Ivermectin for Ball Pythons

Reptile · Python regius · typical adult weight 1.00–2.00 kg

Ivermectin is dosed at 0.2 mg/kg SC q14d in ball pythons, per Klaphake E, Gibbons PM, Sladky KK, et al. Reptiles. In: Carpenter JW, eds. Exotic Animal Formulary, 5th ed., Elsevier, St. Louis, MO; 2018:81-166. / 127. Flach EJ, Riley J, Mutlow AG, et al. Pentastomiasis in Bosc’s monitor lizards (Varanus exanthematicus) caused by an undescribed Sambonia species. J Zoo Wildl Med. 2000;31:91-95. — Verified against Carpenter's Exotic Animal Formulary, 6th Ed, p.227 (2026-08-01).. Ivermectin is used in ball pythons for Ectoparasites (mites). Routes documented in ball pythons: SC. A typical adult ball python weighs 1.00–2.00 kg. ExoticRx lists 1 cited dose rule for Ivermectin in ball pythons, drawn from published veterinary references. Verify against current literature before clinical use.

US trade names: Ivomec, Heartgard

Contraindicated in Tortoise / Turtle

Tortoise / Turtle: Ivermectin causes fatal toxicosis in chelonians at doses other reptiles tolerateChelonians are far more sensitive than lizards and snakes: doses routine elsewhere in reptile practice have produced paralysis and death in turtles and tortoises. Do not use ivermectin in chelonians; use fenbendazole or another alternative. (The cited study did find 0.05 mg/kg IM tolerated in red-footed tortoises when not repeated inside 7 days, so the hazard is dose- and interval-dependent rather than absolute — but that margin is far too narrow to work to in a clinical setting.)

Dose ranges

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These ranges are per kg. Enter your ball python's weight to get the precise dose and draw-up volume — unit and concentration math done for you.

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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-specific contraindications and adverse-reaction reports for ball pythons may differ from canine / feline reference data — consult the primary citations listed with each rule.

Frequently asked questions

What is the dose of Ivermectin for Ball Pythons?

Ivermectin dose range in ball pythons, with cited source references: SC 0.2 mg/kg q14d. Reference ranges from cited sources — verify against current literature before clinical use.

How is Ivermectin administered in Ball Pythons?

Documented routes for Ivermectin in ball pythons: SC.

How long is Ivermectin given in Ball Pythons?

Cited course lengths for Ivermectin in ball pythons include: 2-3 treatments. Duration depends on the indication — match it to the specific dose rule in the table above.

What conditions does Ivermectin treat in Ball Pythons?

Ivermectin is indicated in ball pythons for: Ectoparasites (mites).

What are the side effects of Ivermectin in Ball Pythons?

These are general warnings for Ivermectin across species; consult the ball python dosing table above for species-specific guidance. 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.

Other Antiparasitic drugs with ball python dosing

Fenbendazole Levamisole Ponazuril Praziquantel Suramin Thiabendazole

Why a species-specific page? Ivermectin pharmacokinetics differ across species: dose ranges, intervals, and route preferences are not interchangeable. Cross-extrapolation from canine doses is unsafe in ball pythons — the rules above are the citations specific to this species, not generic recommendations.

Sourced from published veterinary references; awaiting credentialed clinical reviewer. See our editorial process. Reference only — not veterinary advice.