WHO essential medicine for parasitic infections including onchocerciasis strongyloidiasis scabies and veterinary use against heartworm and ectoparasites in livestock and pets.

Ivermectin selectively binds glutamate-gated chloride channels and GABA receptors in invertebrate parasites causing hyperpolarization paralysis and death of nematodes and arthropods while sparing mammalian cells due to low penetration of the blood-brai

Ivermectin (CHO MW 875 gmol) is a macrocyclic lactone derived from avermectins produced by Streptomyces avermitilis consisting of 80% 2223-dihydroavermectin B1a and 20% B1b appearing as a white to yellowish amorphous powder insoluble in water.