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ANTIPARASITIC PRODUCTS, INSECTICIDES AND REPELLENTS › ECTOPARASITICIDES, INCL. SCABICIDES, INSECTICIDES AND REPELLENTS › ECTOPARASITICIDES, INCL. SCABICIDES › Other ectoparasiticides, incl. scabicides
benzyl alcohol
P03AX06
Adult Dosing
- Head lice infestation: Apply 5% lotion to dry hair until thoroughly wet, leave on for 10 minutes, then rinse out with water. Repeat treatment after 7 days.
Pediatric Dosing
- Head lice infestation (patients 6 months of age and older): Apply 5% lotion to dry hair until thoroughly wet, leave on for 10 minutes, then rinse out with water. Repeat treatment after 7 days.
- Safety and efficacy have not been established in neonates and infants under 6 months of age due to the risk of gasping syndrome.
Indications
- Treatment of head lice infestation in patients 6 months of age and older
Mechanism of Action
- Acts as a pediculicide by inhibiting lice from closing their spiracles (breathing tubes), allowing the vehicle to enter the tubes and asphyxiate the insects.
Contraindications
- Known hypersensitivity to benzyl alcohol or any component of the formulation
- Neonates and infants under 6 months of age (due to risk of fatal gassing syndrome)
Adverse Reactions
- Pruritus (site of application)
- Erythema (site of application)
- Ocular irritation
- Flaking of the scalp
Drug Interactions
- No formal drug interaction studies have been performed with topical benzyl alcohol lotion.
- Systemic absorption is minimal, making significant systemic drug interactions unlikely.
Curated Content: Needs Vetting Before Put to Clinical Use