Reviewed by Virginia Chachati MPharm
(2013, University College London)
GPhC Registration number: 2087654
Information last reviewed 30/06/2021
Soolantra cream is used to treat the spots, pimples and redness associated with rosacea. Rosacea is a skin condition which causes facial flushing, redness and acne-like spots.
Soolantra cream contains the active ingredient ivermectin which has anti-inflammatory and anti-parasitic properties that work against spots and skin redness associated with rosacea.
You should use Soolantra cream for as long as your doctor prescribes. This is usually about four months. Stopping the treatment early may cause your rosacea symptoms to return.
The exact cause of rosacea is unknown, but some possibilities include :
The redness associated with rosacea is caused by dilation of the blood vessels, the above list being potential triggers for this. It appears that rosacea runs in families but a definitive genetic link is yet to be proven.
If you have a family history of rosacea then you are more likely to experience it. The genetic link that determines how rosacea is passed on is still being researched by scientists.
Ocular rosacea is a type of rosacea which affects the eyes resulting in redness, itching and discomfort. The symptoms can be mild but if left untreated it can damage your eyes. If you are experiencing eye irritation alongside facial rosacea then you should see your doctor.
Triggers which can cause rosacea include:
Stress is a common cause of rosacea. If this is something that is affecting you, finding ways to manage stress may help keep your rosacea under control.
Identifying your triggers will help you manage rosacea effectively. Keeping a diary to record when your symptoms occur and any environmental factors present (such as food, drink or the weather) can help you keep track of triggers. Certain factors may be out of your control, but taking steps like wearing sunscreen, wrapping up in cold weather and washing your face with lukewarm water will minimise rosacea flare ups.
Rosacea is a skin condition which affects the face. It usually begins to appear as flushing or redness with spots and pimples. It can also affect the eyes, which is known as ocular rosacea.
Soolantra cream helps treat the pimples and spots associated with rosacea. If you have acne, which includes whiteheads and blackheads, then a treatment which is designed for acne such as benzoyl peroxide or retinol cream may be more effective.
Dose |
Apply a pea-sized amount to the face only, once per day |
Type of Medicine |
Antiparasitic |
Available Size |
30g tube |
Available Strengths |
10mg/g |
Active Ingredient |
Ivermectin |
Price |
From £32.40 |
Side Effects |
Can include burning sensation on the application area, itching, irritation of the skin, swelling, inflammation |
The active ingredient in Soolantra cream is ivermectin.
The other ingredients in the Soolantra cream are: glycerol, isopropyl palmitate, carbomer, dimeticone, disodium edetate, citric acid monohydrate, cetyl alcohol, stearyl alcohol, macrogol cetostearyl ether, sorbitan stearate, methyl parahydroxybenzoate (E218), propyl parahydroxybenzoate (E216), phenoxyethanol, propylene glycol, oleyl alcohol, sodium hydroxide, purified water.
This medication contains metyl alcohol and stearyl alcohol may cause skin reactions resulting in a burning or itching sensation during the first few uses. The cream also contains Methyl parahydroxybenzoate (E218) and propyl parahydroxybenzote (E216) which may cause possibly delayed allergic reactions which presents as difficulty breathing, dizziness, swelling of the face/eyes and a rash. Please get help as soon as possible if you experience any of these symptoms.
Soolantra cream should be applied to your skin once a day. Use a pea sized amount of cream and rub it into the skin around the chin, forehead, nose and cheeks. One gram of Soolantra creams contains 10 mg of ivermectin.
Using too much Soolantra cream can irritate your skin. If this happens, ask a doctor or pharmacist for advice. Using extra Soolantra cream will not make it work any faster.
If you forget to use Soolantra cream, apply it as soon as you remember. Do not use double the amount to make up for a missed dose.
Follow the instructions given by your doctor for how long to use Soolantra cream for. You may need to use Soolantra cream for at least 6 to 8 weeks to reduce redness and spots. The length of your treatment will depend on the severity of your rosacea.
Possible side effects of Soolantra cream include:
Soolantra cream should not be used if you are allergic to any of the ingredients in the medicine. Soolantra cream is not suitable for use during pregnancy.
Let your doctor or pharmacist know if you are taking any other medicines before using Soolantra cream.
There are alternative creams and gels which are designed to treat rosacea. These include:
If these are not effective, other treatments are available. For example:
Soolantra cream and metronidazole are two different types of medicine. Metronidazole is an antibiotic whereas Soolantra contains ivermectin. Although ivermectin is normally used to treat parasitic infections, it can help treat rosacea too.
Soolantra cream contains ivermectin to help treat rosacea. Finacea gel contains a different active ingredient called azelaic acid and can be used to treat rosacea which has spots or bumps.
There is no cure for rosacea but it can be managed with the right treatment.
Rosacea can affect your quality of life and impact your self esteem. Getting the right treatment will reduce the redness and stop it from getting worse. Once you have your symptoms under control, it can also help to prevent them from returning. Identifying your triggers will help you have fewer rosacea flare ups.
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