Yes

Antiparasitic Agent, Topical; Pediculocide; Shampoo, Pediculocide

Treatment of Pediculus humanus infestations (head lice, body lice, pubic lice and their eggs)

C

Known hypersensitivity to pyrethrins, ragweed, or chrysanthemums

For external use only; do not use in eyelashes or eyebrows

1% to 10%:

Local: Burning, stinging, irritation with repeat use

No data reported

Pyrethrins are derived from flowers that belong to the chrysanthemum family. The mechanism of action on the neuronal membranes of lice is similar to that of DDT. Piperonyl butoxide is usually added to pyrethrin to enhance the product's activity by decreasing the metabolism of pyrethrins in arthropods.

Onset of action: ~30 minutes

Absorption: Topical into the system is minimal

Metabolism: By ester hydrolysis and hydroxylation

Application of pyrethrins: Topical:

Allow to remain on area for 10 minutes

Wash and rinse with large amounts of warm water

Use fine-toothed comb to remove lice and eggs from hair

Shampoo hair to restore body and luster

Treatment may be repeated if necessary once in a 24-hour period

Repeat treatment in 7-10 days to kill newly hatched lice

None reported

None reported

No information available to require special precautions

No effects or complications reported

For external use only; avoid touching eyes, mouth, or other mucous membranes; contact physician if irritation occurs or if condition does not improve in 2-3 days

For external use only; avoid touching eyes, mouth, or other mucous membranes; contact physician if irritation occurs or if condition does not improve in 2-3 days

Gel, topical: 0.3% (30 g)

Liquid, topical: 0.18% (60 mL); 0.2% (60 mL, 120 mL); 0.3% (60 mL, 118 mL, 120 mL, 177 mL, 237 mL, 240 mL)

Shampoo: 0.3% (59 mL, 60 mL, 118 mL, 120 mL, 240 mL); 0.33% (60 mL, 120 mL)

Coats JR, "Mechanisms of Toxic Action and Structure-Activity Relationships for Organochlorine and Synthetic Pyrethroids Insecticide," Environ Health Perspect, 1990, 87:255-62.

Culver CA, Malina JJ, and Talbert RL, "Probable Anaphylactoid Reaction to a Pyrethrin Pediculicide Shampoo," Clin Pharm, 1988, 7(11):846-9.

Dorman DC and Beasley VR, "Neurotoxicity of Pyrethrin and the Pyrethroid Insecticides," Vet Hum Toxicol, 1991, 33(3):238-43.

"Drugs for Parasitic Infections," Med Lett Drugs Ther, 1998, 40(1017):1-12.

Liu LX and Weller PF, "Antiparasitic Drugs," N Engl J Med, 1996, 334(18):1178-84.

Wax PM and Hoffman RS, "Fatality Associated With Inhalation of a Pyrethrin Shampoo," J Toxicol Clin Toxicol, 1994, 32(4):457-60.