ExoticRx · exoticrx.com/drugs/ivermectin
Ivermectin
Ivomec, Heartgard
Contraindicated in Tortoise / Turtle
- Tortoise / Turtle: Ivermectin is reliably fatal in cheloniansMultiple case reports describe fatal toxicosis in turtles and tortoises at doses tolerated routinely by lizards and snakes. Never use ivermectin in chelonians; use fenbendazole or other alternatives.
Drug Class
Routes
Indications
Mechanism of Action
Potentiates glutamate-gated chloride channels in invertebrate nerve and muscle cells, causing paralysis and death of parasites.
Side effects & warnings
TOXIC to MDR1-mutant dogs (Collies, Shelties, Aussies) at elevated doses. DO NOT use in chelonians (turtles/tortoises). Narrow safety margin in some species. Test MDR1 status before use in herding breeds.
Species with Ivermectin dosing data (32 dose rules)
Species references:All African Grey Parrot drugsAll African Pygmy Hedgehog drugsAll Ball Python drugsAll Bearded Dragon drugsAll Cat (Domestic) drugsAll Cattle (Beef/Dairy) drugsAll Chicken (Poultry) drugsAll Chinchilla drugsAll Dog (Domestic) drugsAll Ferret drugsAll Goat (Caprine) drugsAll Guinea Pig drugsAll Horse (Equine) drugsAll Pet Rat drugsAll Rabbit (Domestic) drugsAll Sheep (Ovine) drugsAll Swine (Pig) drugsAll Turkey drugs
Evidence levels across 32 dose rules
Each ExoticRx dose rule is graded by the strength of its primary evidence — see the editorial process.
Backed by 8 published sources
- · Carpenter's Exotic Animal Formulary, 6th Ed
- · ExoticRx 2026 (chinchilla dosing guide); Carpenter 6e
- · ExoticRx 2026 (ferret dosing guide); Carpenter 6e
- · ExoticRx 2026 (hedgehog dosing guide); Carpenter 6e
- · ExoticRx 2026 (rat dosing guide); Carpenter 6e
- · FARAD Withdrawal Guidelines
- · FDA NADA Label
- · Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 9th Ed
Sample dosing (2 of 32 cited rules)
A dog/cat sample is shown here. Cited dosing for all 18 species — reptiles, birds, pocket pets, livestock, and equine — is free on the per-species pages above. Pro adds the weight-based calculator for every species.
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View PlansArticles mentioning Ivermectin
- Antibiotic Selection in Exotic Animals: Principles and PitfallsHow to choose an antibiotic for rabbits, guinea pigs, parrots, and reptiles — with the species-specific contraindications general practice reaches for first by reflex.
- Ball Python Drug Dosing: A Vet's ReferenceAntibiotic, antiparasitic, and supportive-care dosing for Python regius — and the snake-specific physiology that drives the choices.
- Guinea Pig Drug Dosing: A Vet Quick ReferenceAntibiotic, analgesic, and antifungal dosing for Cavia porcellus — and why they're not just small rabbits.
- Rabbit Drug Dosing: A Vet's Quick ReferenceAntibiotic, analgesic, and antiparasitic dosing for domestic rabbits — and the oral antibiotics you must never reach for.
More Antiparasitic drugs
Source citations and evidence levels available on the live page. Reference only — verify against current literature before clinical use.