Soolantra cream (1% ivermectin) is a prescription topical medication primarily used for the treatment of inflammatory lesions of rosacea in adults. Below is a concise overview of its uses based on FDA-approved indications and available research, including the provided web results.
 
Uses of Soolantra Cream
1.  Treatment of Inflammatory Lesions of Rosacea:
    •  Primary Use: Soolantra is FDA-approved to treat papulopustular rosacea (a subtype of rosacea characterized by redness, swelling, and acne-like bumps or pimples on the face, particularly the nose, cheeks, chin, and forehead). It reduces inflammatory lesions (papules and pustules) by targeting Demodex mites, which may contribute to rosacea symptoms, and exerting anti-inflammatory effects.
    •  Efficacy: Clinical studies show Soolantra reduces inflammatory lesion counts by 64.9–83.0% after 12–16 weeks, significantly outperforming placebo (41.6–43.4%) and metronidazole 7.5 mg/g cream (73.7%). Over 60% of patients report “good” or “excellent” improvement by week 12.
2.  Mechanism of Action:
    •  Anti-Parasitic: Ivermectin kills Demodex folliculorum mites, which are more prevalent in rosacea patients and may trigger inflammation.
    •  Anti-Inflammatory: Reduces redness and swelling by modulating inflammatory pathways, though the exact mechanism is not fully understood.
3.  Administration:
    •  Application: Apply a pea-sized amount once daily to each affected facial area (forehead, chin, nose, and each cheek), spreading as a thin layer. Avoid eyes, lips, mouth, and mucous membranes. Wash hands after use and allow the cream to dry before applying cosmetics or sunscreen.
    •  Duration: Used daily for up to 4 months; treatment may be repeated if needed. Discontinue if no improvement is seen after 3 months.
4.  Off-Label Uses (Limited Evidence):
    •  Other Skin Conditions: Anecdotally explored for conditions like demodicosis (Demodex mite overgrowth) or perioral dermatitis, but not FDA-approved for these uses.
    •  Combination Therapies: May be used with other rosacea treatments (e.g., azelaic acid or metronidazole) under medical guidance, though specific interactions are not well-studied.
Important Considerations
•  Approved Population: For adults (18+); safety and efficacy in children and adolescents are not established.
•  Contraindications: Avoid in patients allergic to ivermectin or any inactive ingredients (e.g., glycerin, propylene glycol).
•  Precautions:
    •  For facial use only; avoid eyes, mouth, or vagina. Rinse with water if accidental contact occurs.
    •  Inform healthcare providers of pregnancy, breastfeeding, or other medications due to limited data on safety.
•  Side Effects: Mild, including skin burning or irritation (1–2% of users). Severe allergic reactions or worsening rosacea are rare.
•  Results Timeline: Initial improvement may be seen in 2–4 weeks, with maximum benefits by 12–16 weeks.
•  Prescription-Only: Not available over-the-counter; requires a prescription from a healthcare provider.
•  Storage: Store at room temperature (68–77°F); keep out of reach of children due to child-resistant cap.
 
Conclusion
Soolantra cream is primarily used to treat inflammatory lesions of papulopustular rosacea in adults, effectively reducing redness, bumps, and pimples through its antiparasitic and anti-inflammatory properties. It is applied once daily and shows significant results within weeks, with optimal effects after 3–4 months. Off-label uses are limited and require medical supervision. Always consult a healthcare provider for proper use and to discuss potential risks or interactions.