

Regulatory labeling (e.g., product Stromectol ivermectin tablets) provides specific recommended dosing for approved indications: the Stromectol label describes a single oral dose designed to provide approximately 200 mcg/kg for strongyloidiasis and documents use in onchocerciasis while noting follow-up and retreatment needs because the drug does not kill adult Onchocerca parasites ^{[3] [4]}. Drugs.com and other compendia reiterate approvals for strongyloidiasis and onchocerciasis while documenting many off‑label human and veterinary uses ^{[9] [10]}.

5. Safety signals, limits and concerns about higher dosing

Higher or repeated dosing increases the risk of adverse events, and product information warns about rare but serious neurotoxicity and other side effects — animal lethality thresholds and human reports underpin the need for medical supervision and weight-based dosing ^{[3] [11]}. Reviews and meta-analyses emphasize efficacy but also note ocular adverse events and other safety considerations at increased dosages ^{[12] [8]}.

6. Research and public-health contexts use different regimens

Large-scale distribution programs and dose-finding trials for novel uses (e.g., malaria transmission reduction) have tested higher or multi-day regimens (including trials comparing 150 versus 200 mcg/kg and mass-treatment strategies); such regimens are protocol-driven and should not be conflated with routine individual prescribing without clinical oversight ^{[6] [5]}.

7. Practical takeaway and caveats for readers

If you are asking because of a possible parasitic infection, the standard clinical approach is weight-based dosing (typically ~150–200 mcg/kg, single dose) prescribed and supervised by a clinician who will consider the parasite type, need for repeat dosing, and patient-specific safety factors ^{[1] [3] [4]}. Available sources do not mention a single universal mg/tablet count that fits every patient — tablet counts must be calculated from body weight and the chosen mcg/kg regimen ^{[7] [1]}.

Limitations: This summary relies on the provided sources and does not substitute for individual medical advice; dosing can vary by parasitic species, local guidelines, and clinical context, and readers should consult a prescribing clinician or the specific product label for exact dosing instructions ^{[3] [4]}.