Ivomec Super

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Ivomec Super

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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 Super

Quick Facts

Property Description
Active Ingredients Ivermectin, Clorsulon
Form Sterile solution for injection
Pharmacological Class Endectocide (Macrocyclic Lactone), Fasciolicide (Sulfonamide)
Target Species Cattle
Origin Synthetic combination product

What Type of Veterinary Medicine is Ivomec Super?

Ivomec Super is a broad-spectrum antiparasitic medicine designated as a veterinary preparation specifically for use in livestock, primarily cattle. It is fundamentally classified as an endectocide, a high-level term for substances that eliminate both internal parasites and external parasites. The product is manufactured as a sterile solution intended for subcutaneous injection, a format clinically recognized to ensure reliable systemic absorption and distribution of the active agents throughout the animal’s body. This injectable solution is a differentiating factor from some oral drenches, providing a method preferred in situations requiring high compliance and assured absorption.

Composition and Dual Pharmacological Action

The drug's potent activity is based on its dual, synthetic composition, which includes two distinct active ingredients: Ivermectin and Clorsulon. Ivermectin belongs to the Avermectin subclass of Macrocyclic lactones, functioning as a powerful anthelmintic against worms and ectoparasites. The companion ingredient, Clorsulon, a Sulfonamide derivative, operates as a dedicated fasciolicide. The effectiveness of Clorsulon against liver flukes has been pharmacologically confirmed to stem from its inhibition of the flukes' primary energy pathways. This dual-agent system is crucial because it allows the drug to deliver a highly effective synergistic effect against a wider range of parasitic organisms.

The General Purpose of this Combined Parasite Control

The overall purpose of Ivomec Super is to provide comprehensive, effective control over the entire parasitic load in livestock via a single intervention. A typical neutral use scenario involves managing mixed parasite infections in cattle where both roundworms and liver fluke infestations are prevalent. The combination of Ivermectin and Clorsulon ensures the simultaneous elimination of parasitic nematodes, external arthropods, and adult liver flukes. This comprehensive broad-spectrum capability supports the maintenance of animal health by managing multiple internal and external threats.

Regulatory References

  1. Ivermectin - EMA referral opinion on injectable veterinary medicinal products

What side effects are possible with Ivomec Super?

Possible Side Effects and Safety Information

The safety profile for this combination veterinary medicine is structured by the nature of adverse reactions and their specific context of use, as documented in official regulatory labeling. The majority of reactions observed are classified by regulatory authorities based on where they occur and their frequency.

Adverse Reaction Scope

The most commonly documented reactions are localized to the injection site, where transient discomfort, soft tissue swelling, or slight pain may occur following subcutaneous administration. These local effects are officially classified in some regulatory documents as very rare or of undetermined frequency, and are generally noted to resolve without intervention. Reactions are formally grouped into categories such as General Disorders and Administration Site Conditions and Immune System Disorders (for the possibility of a hypersensitivity reaction).

Serious Contextual Safety Concerns

The most serious safety considerations are explicitly contextual and linked to the timing of treatment relative to specific parasite life cycles. Official documents specify that the death of migrating Hypoderma larvae in vital areas can induce serious host-parasite reactions. If Hypoderma larvae are destroyed while migrating through the spinal canal, rare but severe outcomes such as posterior paralysis or recumbency may result. The risk of these neurological and systemic reactions is officially stated to be higher when treatment occurs between December and March, corresponding to the larvae's movement.

Population-Specific Restrictions

Official labeling defines strict prohibitions for use in certain animals. This medicine is contraindicated in lactating dairy cattle whose milk is intended for human consumption, and in pregnant heifers within sixty days of calving for the same reason. Severe adverse reactions, including fatalities, are explicitly documented to occur if the product is administered to non-target species (such as dogs or tortoises). Furthermore, the approved route of administration is strictly subcutaneous; the product is not for intravenous or intramuscular use.

Overdose and Emergency Response

Overdose and when to seek help

Official regulatory documentation defines the overdose profile for Ivomec Super based on the effects observed at high dose levels in the target species (cattle) and the mandatory actions required for human exposure.


Documented Overdose Manifestations

Overdose in cattle, tested at twenty-five times the recommended dose level, results in severe local injection site lesions. The documented manifestations of this local toxicity include tissue necrosis, oedema, fibrosis, and inflammation. Regulatory testing determined that no other drug-related adverse reactions were established systemically in cattle at these high doses.

Required Emergency Actions

The most urgent help-seeking requirement is for accidental human self-injection. The safety data sheet mandates that the individual must seek medical advice immediately and present the product label or package leaflet to the physician. For the active component, Ivermectin, it is officially documented that no specific antidote has been identified.


Population-Specific Overdose Warning

Official labeling contains an explicit warning concerning misuse in non-target species. The product must not be used in other species as administration may result in severe adverse reactions, including documented fatalities in dogs.

Therapeutic Uses of Ivomec Super

Quick Facts: Ivomec Super

  • Targeted Use: Veterinary medicine for cattle, not approved for human use.
  • Internal Parasites: May help manage various adult and larval stages of gastrointestinal roundworms, including Ostertagia ostertagi.
  • Liver Fluke: Used for the treatment of adult liver flukes (Fasciola hepatica).
  • External Parasites: May support the control of certain types of sucking lice, mange mites, and cattle grubs (warbles).

Ivomec Super is a combination veterinary drug indicated for the treatment and control of a wide range of internal and external parasites in cattle. The medication is specifically formulated to address both roundworms and flatworms, which may support overall animal health and management.

It is used to manage infestations of various gastrointestinal roundworms and lungworms, including the adult and fourth-stage larval forms of Dictyocaulus viviparus. The product also offers therapeutic action against the adult stage of the liver fluke, Fasciola hepatica.

Additionally, the drug is indicated for the control of several external parasites. This includes various species of sucking lice (Linognathus vituli, Haematopinus eurysternus, Solenopotes capillatus), mange mites (Psoroptes ovis, Sarcoptes scabiei), and the parasitic stages of cattle grubs (Hypoderma bovis, H. lineatum).

The use of this product should be incorporated into a comprehensive parasite control program as recommended by a veterinary professional, focusing on the specific needs of the herd and local resistance patterns.

Regulatory References

  1. FDA therapeutic overview

Eligibility and Restrictions for Use

Ivomec Super is a veterinary medicinal product intended only for use in cattle.

Who Must Not Use the Medicine (Contraindications)

The medicine is strictly contraindicated and prohibited for use in the following populations, based on regulatory labeling:

  • Non-Target Species: It must not be administered to any animal species other than cattle. Use in other species, especially dogs (including Collie breeds), can lead to severe adverse reactions and fatalities.
  • Hypersensitivity: It must not be used in animals with a known hypersensitivity or allergy to the active ingredients (Ivermectin or Clorsulon) or any of the inactive ingredients (excipients).
  • Dairy Production: It is prohibited for use in cattle producing milk for human consumption, including pregnant animals intended for future milk production.
  • Dairy Heifers: Non-lactating dairy cows and pregnant heifers must not be treated within 60 days of calving.

Eligible Populations and Limitations

The product is safe for use in beef cattle and non-lactating dairy cattle (outside the 60-day restriction). It is officially stated to be safe for use at any stage of pregnancy or lactation in beef cows and will not affect the fertility of cows or bulls. It can be administered to cattle of all ages, including young calves.

What should I know about interactions with other medicines?

Official Interaction Profile for Ivomec Super

The official regulatory documents for Ivomec Super (containing Ivermectin and Clorsulon) define a highly specific interaction profile, primarily noting restrictions related to co-administration procedure and one specific pharmacological class. The primary finding from the regulatory Summary of Product Characteristics is a statement that there are none known interactions with other medicinal products.

Documented Interaction Patterns

Interaction Type Officially Documented Statement
General Drug-Drug Interactions The regulatory Summary of Product Characteristics (SmPC) states that there are none known for co-administration with other medicinal products.
Pharmacodynamic Interaction The effects of GABA agonists (medicines that enhance Gamma-aminobutyric acid activity) are officially documented to be increased by the Ivermectin component.
Metabolic or Exposure Changes No statements are present in regulatory labels documenting that co-administered substances alter the metabolic clearance or plasma concentration (exposure) of Ivomec Super's active ingredients.

Procedural and Physical Constraints

The interaction profile imposes strict physical and administrative requirements, which must be followed regardless of general drug-drug interaction status:

  • Physical Incompatibility: This solution must not be mixed with any other veterinary medicinal product in the same syringe or vial. This is a major incompatibility restriction listed in official regulatory texts.
  • Administration Requirement: When administering other injectable (parenteral) products, the regulatory label requires the use of a different injection site to ensure proper separation from Ivomec Super.

This defined structure outlines the boundaries of known risks, focusing on a specific pharmacological potentiation and mandatory administrative separation rules.

Mechanism of Action

The pharmacological action of Ivomec Super results from the complementary, non-overlapping pharmacodynamic mechanisms of its two active components, Ivermectin and Clorsulon.

Neuromuscular Disruption via Ion Channel Agonism

Ivermectin's primary action is the agonism of glutamate-gated chloride ion channels ( GluCls) found in the nerve and muscle cells of parasitic nematodes and arthropods. This binding causes an uncontrollable influx of chloride ions, leading to nerve and muscle cell hyperpolarization and ultimately flaccid paralysis and the inhibition of motor functions, a core physiological consequence of neural signal disruption.


Metabolic Inhibition of Fluke Glycolysis

Clorsulon operates by acting as a competitive inhibitor of key enzymes in the glycolytic pathway of adult liver flukes. By blocking this energy-generating process, the mechanism initiates a cascade of cellular ATP depletion, resulting in metabolic failure and the collapse of vital functions.


Mechanistic Complementarity

This dual approach establishes a mechanism for activity across divergent parasite classes by targeting two separate survival systems: neuromuscular control (paralysis) and cellular energy production (starvation), which results in a combined physiological effect profile.

Dosage and Administration Information

Ivomec Super (containing ivermectin and clorsulon) is a prescription injectable antiparasitic solution indicated for the treatment and control of specific internal and external parasites in cattle, including gastrointestinal roundworms, lungworms, and adult liver flukes.

Administration and Dosage

The product must be administered only by subcutaneous injection (under the loose skin) in front of or behind the shoulder, as directed by a veterinary professional. It is not for intravenous or intramuscular use. The recommended dosage is 1 mL per 50 kg (110 lb) of body weight. This delivers the active ingredients at a rate of 200 mu g ivermectin and 2 mg clorsulon per kilogram of body weight.

Body Weight (kg) Dose Volume (mL)
50 1
100 2
250 5
500 10

For accurate dosing, the animal's body weight must be determined precisely. Doses exceeding 10 mL should be divided and injected at two separate sites. Use of a sterile 17-gauge, frac12-inch needle is generally recommended.

Withdrawal Period

Ivomec Super is strictly for use in beef cattle and non-lactating dairy cattle. It is crucial to adhere to mandatory withdrawal periods before the animals are slaughtered or their milk is used for human consumption:

  • Meat and Offal: Animals must not be slaughtered for human consumption within 66 days of the last treatment.
  • Milk: Do not use in dairy cattle producing milk for human consumption, or in non-lactating dairy cows, including pregnant heifers, within 60 days of calving.

Recent Clinical Evidence

Ivomec Super: Recent Clinical Evidence

The formulation known commercially as Ivomec Super is a combination product primarily developed for veterinary use, containing the active substances Ivermectin and Clorsulon. Its use in human medicine is restricted to clinical evaluations of its component drugs.


Ivermectin in Human Medicine

Ivermectin is an established antiparasitic agent approved by regulatory bodies, including the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), for the treatment of certain tropical diseases. Approved indications include:

  • Intestinal Strongyloidiasis: An infection caused by the parasitic roundworm Strongyloides stercoralis.
  • Onchocerciasis (River Blindness): A disease caused by the parasitic worm Onchocerca volvulus.

In these contexts, ivermectin has been extensively studied, with clinical trials demonstrating its ability to clear microfilariae, which are the infectious larvae, from the body. It is also used in mass drug administration programs by organizations like the World Health Organization (WHO) for disease elimination.


Research on the Combination Component (Clorsulon)

Clorsulon, the second compound in the Ivomec Super formulation, is an agent not approved for human use by the FDA or the European Medicines Agency (EMA). It is primarily studied for its mechanism against liver flukes (Fasciola hepatica) in animals, where it disrupts the parasite’s energy metabolism. Human clinical research has focused predominantly on ivermectin alone or in combination with other established human antiparasitics, such as albendazole or triclabendazole, rather than with clorsulon.


Safety and Off-Label Considerations

Regulatory and public health bodies strongly advise against the use of veterinary-grade products, such as those labeled Ivomec Super, in humans. These formulations contain concentrations, excipients, and additional active agents (like clorsulon) that are not tested or approved for human consumption and carry a significant risk of toxicity and severe adverse events.

Key Studies & References

  1. Ivermectin for the treatment of onchocerciasis and strongyloidiasis: a review of the evidence and future directions.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Common questions about Ivomec Super (FAQ)

Q: How long does the main active ingredient typically stay in the body's system?

The formulation is designed for prolonged action. Official product information indicates that the active ingredient, Ivermectin, is slowly absorbed, resulting in an extended period of activity in the body which is associated with prolonged control of certain parasites. This prolonged presence is directly linked to the need for a long mandatory withdrawal period.

Q: What signs or symptoms indicate a potentially serious side effect is occurring?

Serious adverse reactions described in official documents are often linked to specific contexts, such as the death of certain migrating larvae. These rare but severe outcomes may include specific neurological issues like posterior paralysis or recumbency. Separately, in documented cases of overdose, severe localized reactions like tissue necrosis (tissue death) at the injection site have also been noted.

Q: Is the medication safe for use by older individuals or those with kidney problems?

Official product information confirms that the product is suitable for cattle of all ages, including young animals. However, the regulatory label does not provide specific statements regarding its use in animals with existing kidney or liver impairment, as these are not standard considerations for this type of veterinary product.

Q: Is the combination formula considered more potent than a single-ingredient Ivermectin product?

According to the official product information, the combination of Ivermectin and Clorsulon delivers a synergistic effect. This dual-action system contributes to broad efficacy against a broader spectrum of parasites, specifically by adding control over adult liver flukes, which Ivermectin alone may not address fully.

Q: What is the main difference between Ivomec Super and other common treatments for similar issues?

The primary difference noted in regulatory documents is the medication's dual-action system and its injectable format. This composition is described as providing broad spectrum control over a wider range of parasites, including both roundworms and liver flukes, with prolonged activity following treatment.

Q: Is it normal to experience dizziness or nausea after the active ingredient is administered?

The official safety documents for the veterinary product list localized reactions such as transitory discomfort and soft tissue swelling at the injection site. Systemic effects like dizziness or nausea are not listed as common or expected adverse reactions in the product's regulatory label.

Q: Why are there discussions in patient communities about off-label use of Ivermectin?

The active ingredient Ivermectin is an established antiparasitic agent that regulatory bodies, including the FDA, have approved for treating certain specific human tropical diseases. The existence of these approved human uses, such as for Intestinal Strongyloidiasis and Onchocerciasis (River Blindness), is a factual element that contributes to the discussion in patient communities.

Q: Can the drug cause skin reactions like itching or rash?

Official documents include the possibility of Immune System Disorders (hypersensitivity) as a documented category of reaction. Separately, for the active ingredient when used in human treatments, reactions in the form of skin rash or itching have been noted.

Q: Does consuming alcohol affect the safety or effectiveness of the active ingredient?

The official veterinary medicine label states that no interactions have been identified with other medicinal products. However, information regarding the active ingredient (Ivermectin) when used in humans suggests that alcohol consumption may increase the blood levels or potential side effects of the drug.

Q: Where can I find the full, official prescribing information document for this medication?

The full regulatory details are found in the official document titled Ivomec Super Injection for Cattle. This is often referred to as the Summary of Product Characteristics (SmPC) by regulators in Europe and other regions.

Q: Can the active ingredients cause temporary changes to vision or eye health?

The official veterinary label does not detail these effects. However, for the active ingredient when used in human treatments, vision problems such as eye/eyelid irritation, redness, or swelling have been reported, particularly in treatments for specific parasitic diseases like Onchocerciasis.

Q: Is the active ingredient Ivermectin known to have resistance issues in some areas?

Official product information, such as the Summary of Product Characteristics (SmPC), includes a specific warning that frequent or repeated use of anthelmintics from the same class can increase the risk of development of resistance in the target species.

Q: Are there different strengths or versions of Ivomec Super available?

Regulatory documents define a single standard concentration for the injectable solution: 10 mg of Ivermectin and 100 mg of Clorsulon per milliliter. While different volume pack sizes (e.g., 50 mL, 500 mL) are available, only this one standard concentration is officially defined.

Q: Is it possible for the active ingredients to interact with herbal supplements?

The official veterinary medicine label states that no interactions have been identified with other medicinal products. Furthermore, information for the active ingredient Ivermectin used in humans suggests there are no known interactions with herbal supplements.

Q: What is the maximum duration of effect expected from a single use of the product?

The product is noted for its prolonged activity against certain parasites. Official product information states that it offers control against re-infection of lungworm for up to 28 days and certain roundworms for up to 14 to 21 days after a single use.

Q: Can the active ingredient cause an increase in heart rate or low blood pressure?

The official veterinary safety documents do not list cardiovascular effects. However, for the active ingredient Ivermectin used in human treatments, adverse events noted in some reports include rapid heart rate (tachycardia) and low blood pressure (hypotension).

Q: What is the procedure if a suspected adverse reaction occurs?

Regulatory bodies, such as the FDA's Center for Veterinary Medicine (CVM), state that any suspected adverse event is reported first to the manufacturer of the product. The regulatory authority also maintains direct mechanisms for reporting suspected adverse reactions thereafter.

How should Ivomec Super be stored and disposed of?

Storage and Disposal Requirements

Official Storage Conditions

Ivomec Super Injection must be protected from light and stored in its original packaging. A key child-safety requirement is to keep out of the sight and reach of children.

While the unopened product has a 5-year shelf life, once the immediate packaging is first opened, the product must be used within 6 months.

Handling and Environmental Rules

If the product is stored at a temperature below 5 C, it may become more viscous, making administration difficult. In such cases, warming the product and equipment to approximately 15 C will assist with ease of injection.

Disposal of unused product and waste must be carried out in accordance with local requirements. The product is extremely dangerous to fish and aquatic life, and regulatory instructions prohibit contamination of surface waters or disposal via wastewater.

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

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