Ivermectin 0.5% w/v Shampoo: Complete Guide
Clinical Reference Standards: CDSCO (Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation), Indian Pharmacopoeia (IP) & WHO | Last Updated: September 2026
When to Call Your Doctor IMMEDIATELY
- Severe allergic reaction: swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat, difficulty breathing.
- Signs of severe skin reaction: blistering, peeling, or extensive redness.
- Eye contact: if shampoo gets into eyes, rinse thoroughly and seek medical advice if irritation persists.
- Accidental ingestion: seek immediate medical attention.
- No improvement after treatment: if live lice are still present after the recommended treatment period, consult a doctor.
If experiencing severe symptoms, call emergency services immediately.
What is ivrea shampoo used for?
This medicine is a topical shampoo containing ivermectin 0.5% w/v, used to treat head lice infestation. It works by paralyzing and killing the lice. Apply to dry hair, leave for 10 minutes, and rinse thoroughly.
- Generic Name: Ivermectin (0.5% w/v)
- Manufacturer: Ajanta Pharma Ltd
- Form: Allopathy
- Pregnancy Category: Consult doctor
- Prescription Required: Yes
🇮🇳 ivrea shampoo के बारे में (Hindi Summary)
उपयोग: यह दवा एक टॉपिकल शैम्पू है जिसमें आइवरमेक्टिन 0.5% w/v होता है। इसका उपयोग सिर की जूँ (हेड लाइस) के इलाज के लिए किया जाता है। यह जूँ को पक्षाघात करके मार देती है। इसे सूखे बालों और सिर की त्वचा पर लगाएं, 10 मिनट तक छोड़ें और फिर अच्छी तरह धो लें।
साइड इफेक्ट्स: आम दुष्प्रभावों में सिर की त्वचा में जलन, खुजली, लालिमा या जलन शामिल हो सकती है। ये आमतौर पर हल्के होते हैं और अपने आप ठीक हो जाते हैं। दुर्लभ मामलों में एलर्जी की प्रतिक्रिया हो सकती है जैसे चकत्ते, सूजन या सांस लेने में कठिनाई। ऐसे में तुरंत डॉक्टर से मिलें।
सुरक्षा सलाह: केवल बाहरी उपयोग के लिए। आंखों, मुंह और अन्य श्लेष्मा झिल्ली के संपर्क से बचें। टूटी या जली हुई त्वचा पर न लगाएं। उपयोग के बाद हाथ धो लें। यदि आप गर्भवती हैं, स्तनपान करा रही हैं या किसी भी दवा से एलर्जी है तो डॉक्टर से सलाह लें। बच्चों की पहुंच से दूर रखें।
💊 ivrea shampoo Uses & Benefits
- [{"condition":"Head lice infestation","description":"This medicine is used to treat infestations of head lice (Pediculus humanus capitis) on the scalp and hair.
- It works by paralyzing and killing the lice.","evidence":"Well-established"}]
Off-label uses: [{"condition":"Scabies","description":"Topical ivermectin has been studied for scabies, but this shampoo formulation is not specifically approved for that use.","evidence":"Limited"}]
Primary treatment for: Head lice infestation
📋 Drug Information
| Generic Name(s) | Ivermectin (0.5% w/v) |
| Brand Name | ivrea shampoo |
| Manufacturer | Ajanta Pharma Ltd |
| Packaging / Form | Varies by brand (Allopathy) |
| Therapeutic Class | ANTI INFECTIVES |
| Action Class | Ectoparasiticides |
| Route of Administration | Topical |
| Storage | Store at room temperature (15-30°C). Protect from light and moisture. Keep the container tightly closed. |
| Shelf Life | 24 months from the date of manufacture. |
| WHO Guideline | Not established from the available information. |
| ICMR Guideline | Not established from the available information. |
👨⚕️ Doctor's Practical Tips
Evidence-based practical advice from experienced clinicians
🔍 Is This Medicine Right for Your Symptom?
Educational reference. Always consult a doctor for diagnosis.
🔬 How This Medicine Works (Pharmacology)
Pharmacokinetics
How It Works
Ivermectin binds to glutamate-gated chloride channels and gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) receptors in the nerve and muscle cells of parasites. This binding increases the permeability of the cell membrane to chloride ions, leading to hyperpolarization and subsequent paralysis and death of the parasite. In arthropods such as lice, this results in their elimination from the host.
Mechanism Steps
💡 How to Take ivrea shampoo
Strength: Ivermectin 0.5% w/v shampoo
Dosage Information
| Adult Dosage | The usual adult dose for head lice is to apply the shampoo to dry hair and scalp, lather, and leave on for 10 minutes, then rinse thoroughly. This is typically a single application. Dose must be individualized by a qualified clinician based on indication, age, weight, renal and hepatic function. Follow your doctor's instructions exactly. |
| Pediatric Dosage | Pediatric dosing is not established from available information. Consult a pediatrician. Safety and efficacy in children under 6 months have not been established. |
| Elderly Dosage | No specific dosage adjustments are required for elderly patients. However, consult a doctor before use. |
| Renal Impairment | No dosage adjustment is required for renal impairment as systemic absorption is minimal. |
| Hepatic Impairment | No dosage adjustment is required for hepatic impairment as systemic absorption is minimal. |
| Maximum Daily Dose | Not applicable for topical use. Use as directed by your doctor. |
Dosage Timeline
⏰ What to Do If You Miss a Dose
⚠️ Side Effects of ivrea shampoo
✅ Common Side Effects
🚨 Serious Side Effects
⚠️ Rare Side Effects
Consult your doctor if you experience any unusual symptoms.
🛡️ Safety & Warnings
🚫 Contraindications
["Known hypersensitivity to ivermectin or any component of the formulation","Application to broken or irritated skin","Use in children under 6 months of age without medical advice"]
⚠️ Warnings & Precautions
["For external use only. Do not ingest.","Avoid contact with eyes. If contact occurs, rinse thoroughly with water.","Do not apply to areas of the skin that are broken, inflamed, or infected.","Wash hands after application.","Do not use if you are allergic to ivermectin.","Consult a doctor if condition persists or worsens after treatment.","Keep out of reach of children."]
🤱 Lactation Safety
It is not known whether ivermectin applied topically is excreted in breast milk. Consult a doctor before use if breastfeeding.
💊 Overdose Management
Overdose with this topical medicine is unlikely. If accidental ingestion occurs, seek immediate medical attention. Symptoms of ivermectin overdose may include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, dizziness, and in severe cases, seizures, coma, and respiratory failure. Treatment is supportive and symptomatic.
⏰ Missed Dose
If you miss a dose, apply it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular schedule. Do not apply a double dose to make up for a missed one.
Additional Safety Advice
For external use only. Avoid contact with eyes, mouth, and other mucous membranes. If accidental contact occurs, rinse thoroughly with water. Do not apply to broken or inflamed skin. Wash hands thoroughly after application. Do not use this medicine if you are allergic to ivermectin or any of its ingredients. Consult a doctor before use if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding. Keep out of reach of children. Do not exceed the recommended dose or frequency of application. If symptoms persist after the recommended treatment period, seek medical advice. Do not use on children under the age of 6 months unless directed by a physician. Avoid using other topical products on the scalp concurrently unless advised by a doctor.
👴 Special Considerations for Elderly
💡 For Patients Above 65
Elderly patients can use this medicine safely. However, they may have thinner or more sensitive skin, so monitor for irritation. Consult a doctor if you have any concerns.
🤰 Pregnancy Planning (TTC)
If you are planning to become pregnant, consult your doctor before using this medicine. The safety of topical ivermectin during pregnancy has not been fully established, and alternative treatments may be preferred.
🏥 Post-Surgery Considerations
No specific precautions are required after surgery. However, if you have had recent scalp surgery, consult your doctor before applying this medicine to avoid irritation.
🦷 Dental Procedures
No specific considerations for dental procedures. This medicine is applied to the scalp and does not affect dental health.
💚 Lifestyle Tips for Better Results
🏋️ Exercise Considerations
No specific exercise precautions are needed while using this medicine. However, avoid swimming or activities that cause excessive sweating immediately after application to ensure the medicine remains on the scalp for the required duration.
🥗 Diet Recommendations
💼 Impact on Daily Work & Life
This medicine has minimal impact on daily activities. You can resume normal activities immediately after application and rinsing. However, avoid close contact with others until the infestation is treated to prevent spread.
🛑 When to Stop This Medicine
Stop using this medicine after the recommended treatment course unless directed otherwise by your doctor. If you experience severe side effects or allergic reactions, discontinue use and seek medical attention immediately. Do not stop without consulting your doctor if you are in the middle of treatment.
📅 Long-Term Use Effects
Long-term effects of topical ivermectin are not well established as it is typically used for short durations. Repeated use may lead to skin irritation or allergic reactions. If you need to use this medicine frequently, consult a doctor to determine the underlying cause and alternative treatments.
🌿 Non-Medicine Approaches
These can complement medicine but do not replace prescribed treatment.
Regular combing with a fine-toothed comb can help remove lice and nits, especially in mild infestations.
Evidence: Well-establishedAnother topical treatment for head lice, often used as first-line therapy.
Evidence: Well-established💉 Vaccination Considerations
💉 If You're Getting Vaccinated
No known interactions between this medicine and vaccines. You can receive vaccinations as scheduled.
📦 Storage Guide
✅ DO
Store at room temperature (15-30°C)
❌ DON'T
Do not refrigerate unless specified
✅ DO
Keep in original container
❌ DON'T
Do not transfer to unmarked containers
✅ DO
Keep away from direct sunlight
❌ DON'T
Do not store in bathroom cabinet
✈️ Traveling with This Medicine
When traveling, carry this medicine in its original packaging with the prescription label intact. Bring a copy of your prescription in case you need to show it at customs. Store at room temperature and protect from extreme heat or cold. If you are traveling across time zones, no adjustments are needed as it is used as a single application. Keep it in your carry-on luggage if possible.
💰 Cost Analysis & Savings
👥 Real Patient Stories
Educational, anonymized scenarios. Individual results may vary.
💬 Questions Patients Often Ask
A: This medicine starts killing lice immediately upon application. However, you may still see dead lice or nits after rinsing. A follow-up treatment after 9-10 days is often recommended to kill any newly hatched lice.
A: Consult your doctor before using this medicine if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant. The safety of topical ivermectin during pregnancy has not been fully established.
A: This medicine should not be used in children under 6 months of age without medical advice. For older children, consult a pediatrician for proper guidance.
A: Rinse your eyes thoroughly with water immediately. If irritation persists, seek medical attention.
A: No, do not use a hair dryer or other heat sources on your hair while the medicine is applied, as it may reduce effectiveness or cause irritation.
🤔 Common Patient Concerns
🔄 Substitutes for ivrea shampoo
View AllAlternative brands with exact same active ingredient:
-
ivernol shampooGalcare Pharmaceutical Pvt Ltd ₹107.81 12.7% CHEAPER
-
iversafe lotionRockmed Pharma Pvt. Ltd. ₹164.06 32.8% COSTLIER
Medical Note: Always consult your doctor before switching medications.
🛑 Myths vs. Facts
- Myth: Ivermectin shampoo can be used to prevent lice.
Fact: This medicine is not for prevention. It should only be used when an active infestation is confirmed. - Myth: Ivermectin shampoo is safe to ingest.
Fact: This product is for external use only. Ingestion can be dangerous and requires immediate medical attention.