Absorption

When taken orally, ivermectin is absorbed by stomach cells in the small intestine. However, it can get pumped back into the intestine itself by a small membrane protein called p-glycoprotein p (pGp). This can prolong the time it takes for ivermectin to get to the liver.

Distribution

Ivermectin is distributed around the body by the blood stream. Because it’s very lipid soluble, it can be deposited into different tissues, like adipose tissue. This means it can stay in the body for a long time.

Metabolism

Ivermectin is metabolised by enzymes in the liver and gut. It can form up to 10 metabolites. The metabolites of ivermectin can stay in the body for a lot longer than ivermectin itself.

Excretion

Ivermectin mainly leaves the body in your poo. In your small intestine, bile from the gallbladder that contains ivermectin combines with other nutrients. Eventually, this travels through the large intestine and becomes poo.

The information above and the diagram were drawn and compiled by the authors, based on a variety of scientific sources [1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6].