Soolantra

Generic name: ivermectin
Dosage form: cream, 1%, for topical use
Drug classes: Topical anti-infectives, Topical anti-rosacea agents

Medically reviewed by Judith Stewart, BPharm. Last updated on Mar 26, 2024.

What is Soolantra?

Soolantra is a prescription cream used to treat rosacea.

Soolantra contains ivermectin, a macrocyclic lactone. Exactly how it works to treat rosacea is unknown.

Who should not use Soolantra?

You should not use Soolantra if you are allergic to ivermectin or any of the other ingredients contained in this medicine.

Before using Soolantra

Some medical conditions may interact with this medicine. Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any medical conditions, especially if any of the following apply to you:

if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding
if you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement
if you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances

Some MEDICINES MAY INTERACT with this medicine. Because little, if any, of this medicine is absorbed into the blood, the risk of it interacting with another medicine is low.

Ask your health care provider if this medicine may interact with other medicines that you take. Check with your health care provider before you start, stop, or change the dose of any medicine.

How do I use Soolantra?

Use this medicine as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions.

An extra patient leaflet and instructions for use is available with this medicine. Talk to your pharmacist if you have questions about this information.
Be sure you understand how to use this medicine. Ask your health care provider if you have questions or if you are unsure how to use it.
Wash your hands before and after using this medicine.
Clean the affected area before use. Make sure to dry well.
Apply a small amount of medicine to the affected area. Gently rub the medicine in until it is evenly distributed.
Avoid getting this medicine in the eyes or on the lips.
If you miss a dose of this medicine, put it on as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not put on 2 doses at once.

Instructions for Use

Important: Soolantra cream is for use on the face only. Do not use Soolantra cream in your eyes, mouth or vagina.
Read and follow the steps below so that you use Soolantra cream correctly:

Open the tube of Soolantra cream by gently pressing down on the child resistant cap and twist in the direction of the arrow (counterclockwise). To avoid spilling, do not squeeze the tube while opening or closing.
To apply Soolantra cream to your face, squeeze a pea-sized amount of Soolantra cream from the tube onto your fingertip.
Apply Soolantra to the affected areas of your face once a day. Use a pea-sized amount of Soolantra cream for each area of your face (forehead, chin, nose, each cheek) that is affected. Spread the cream smoothly and evenly in a thin layer. Avoid contact with your eyes and lips.
To close Soolantra cream, gently press down on the child resistant cap and twist to the right (clockwise).

Ask your health care provider any questions you may have about how to use this medicine.

Important safety information

Do not get this medicine in your eyes, nose, or mouth. Do not get it in your vagina. If you get this medicine in any of these areas, gently flush them with water.
Do not use more than the recommended dose or for longer than prescribed without checking with your doctor.
This medicine may cause harm if it is swallowed. If you may have taken it by mouth, contact your poison control center or emergency room right away.
PREGNANCY and BREASTFEEDING: If you become pregnant, contact your doctor. You will need to discuss the benefits and risks of using this medicine while you are pregnant. It is not known if this medicine is found in breast milk after topical use. Do not breastfeed while using this medicine.

Soolantra side effects

All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. Check with your doctor if any of these common side effects persists or becomes bothersome:

Mild burning at the application site; skin irritation.

Seek medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE side effects occur:

Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); severe or persistent burning at the application site; severe or persistent skin irritation.

This is not a complete list of all side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, contact your health care provider. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

If overdose is suspected:

Contact 1-800-222-1222 (the American Association of Poison Control Centers), your local poison control center, or emergency room immediately.

Storage

Store this medicine at room temperature between 68 and 77 degrees F (20 and 25 degrees C). Store away from heat, moisture, and light. Do not freeze. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep this medicine out of the reach of children and away from pets.

General information

If you have any questions about this medicine, please talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
This medicine is to be used only by the patient for whom it is prescribed. Do not share it with other people.
If your symptoms do not improve or if they become worse, check with your doctor.
Check with your pharmacist about how to dispose of unused medicine.

This information should not be used to decide whether or not to take this medicine or any other medicine. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to decide which medicines are right for you. This information does not endorse any medicine as safe, effective, or approved for treating any patient or health condition. This is only a brief summary of general information about this medicine. It does NOT include all information about the possible uses, directions, warnings, precautions, interactions, adverse effects, or risks that may apply to this medicine. This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about the risks and benefits of using this medicine.

What are the ingredients in Soolantra?

Active ingredient: ivermectin
Inactive ingredients: carbomer copolymer type B, cetyl alcohol, citric acid monohydrate, dimethicone, edetate disodium, glycerin, isopropyl palmitate, methylparaben, oleyl alcohol, phenoxyethanol, polyoxyl 20 cetostearyl ether, propylene glycol, propylparaben, purified water, sodium hydroxide, sorbitan monostearate, and stearyl alcohol

Popular FAQ

How long does it take for Soolantra to start working?

In two clinical studies, Soolantra (ivermectin 1%) cream was more effective than a vehicle cream (a topical cream without the drug) starting at 4 weeks after the start of treatment. In one US study, patients saw 27% fewer bumps and blemishes after 2 weeks, and up to 75% fewer symptoms after 12 weeks. Continue reading

Can Soolantra be used for acne?

A small case study reported limited positive results with ivermectin topical 1% in 4 patients with mild-to-moderate acne vulgaris. Soolantra (ivermectin 1%) is not approved by the FDA for the treatment of acne vulgaris. Continue reading

How often should I use Soolantra?

Soolantra (ivermectin 1%) cream is approved to be used once a day only on the face for the treatment of rosacea, or as directed by your doctor. Continue reading