Moxidectin

Why is this medicine prescribed?

Moxidectin is used to treat onchocerciasis (river blindness; an infection by a parasite, worm, that causes severe skin conditions and visual blindness). Moxidectin is in a class of medications called antihelminthics. It works by killing the worms.

Are there other uses for this medicine?

This medication may be prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

How should this medicine be used?

Moxidectin comes as a tablet to take by mouth. Take as a single dose with or without food.

Take moxidectin exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it.

Ask your pharmacist or doctor for a copy of the manufacturer's information for the patient.

What special precautions should I follow?

Before taking moxidectin,

• tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to this medication, any part of this medication, or any other medications, foods or substances. Tell your doctor or pharmacist about the allergy and what symptoms you had.

• tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking or plan to take.

• tell your doctor if you have or have ever had kidney disease or an infection with Loa loa (eye worm; infection with a different parasite).

• tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. If you find out you are pregnant after taking moxidectin, call your doctor.

• you should not breastfeed when you take moxidectin or for 7 days after you take moxidectin.

• you should know that moxidectin may cause dizziness, lightheadedness, and fainting when you get up too quickly from a lying position.

What special dietary instructions should I follow?

Unless your doctor tells you otherwise, continue your normal diet.

What side effects can this medicine cause?

Moxidectin may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:

• itchy skin or rash
• muscle or joint pain
• headache
• belly pain
• fever, chills, body aches, cough
• dizziness
• diarrhea, nausea, vomiting
• swelling

Some side effects can be serious. If you experience any of these symptoms, call your doctor immediately or get emergency medical treatment.

Moxidectin may cause a condition called Mazzotti reaction which is a collection of skin, eye and systemic side effects that happen due to the body reacting to the death of the worms. Tell your doctor if you experience any of the following: itching, headache, fever, rash, dizziness, feeling of rapid heart rate, swelling, swollen lymph nodes, joint and muscle aches and pains, chills, numbness or tingling in feet or hands, red eyes, itching, watery, or pain in eyes, eyelid swelling, blurred vision, sensitivity to light, vision changes.

Moxidectin may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while taking this medication.

If you experience a serious side effect, you or your doctor may send a report to the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program online (https://www.fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch) or by phone (1-800-332-1088).

What should I know about storage and disposal of this medication?

Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from light, excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom).

Keep all medication out of sight and reach of children as many containers are not child-resistant. Always lock safety caps. Place the medication in a safe location – one that is up and away and out of their sight and reach. https://www.upandaway.org

Dispose of unneeded medications in a way so that pets, children, and other people cannot take them. Do not flush this medication down the toilet. Use a medicine take-back program. Talk to your pharmacist about take-back programs in your community. Visit the FDA's Safe Disposal of Medicines website https://goo.gl/c4Rm4p for more information.

What should I do in case of overdose?

In case of overdose, call the poison control helpline at 1-800-222-1222. Information is also available online at https://www.poisonhelp.org/help. If the victim has collapsed, had a seizure, has trouble breathing, or can't be awakened, immediately call emergency services at 911.

What other information should I know?

Keep all appointments with your doctor.

Do not let anyone else take your medication. Your prescription is probably not refillable. If you still have symptoms of infection after you finish the moxidectin, call your doctor.

Keep a written list of all of the prescription and nonprescription (over-the-counter) medicines, vitamins, minerals, and dietary supplements you are taking. Bring this list with you each time you visit a doctor or if you are admitted to the hospital. You should carry the list with you in case of emergencies.

This report on medications is for your information only, and is not considered individual patient advice. Because of the changing nature of drug information, please consult your physician or pharmacist about specific clinical use.

The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc. represents that the information provided hereunder was formulated with a reasonable standard of care, and in conformity with professional standards in the field. The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc. makes no representations or warranties, express or implied, including, but not limited to, any implied warranty of merchantability and/or fitness for a particular purpose, with respect to such information and specifically disclaims all such warranties. Users are advised that decisions regarding drug therapy are complex medical decisions requiring the independent, informed decision of an appropriate health care professional, and the information is provided for informational purposes only. The entire monograph for a drug should be reviewed for a thorough understanding of the drug's actions, uses and side effects. The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc. does not endorse or recommend the use of any drug. The information is not a substitute for medical care.

AHFS^® Patient Medication Information™. © Copyright, 2026. The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists^®, 4500 East-West Highway, Suite 900, Bethesda, Maryland. All Rights Reserved. Duplication for commercial use must be authorized by ASHP.

Selected Revisions: November 15, 2025.