Arkansas Legalizes OTC Ivermectin: What Will Pharmacies Do Next?

Update as of July 2025

You may recall that on March 25, Arkansas Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders signed Senate Bill 189 into law, which became Act 396, legalizing the sale of ivermectin over the counter (OTC) in the state. The law takes effect 90 days after the Arkansas General Assembly adjourned, which was on May 5, 2025. That means ivermectin could be legally sold OTC in Arkansas starting August 3, 2025.

But there’s a complication.

The FDA has not approved ivermectin for OTC use in humans. Federal law requires drug manufacturers to have FDA-approved labeling for how a product is used, and the FDA has only approved ivermectin for humans with a prescription. The agency does not recognize or enforce state laws like Act 396 when it comes to labeling or classification.

This creates a legal gray area:

• Pharmacists in Arkansas are allowed under state law to sell ivermectin without a prescription.

• But if the product’s label states “Rx only” or lacks FDA-approved OTC instructions, selling it OTC may go against federal regulations.

So how will pharmacies respond?

That’s the big question. Some pharmacists may choose to offer ivermectin OTC in accordance with the new state law. Others may decline, citing the lack of FDA approval and concerns about liability or unclear usage instructions.

Bottom line: Come August 3, we’ll find out if Arkansas pharmacies are ready to dispense ivermectin without a prescription—or if this law will remain more symbolic than practical.