Ivermectin In Texas: Uses, Dosage
& OTC Guide

Searching for ivermectin uses, the right ivermectin dosage for humans, or where to buy ivermectin in Texas without driving to five pharmacies? You’re in the right place.

Under Texas House Bill 25, pharmacists can legally dispense ivermectin 3mg tablets without a prescription since December 4, 2025. Many chain pharmacies have chosen not to stock it. The law says pharmacists may dispense it, not that they must. That’s why patients across Texas are still struggling to find it.

At Uptown Pharmacy in Dallas, we stock it, ship it statewide, and review every order with a licensed pharmacist before it leaves our facility.

What Is Ivermectin and How Does It Work?

Ivermectin is an FDA-approved antiparasitic medication that works by binding to glutamate-gated chloride channels in parasite nerve and muscle cells, causing paralysis and death of susceptible parasites. At prescribed human doses, it doesn’t significantly enter the human central nervous system, the core reason for its well-established safety record.

The World Health Organization lists ivermectin on its Essential Medicines List, underscoring its importance in global health.

Human formulations of Ivermectin:

• Oral tablets (3mg): Internal parasitic infections; FDA-approved.
• Topical cream 1% (Soolantra): Rosacea Rx only.
• Topical lotion 0.5% (Sklice): Head Lice OTC approved.

Warning: Never use animal-grade formulations, equine ivermectin paste, horse paste ivermectin, or ivermectin pour-on for cattle on humans. They aren’t manufactured to human standards and have caused documented hospitalizations. Pharmaceutical-grade human tablets exist for exactly this reason.

What Are the FDA-Approved Uses of Ivermectin?

The FDA has approved oral ivermectin for only two indications: Strongyloidiasis and Onchocerciasis. Everything else is off-label and requires physician guidance.

• Strongyloidiasis: First-line treatment for intestinal Strongyloides stercoralis. Clinical studies show 64-100% cure rates from a single weight-based dose. Follow-up stool exam confirms clearance.
• Onchocerciasis (River Blindness): Kills developing larvae, not adult worms, which is why retreatment every 3-12 months is required long-term in endemic regions.
• Scabies (Off-Label): Widely used when topical treatments fail. Two doses 7-14 days apart are needed because ivermectin does not kill unhatched scabies eggs; the second dose targets newly hatched mites.
• COVID-19: The FDA hasn’t authorized ivermectin for COVID-19. Multiple large randomized trials, including ACTIV-6 and the Together Trial, found no benefit. Taking large doses based on COVID claims has caused seizures, hospitalization, and death. This hasn’t changed in 2026.
• Cancer (Experimental Only): Some preclinical studies have investigated ivermectin’s effects on cancer cells in laboratory settings. These are experimental only and not approved for human cancer treatment. Do not use ivermectin for cancer without physician supervision.

What Is the Correct Ivermectin Dosage by Weight?

Ivermectin dosing is weight-based, not age-based. Take on an empty stomach with a full glass of water. Taking ivermectin with food increases absorption 2.5 times, which can push blood levels into harmful ranges.

Strongyloidiasis: 200 mcg/kg (Single Dose)

For Onchocerciasis, the dose is 150 mcg/kg (see FDA prescribing information).

Safety and efficacy aren’t established in children under 15 kg. A physician must be directly involved for this group regardless of OTC access laws.

What Are the Side Effects of Ivermectin?

At approved doses, ivermectin is well tolerated. Most side effects are mild and temporary.

Common (mild) side effects:

• Dizziness.
• Itching (pruritus).
• Nausea.
• Diarrhea.
• Fatigue.

The Mazzotti Reaction: During onchocerciasis treatment, patients often experience fever, rash, joint pain, and swollen lymph nodes in the first 1-4 days. This isn’t an allergic reaction to ivermectin; it is an immune response to dying parasites. It confirms the drug is working and resolves on its own.

Get emergency medical help if you experience:

• Hives, facial or throat swelling, difficulty breathing.
• Confusion, seizures, inability to walk, loss of consciousness.
• Severe eye pain, redness, vision changes.
• Blistering skin, high fever, loss of bladder or bowel control.

The Loa Loa warning:

Patients who have lived in or traveled to West or Central Africa face a rare but life-threatening risk. An undiagnosed Loa Loa co-infection can trigger fatal brain inflammation (encephalopathy) when treated with ivermectin.

Always disclose your travel history to your pharmacist before ordering; this is not optional.

What Are the Dangerous Drug Interactions with Ivermectin?

Ivermectin and warfarin is the most dangerous and least discussed interaction. Ivermectin significantly increases warfarin’s blood-thinning effect; INR monitoring is required within days. If you take any blood thinner, tell your pharmacist before you order.

Other key interactions:

• CYP3A4 inhibitors (ketoconazole, certain antifungals).
• P-glycoprotein inhibitors.
• Metronidazole.
• Anticonvulsants.

This is exactly why Uptown Pharmacy’s pharmacist review step exists; it catches interactions patients often don’t think to mention.

Who Should Not Take Ivermectin?

• Pregnant or breastfeeding women.
• Children under 15 kg: Physician required regardless of OTC law.
• Anyone with known hypersensitivity to ivermectin.
• Patients on warfarin or blood thinners: Mandatory pharmacist review first.
• Severe liver impairment: Use with caution.
• Travelers to West or Central Africa: Loa Loa discussion required first.

What Does Texas HB 25 Mean for Ivermectin Access in 2026?

Texas House Bill 25 (effective December 4, 2025) makes Texas the fifth state to allow pharmacist-dispensed ivermectin OTC, joining Arkansas, Idaho, Louisiana, and Tennessee. Additional states, including North Carolina, Georgia, Pennsylvania, and Missouri have active legislation in 2026.

What HB 25 requires:

• Pharmacists follow Texas State Board of Pharmacy standardized procedures.
• Usage instructions provided at point of dispensing.
• Ivermectin stays behind the counter, not on open shelves.
• Pharmacists acting in good faith have civil and criminal liability protection.

The 2026 reality:

The law says pharmacists may dispense ivermectin, not that they must. Many large chain pharmacies have opted out entirely. Patients in Houston, Austin, San Antonio, and rural Texas are still struggling to find consistent stock.

Uptown Pharmacy maintains a reliable supply and ships anywhere in Texas.

How to Get Ivermectin from Uptown Pharmacy?

Every order goes through a licensed pharmacist review to check dosing, interactions, and contraindications before it ships.

• Step 1: Complete the online assessment (personal info + current medications).
• Step 2: Pharmacist review and approval.
• Step 3: Pickup in Dallas or home delivery in 3-4 business days.

OTC Ivermectin 3mg Available for pickup or delivery in Texas, Arkansas, Idaho, Louisiana, and Tennessee.

Need higher compounded strengths?

Our USP-certified Texas lab compounds custom-strength ivermectin capsules for patients with a valid physician prescription, independently batch-tested before every shipment.

Available compounded strengths: 9mg, 12mg, 15mg, 18mg, 24mg, 30mg+ (custom per Rx).

Conclusion:

Ivermectin is a safe, effective medication for specific parasitic infections when taken at FDA-approved doses under professional supervision. It isn’t a cure-all; it doesn’t treat COVID-19, fungal infections, Lyme disease, or cancer.

For Texas residents: You can now access ivermectin 3mg without a prescription through participating pharmacies like Uptown Pharmacy. Every order includes licensed pharmacist review to ensure proper dosing, check for drug interactions, and confirm safety.

Your health deserves professional oversight. Whether you’re seeking ivermectin for an FDA-approved indication or exploring off-label options with your physician, pharmacist guidance is essential for safe use.

Disclaimer:

Educational purposes only and not medical advice. Ivermectin has specific FDA-approved indications. The FDA hasn’t approved ivermectin for COVID-19. Consult your pharmacist or physician for your individual health needs. Pictures are created from AI tools; not real images.