Soolantra (ivermectin) Cream, 1% is a prescription-only topical medication specifically formulated for the treatment of inflammatory lesions (papules and pustules) of rosacea in adult patients. Its mechanism of action is distinct, targeting both the inflammatory and potential parasitic components believed to contribute to this chronic dermatological condition. This cream offers a clinically proven, once-daily solution that addresses the underlying pathophysiology, providing dermatologists and patients with a valuable tool for long-term management. Its efficacy and favorable safety profile have made it a cornerstone in modern rosacea treatment protocols.

Features

• Contains 1% ivermectin as the active pharmaceutical ingredient.
• Formulated in a light, non-comedogenic, oil-in-water emollient cream base.
• Designed for topical application only; not for oral, ophthalmic, or intravaginal use.
• Supplied in a 30-gram aluminum tube with a polyethylene screw cap.
• Prescription-only medication, requiring diagnosis and supervision by a healthcare professional.

Benefits

• Targets the Root Cause: Demonstrated anti-inflammatory and anti-parasitic properties directly address the suspected Demodex mite proliferation and dysregulated immune response associated with rosacea.
• Sustained Efficacy: Clinical trials show significant and continuous improvement in inflammatory lesion count over 12 weeks of treatment, with many patients achieving and maintaining clear or almost clear skin.
• Favorable Tolerability Profile: The topical formulation is generally well-tolerated, with a low incidence of systemic side effects, making it suitable for long-term maintenance therapy.
• Simplified Dosing Regimen: A once-daily application regimen supports high patient adherence, which is critical for successful chronic disease management.
• Improves Skin Condition: The emollient base helps to hydrate and soothe the skin, which can improve the overall skin barrier function and reduce the dryness and irritation often associated with rosacea.
• Non-Comedogenic: The formulation is designed not to clog pores, an essential feature for use on facial skin prone to acneiform eruptions.

Common use

Soolantra is indicated exclusively for the topical treatment of inflammatory lesions (papules and pustules) of rosacea in adult patients. It is not indicated for the treatment of other signs of rosacea, such as erythema (persistent redness), telangiectasia (visible blood vessels), or phymatous changes (skin thickening). It is used as a primary therapy to reduce the visible inflammatory burden of the disease and is often incorporated into a comprehensive skincare regimen that includes gentle cleansers, moisturizers, and broad-spectrum sunscreens.

Dosage and direction

• Apply a pea-sized amount of Soolantra once daily to each affected area of the face (forehead, chin, nose, each cheek).
• Use only on the face; avoid application near the eyes, lips, or mucous membranes.
• Dispense the cream onto a fingertip and dot it evenly across the face before gently spreading it into a thin, uniform layer.
• The cream should be applied to clean, dry skin.
• Wash hands immediately after application.
• Cosmetics may be applied over Soolantra after the cream has dried.

Precautions

• For external use only. If contact with the eyes occurs, rinse thoroughly with water.
• Discontinue use and consult a physician if signs of severe irritation or hypersensitivity occur.
• Not recommended for use in children, as the safety and efficacy in pediatric populations have not been established.
• Use during pregnancy or breastfeeding should only be undertaken if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus or infant. Consult a physician.
• Do not use on areas of broken skin or open wounds.

Contraindications

Soolantra is contraindicated in individuals with a known hypersensitivity to ivermectin, any other ingredients in the formulation (e.g., cetyl alcohol, stearyl alcohol, isopropyl palmitate), or to any other avermectins.

Possible side effect

The most common adverse reactions observed in clinical trials were skin-related and generally mild to moderate in severity. These include:

• Skin burning sensation
• Skin irritation
• Pruritus (itching)
• Dry skin While less common, the following have also been reported:
• Contact dermatitis
• Worsening of rosacea (initial flare-up) Systemic absorption of topical ivermectin is minimal; therefore, systemic side effects associated with oral ivermectin are not expected at standard doses.

Drug interaction

Formal drug interaction studies have not been conducted with topical Soolantra. Due to minimal systemic absorption (plasma concentrations are less than 1% of that achieved after a standard oral dose), clinically significant drug interactions are unlikely. However, as a precaution, patients should inform their physician of all other medications they are taking, including prescription, over-the-counter, and herbal products.

Missed dose

If a dose is missed, it should be applied as soon as remembered on the same day. If the day has passed, the missed dose should be skipped, and the regular once-daily application schedule should be resumed the next day. Do not apply a double dose to make up for a missed one.

Overdose

Topical overdose of Soolantra is unlikely to lead to life-threatening symptoms due to limited systemic absorption. Excessive application may increase the potential for the adverse reactions listed above, such as severe skin irritation. The cream should be wiped off if an excessive amount is applied. In case of accidental ingestion, seek medical attention or contact a Poison Control Center immediately. Symptoms of oral ivermectin overdose may include headache, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and urticaria.

Storage

• Store at room temperature between 20°C to 25°C (68°F to 77°F). Excursions are permitted between 15°C and 30°C (59°F and 86°F).
• Keep the tube tightly closed when not in use.
• Do not freeze.
• Keep out of reach of children and pets.

Disclaimer

This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or medication. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read here. The full official prescribing information should be consulted before initiating treatment.

Reviews

• Clinical Trial Data: In two pivotal Phase 3 studies involving over 1,300 patients, Soolantra demonstrated superior efficacy to vehicle (placebo) cream in reducing inflammatory lesion counts. At week 12, a significantly greater proportion of patients achieved “clear” or “almost clear” status on the Investigator’s Global Assessment (IGA) scale compared to the vehicle group.
• Expert Consensus: Soolantra is frequently cited in dermatological treatment guidelines as a first-line topical therapy for papulopustular rosacea. Experts highlight its unique dual mechanism of action and its role in long-term maintenance due to its safety profile.
• Patient-Reported Outcomes: Many patients report high satisfaction with the reduction in visible bumps and redness, as well as the ease of use of the once-daily regimen. The cream’s texture is often described as cosmetically elegant and non-greasy.