Ivomec Plus

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Ivomec Plus

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Medically reviewed

Rosario Oropesa

Last updated on 22/12/2025

This page provides general, reference-level information compiled from official medical sources. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. For decisions about your health, please consult a qualified healthcare professional.

Overview of Ivomec Plus

Quick Facts

Property Description
Active Ingredients Ivermectin, Clorsulon
Form Sterile solution for injection
Pharmacological Class Endectocide, Anthelmintic, Fasciolicide
Common Use Comprehensive internal parasite control
Origin Semi-synthetic (Ivermectin) and synthetic (Clorsulon)

Defining Ivomec Plus: Combination Veterinary Medicine

Ivomec Plus is classified as a fixed-dose combination product intended for use in livestock, primarily cattle. It combines two active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs): Ivermectin and Clorsulon. This formulation is presented as a sterile solution for subcutaneous injection, designed to facilitate rapid and systemic distribution throughout the animal's body. The combination of these two agents is clinically recognized for providing a single treatment solution for concurrent parasitic infections where a standard Ivermectin-only product would be inadequate. The fundamental identity of the product is rooted in providing a broad-spectrum antiparasitic capability targeting multiple parasite groups simultaneously.

The Dual Profile: Composition and Origin

The two key components of Ivomec Plus have different origins. Ivermectin is a semi-synthetic derivative belonging to the macrocyclic lactone class, derived from the Streptomyces avermitilis microorganism. Clorsulon, in contrast, is a fully synthetic benzenedisulfonamide compound. This dual chemical profile is compounded into a non-aqueous solution, utilizing vehicles like glycerol formal and propylene glycol. Research has established the stability and efficacy of macrocyclic lactones like Ivermectin in non-aqueous solvent systems for veterinary application.

Pharmacological Classification: A Broad-Spectrum Endectocide

Ivomec Plus is classified as an endectocide, a term that precisely defines its action against both internal (endo) and external (ecto) parasites. It functions as a potent anthelmintic, primarily targeting nematodes (roundworms), and an effective fasciolicide, targeting trematodes (flukes), such as Fasciola hepatica. The efficacy of Clorsulon as an agent specifically against adult liver flukes is well-documented in veterinary pharmacology. A typical use scenario involves administering the injection to cattle to clear both roundworm and fluke infections systemically.

What side effects are possible with Ivomec Plus?

Official Regulatory Safety Profile

The safety profile for Ivomec Plus (Ivermectin/Clorsulon) is categorized by regulatory bodies based on expected reactions at the administration site and specific constraints essential for safe use. The most frequently documented reactions are associated with the General Disorders and Administration Site Conditions system-organ class.

Adverse Reaction Category Officially Documented Manifestation
Common/Expected Reactions Transient discomfort and soft-tissue swelling at the subcutaneous injection site.
Serious Adverse Reactions Host-parasite reactions (e.g., bloat or paralysis) resulting from the death of cattle grub larvae (Hypoderma spp.) located in vital tissues. Fatal reactions have been documented when administered to non-target species, particularly dogs.

Route and Species Limitations

The official labeling imposes strict restrictions regarding administration. The product is strictly for subcutaneous injection only and not for intravenous or intramuscular use. Furthermore, use is prohibited in non-target species, as severe toxicity can occur.

Population and Safety Constraints

Specific regulatory constraints govern the use of Ivomec Plus in food-producing animals. The product is prohibited from use in female dairy cattle of breeding age due to residue concerns, and a defined pre-slaughter withdrawal period must be observed. Safety data confirms the product has no documented adverse effects on breeding performance in bulls or cows at the recommended dosage level. Additionally, the label includes a safety note concerning the active ingredient Ivermectin's classification as very toxic to aquatic organisms, mandating environmental risk management.

Overdose and Emergency Response

Overdose Scope

Feature Official Regulatory Statement
Documented Manifestations Overdose symptoms include gastrointestinal effects (Nausea, Vomiting, Diarrhea) and neurological signs (Headache, Dizziness, Blurred vision, Loss of coordination, Tremors).
Physiological Systems Affected Central Nervous System (CNS), Cardiovascular/Hemodynamic system, and Gastrointestinal system.
Exposure Factors Exposure to highly concentrated veterinary formulations is a documented risk factor associated with severe illness.
Population-Specific Notes Severe adverse reactions, including fatalities, are documented for non-labeled animal species (e.g., dogs) exposed to the product.

Overdose Classification and Required Actions

Classification Official Regulatory Statement
Severity Classification Overdose is classified as potentially severe, with documented outcomes including CNS depression, Seizures, Coma, Hypotension, Tachycardia, and potential Death.
When to Seek Urgent Help Immediately call emergency services (911) if the exposed individual has collapsed, experienced a seizure, has trouble breathing, or cannot be awakened.

Official Overdose Statements

  • Immediate medical attention is required for any suspected overdose exposure.
  • The Poison Control Center hotline (1-800-222-1222) is the designated resource for medical management advice.
  • Management of overdose is defined by regulatory documents as primarily symptomatic and supportive care, with monitoring in a hospital setting often required.

The regulatory documents define the overdose profile through the documented neurological and hemodynamic manifestations, which are classified as potentially severe. This severity dictates the mandatory requirement to seek immediate medical attention or call emergency services for critical symptoms like collapse or seizure.

Therapeutic Uses of Ivomec Plus

Ivomec Plus is an authorized prescription option indicated for the supportive care and management of various parasitic conditions. It may be used to help address internal infections, including gastrointestinal roundworms and lungworms, which can cause symptoms such as respiratory distress or gastrointestinal discomfort. The medication is also a therapeutic option for managing adult liver flukes.

Additionally, this product may be used in cases involving external parasites, such as certain species of sucking lice and mites, which are often associated with dermatological irritation. This broad therapeutic role supports the reduction of the parasite burden, promoting an improved state of well-being.


Quick Fact: Management for Internal and External Parasites


This section provides a summary of the medication's primary role in therapeutic support. Its purpose is to help manage symptoms and support recovery, not to guarantee a specific clinical outcome.

Regulatory References

  1. FDA's Freedom of Information Summary for NADA 140-833

Eligibility and Restrictions for Use

Ivomec Plus is a veterinary combination medicine whose eligibility profile is strictly defined by regulatory authorities, such as the FDA, for use in cattle. The official labeling establishes clear boundaries for who can and cannot use the product, driven by species safety and food chain residue requirements.

Eligibility Status Population/Group Regulatory Basis
Permitted Use Cattle (Beef Cattle) and Breeding Stock Authorized for the target species, including cows and bulls
Absolute Contraindication Humans Explicitly mandated: "NOT FOR USE IN HUMANS"
Contraindication Other Animal Species Use must be avoided due to severe adverse reactions, including fatalities

Use is prohibited for certain groups due to residue concerns related to the food supply. This includes Female Dairy Cattle of Breeding Age because a milk withdrawal time has not been established. Furthermore, the medicine must not be used in calves intended for processing as veal, and treated cattle are non-eligible for slaughter within 21 days of administration. Use in preruminating calves is officially not established due to insufficient data on residue withdrawal periods for this specific life stage.

What should I know about interactions with other medicines?

Interactions with other medicines and products

The official regulatory profile for Ivomec Plus, a veterinary fixed-dose combination product, establishes specific constraints related to product handling and co-mixing, while officially stating an absence of specific drug-drug interactions.

Pharmacokinetic and Pharmacodynamic Interaction Status

Official government prescribing information, including documentation from the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and European regulatory bodies, does not specify any interacting medicinal product categories. Regulatory documents do not formally list any specific substances that engage in pharmacokinetic interactions, such as those related to metabolic enzymes or drug transporters, resulting in no formal classification for such effects. Furthermore, the labeling does not define any pharmacodynamic interactions or list co-administered medicines that alter the exposure (AUC or Cmax) of Ivermectin or Clorsulon. Interactions with food, alcohol, supplements, or herbal products are also not specified in the official documentation. No population-specific notes regarding interaction relevance in certain conditions are provided in the regulatory interaction sections.

Administration-Timing Restriction

The primary mandatory restriction documented in the official prescribing information concerns product mixture. Ivomec Plus is subject to a formal Major Incompatibility statement in the regulatory labeling. As a procedural consequence of this official classification, the product must not be mixed with other veterinary medicinal products at the time of administration. This requirement is mandated by regulatory authorities due to the absence of documented compatibility studies for the sterile solution.

Mechanism of Action

Neuromuscular System Collapse (Ivermectin)

The component Ivermectin achieves its effect by targeting Glutamate-gated Chloride Channels ( GluCls), which are specific to invertebrate nerve and muscle cells. Ivermectin acts as an agonist, causing these channels to open irreversibly and promoting a massive influx of chloride ions ( Cl^-). This severe, sustained hyperpolarization of the post-synaptic membrane disrupts neuromuscular signal transmission, leading to functional paralysis of the parasite's motor and feeding systems.


Cellular Energy Metabolism Arrest (Clorsulon)

Conversely, Clorsulon acts on the specialized anaerobic glycolytic pathway within the liver fluke (Fasciola hepatica). Clorsulon functions as an inhibitor of key enzymes, including phosphoglycerate kinase (PGK) and phosphoglycerate mutase (PGM). By blocking these crucial metabolic steps, the fluke's production of ATP, its primary energy source, is rapidly diminished. This cascade leads to an acute energy deficit and subsequent loss of cellular function.


Dual-Mechanism Additive Strategy

The combination targets two entirely distinct and non-overlapping physiological systems: Ivermectin neutralizes the nervous system of one parasite group, while Clorsulon shuts down the energy metabolism of another. This additive approach ensures that separate parasite classes are managed by dedicated mechanisms, resulting in physiological disruption across the two targeted systems.

Dosage and Administration Information

How to Use Ivomec Plus: Official Administration Guidelines

Ivomec Plus is administered as a sterile injectable solution for use in cattle only. Proper use is strictly defined to ensure the correct drug delivery and animal safety.

Administration Details

Feature Official Instruction
Route of Administration Subcutaneous injection only (under the skin).
Injection Location Behind the shoulder. Not for intravenous or intramuscular use.
Standard Dose 1 mL per 110 lb (50 kg) of body weight, given as a single treatment.

Procedural Requirements

Administration requires adherence to specific procedural steps to ensure efficacy and minimize local reaction:

  • Dose Calculation: The animal's weight must be accurately determined to ensure the correct volume is administered (1 mL/50 kg). A sterile 16-gauge or 17-gauge needle of 1/2" to 3/4" length must be used.
  • Dividing the Dose: To reduce potential injection site reactions, doses greater than 10 mL must be divided and injected into two separate subcutaneous sites behind the shoulder.
  • Temperature Management: If the product is stored or handled in temperatures of 5°C (41°F) or below, it is recommended to warm the product and the injection equipment to approximately 15°C (59°F) to improve its flow and ease of administration.
  • Age and Use Restrictions: The product is suitable for all ages of cattle, including breeding bulls and cows. Do not use in female dairy cattle of breeding age or in calves being processed for veal.

Recent Clinical Evidence

Ivomec Plus: Recent Clinical Evidence

Evidence for Comprehensive Internal Parasite Control

Research examined the combination of its two active ingredients, Ivermectin and Clorsulon, in the context of internal and selected external parasite control. The primary evidence base consists mainly of Controlled Trials and Comparative Field Studies conducted on different groups of cattle, such as calves and steers, that had parasite infections.

Studies monitored responses over defined time intervals following administration. Research examined measurements of parasite burden levels using methods like post-mortem worm counts and fecal egg counting. Trials reported measured reductions in parasite burden when evaluating post-mortem worm counts in the observed animal groups. However, the studies were primarily designed to satisfy regulatory requirements, which means data for parasite species or life stages outside the immediate scope of the original focus remain insufficient.

Research Focus on Adult Liver Fluke Treatment

Research involving the Clorsulon component was evaluated in the context of the adult liver fluke (Fasciola hepatica). The evidence includes Controlled Trials and field studies focused on monitoring outcomes linked to inflammatory or irritative states caused by this specific parasite. The populations studied were cattle with Fasciola hepatica infections.

Reported findings indicate the observed effect was associated with the specific adult parasite stage, with limited effect described on other, non-adult parasite life cycles. Evidence is limited regarding the treatment's effect on immature stages of the liver fluke, and long-term effects are not fully established concerning management in areas with ongoing exposure.

Key Studies & References

  1. Freedom of Information Summary for New Animal Drug Application (NADA) 140-833 (Ivermectin/Clorsulon)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Common questions about Ivomec Plus (FAQ)


Q: How quickly does Ivomec Plus start working after administration?

Official regulatory documents indicate that Ivomec Plus is formulated for rapid and systemic distribution throughout the animal's body. Furthermore, regulatory data supports claims of protection against reinfection for specific lungworms for up to 28 days and specific stomach worms for up to 21 days.

Q: How long do the effects of Ivomec Plus last?

According to the official product information, the treatment provides a persistent effect against certain parasite species. Regulatory documents indicate a persistent effect, providing control against reinfection for specific parasites for up to 21 to 28 days following administration.

Q: What should I do if a rare side effect occurs after using Ivomec Plus?

Official labeling instructs users to contact the manufacturer or a specified veterinary assistance line to report adverse effects, especially those that are uncommon. This procedure is mandated to help regulatory bodies monitor the safety profile of the product.

Q: Does Ivomec Plus treat both adult parasites and their larvae?

Regulatory information states that Ivomec Plus is effective against both the adult and fourth-stage larval forms of most covered roundworms. However, the treatment is indicated only for the control of adult liver flukes, and official information notes that efficacy against the immature stages of the liver fluke is not fully established.

Q: Can Ivomec Plus interact with heartworm preventatives?

Official regulatory documents do not formally list any specific drug-drug interactions with other medicinal products. However, regulatory labeling mandates that the product is not mixed with any other veterinary medicinal product at the time of administration due to incompatibility statements.

Q: Are there any known drug-herb interactions with the components of Ivomec Plus?

Official product information, including drug interaction sections, does not specify or list any interactions with herbal products. Always adhere strictly to the product's official regulatory instructions for use.

Q: Does the efficacy of Ivomec Plus change if it's stored incorrectly?

The product is required to be stored at or below 25 C (77 F) and must be protected from light. Storage outside of these mandated conditions may compromise product stability and is not recommended.

Q: Is it normal to feel a bit nauseous after taking a product containing the active ingredients in Ivomec Plus?

Ivomec Plus is a veterinary medicine and is explicitly not for human use. While the human-approved drug containing Ivermectin may list nausea as a potential side effect, this information does not apply to the veterinary product, which must be kept away from humans and non-target species.

Q: Are there any common over-the-counter supplements that shouldn't be taken with Ivomec Plus?

Official regulatory information does not specify or list any interactions with common over-the-counter supplements. Regulatory information indicates that the product must not be mixed with any other veterinary medicinal products at the time of administration.

Q: What research evidence supports the use of the two main components in Ivomec Plus?

The product was approved by regulatory bodies based on data demonstrating that it is safe and effective for the specific claims listed on the label. This evidence includes controlled trials confirming its efficacy for the treatment and control of internal and external parasites when used as directed.

Q: What are some signs that Ivomec Plus might not be working for a parasite issue?

Official product warnings note that parasite resistance to any dewormer may develop over time. The label advises that treatment be used in conjunction with parasite management practices appropriate to the area and that veterinary consultation and diagnostics be utilized to determine effectiveness.

Q: Is a withdrawal period necessary after using Ivomec Plus?

Yes, a strict withdrawal period is mandated by regulatory bodies to prevent drug residues from entering the food supply. Treated cattle must not be slaughtered for use in food within 21 days following the administration of Ivomec Plus.

Q: Is it true that some people use Ivomec Plus for purposes other than the main listed use?

The official label carries an explicit mandate: NOT FOR USE IN HUMANS. The product is strictly a veterinary medicine approved only for use in cattle and is prohibited in non-target species due to the risk of severe toxicity.

Q: Are there any age restrictions for using Ivomec Plus in young animals?

The product is suitable for all ages of cattle, including breeding bulls and cows. However, the label contains restrictions for certain life stages, stating that the product is prohibited in calves being processed for veal, and a withdrawal period has not been established for pre-ruminating calves.

Q: What happens in the body that causes the side effects associated with Ivomec Plus?

The label notes that common and expected reactions, such as transient discomfort and soft-tissue swelling, are observed following the subcutaneous route of administration. However, the official documentation does not detail the underlying biological mechanism that causes this specific local tissue reaction.

Q: Can Ivomec Plus be used in combination with vaccines, and is there a risk?

The official label specifies that different injection sites should be utilized for other parenteral products. Furthermore, the product must not be mixed with any other veterinary product at the time of administration due to major incompatibility statements.

Q: What are the visual characteristics of Ivomec Plus (color, consistency)?

Ivomec Plus is officially described as a ready-to-use sterile solution for injection. The product’s appearance is generally clear or yellowish, which is consistent with the non-aqueous solvents used in its formulation.

Q: How is resistance to Ivomec Plus managed or prevented in large-scale use?

Official labeling advises that treatment should be used in conjunction with parasite management practices appropriate to the local area and the animals being treated. This comprehensive approach is recommended to slow the development of parasite resistance to the product.

Q: What happens if a smaller amount of Ivomec Plus is administered than recommended?

The label contains warnings against underdosing. Administering less than the recommended volume may result in ineffective treatment and encourage the development of parasite resistance, potentially reducing the product's long-term effectiveness.

Q: Can Ivomec Plus be used in conjunction with topical flea/tick treatments?

Official regulatory information does not formally list any specific drug-drug interactions with other medicinal products. However, the regulatory information indicates that the product must not be mixed with other veterinary medicinal products at the time of administration.

Q: What specific species are included in the 'Plus' coverage of Ivomec Plus?

The 'Plus' component, Clorsulon, is primarily responsible for targeting the adult liver fluke (Fasciola hepatica). The official label provides a comprehensive list of all covered parasites, including various species of gastrointestinal roundworms, lungworms, cattle grubs, sucking lice, and mange mites.

Q: How can I tell the difference between a mild side effect and a serious reaction to Ivomec Plus?

The label describes common reactions as transitory discomfort and soft-tissue swelling at the injection site, which typically resolve without treatment. Serious reactions may include outcomes like bloat or paralysis, which can occur due to host-parasite reactions when cattle grub larvae die in critical areas. The label directs users to contact the manufacturer or veterinary assistance line if a serious adverse reaction is suspected.

Q: Are there any dietary restrictions needed when using Ivomec Plus?

Official regulatory information, including the interaction sections, does not specify or list any interactions with food. There are no dietary restrictions specified in the administration guidelines related to the use of Ivomec Plus.

Q: Does Ivomec Plus have any known neurotoxic effects?

The margin of safety for the Ivermectin component is attributed, in part, to the fact that mammals have different target channels than parasites and Ivermectin does not readily cross the blood-brain barrier at the recommended dose. However, fatal reactions have been documented when the product is administered to non-target species.

How should Ivomec Plus be stored and disposed of?

Storage and Disposal of Ivomec Plus Injection

Storage of Ivomec Plus is strictly defined to maintain product stability. The injection must be stored at or below 25°C (77°F) and should be protected from light and kept in its closed original container.

Container Rule Requirement
50 mL bottle Use within 6 months of first puncture; do not exceed 12 punctures.
Large needles Discard remaining product immediately if a needle larger than 16-gauge is used.

For child safety, the product must be kept out of the reach of children. Disposal instructions mandate that unused product and empty containers be disposed of in an approved landfill or by incineration. Environmental regulations prohibit contaminating water with the product and restrict feedlot runoff from entering natural water sources.

Attention! Always consult to a doctor or pharmacist before using pills or medicines.

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