What is Lindane topical?
Lindane is a medicine that kills parasites. Lindane (for the skin) kills parasites and eggs that are found in your hair or skin.The topical shampoo Lindane is used to treat head lice and pubic lice (also known as "crabs"). Lindane topical cream is used to treat skin scabies.The lindane cream is only for adults and children weighing at least 110 pounds. Lindane topical is only to be used if all other medications have failed or cannot be administered.This medication guide does not list all possible uses for Lindane Topical.
Side effects of Lindane topical
If you experience any of the following symptoms of an allergic reaction, seek immediate medical attention: difficulty breathing, hives, swelling of the face, lips, or throat.Lindane can have serious side effects or even be fatal, particularly if it is used too frequently or for a longer period of time than recommended.
If you:
- Severe dizziness;
- A seizure (convulsions);
- Any problems with speech, balance, vision, or hearing
Some people who use lindane topically have experienced seizures after just one application.This medicine can cause side effects in children and older adults because they absorb more through their skin.There may be other side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. To report adverse effects, you can contact the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Similar/related drugs
Topical ivermectin, sodium chloride topical, topical permethrin, Elimite, topical acetic acid, Nix Lice Control, and Natroba
Warnings
Although lindane can be used to treat parasites, it is also poison. It is easily absorbed by the skin. Misuse of lindane topically can have serious or even fatal side effects.If you suffer from uncontrolled seizures, crusted lice, or any other skin condition, such as eczema or psoriasis, then you should avoid using lindane.Do not use this medication on a premature infant.
Before you take this drug
This medicine can treat parasites, but it is also poison. It can be absorbed by the skin and cause damage to your brain or nervous system. The misuse of lindane can have serious or even fatal side effects.
If you are allergic or have any of the following:
- An uncontrolled seizure disorder;
- Or crusted scabies
- Other skin conditions, such as eczema and psoriasis,
Premature babies should not use this medicine.
Tell your doctor about any of the following to ensure that lindane is safe for you:
- A history of seizures
- A history of brain injury or brain/spinal chord tumours;
- Hiv or aids
- Cirrhosis, or other liver diseases
- If you consume large quantities of alcohol,
Unknown is whether lindane will harm an unborn child. If you are pregnant, do not take this medication without consulting your doctor.Lindane topical may pass into breastmilk and harm nursing babies. Do not breastfeed for 24 hours following the use of lindane topical. Throw away any milk collected if you are using a breast pump. Do not give it to your child.This medicine should not be given to children without consulting a doctor.
How to take Lindane topical?
Only apply lindane topically once. Follow the directions on the label or those prescribed by your physician. Use the recommended dose and do not exceed it.Take it only by mouth. Topical medicines are only to be applied topically. This medicine should not be used for open wounds or skin sores. Rinse your mouth and eyes with water if you accidentally get the medicine in them.Lindane can have serious or even fatal side effects. Consult your physician before using this drug.You should have your doctor perform laboratory tests to ensure that you are suffering from a condition that can be treated with lindane topical. You should have your sexual partner and anyone else you are in close contact with checked by their doctor.This medicine should not be shared with anyone else, even if the other person has similar symptoms.You should read all the information provided, including medication guides and instructions. If you have questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.Wait at least one hour after washing your skin or hair before applying lindane topical. Apply no other lotion, shampoo, conditioner, cream, or oil. Only apply lindane to dry hair or skin.Before using the medication, shake it well.Wear gloves made from nitrile or latex with neoprene if you're applying lindane to another person. Sheer vinyl is also a good choice. Natural latex gloves should not be used because they can allow more lindane to pass through.After applying the medication, wash your hands thoroughly.This medicine can only be used once. After one use, throw the bottle away in an area where children can't reach it. Keep lindane leftovers out of reach of children.This medicine should not be left on the skin for longer than 12 hours.The itching can continue or worsen as the scabies die. If you continue to itch more than four weeks after treatment, call your doctor.All clothing, hats, and bedding, including hairbrushes and combs, that have been worn recently should be washed in hot water.Do not use lindane again if you develop scabies or lice a few months or weeks after using this topical. You can ask your doctor or pharmacist for a recommendation on a different medication. Too much lindane in a short time span can have serious side effects or even cause death.
Keep lindane topical away from moisture, heat, and humidity.
Details on dosage
Adult dose for scabies:
Apply 30 mL of lotion in a thin layer to the entire skin, starting at the neck. Wash off after 8–12 hours.
Adults larger than 60 mL may need up to 60% more.
Comment: Do not use it again.
Use: Treatment for scabies and their ova when other therapies have not worked or the patient is unable to tolerate them.
Adult dose for lice:
After 4 minutes, add water in small amounts to create a lather. Rinse off the lather immediately.
Maximum Dose: For long, dense hair, up to 60 mL of product may be required.
Comments:
Avoid unnecessary contact with the lather on other surfaces of the body.
Do not use it again.
Use: To treat head lice (infestations caused by Pediculosis Humanis Capitis), crab louse (Pthirus pubis), and the ova of these lice in patients who are unable to tolerate other treatments or have failed them.
Usual dose for geriatric lice:
Use with caution.
Usual dose for scabies in geriatric patients:
Use with caution.
Usual paediatric dose for lice:
Premature Infants: Contraindicated
Infants and Children: Use with Caution
The usual paediatric dose for scabies:
Premature Infants: Contraindicated
Use with caution with infants and children.
What happens if I miss the dose?
The lindane is applied as a single dosage, so there is no need to follow a schedule of daily doses.
What happens if I overdose?
If anyone accidentally swallows the medication, call Poison Help at 1-800-222-1222 or seek emergency medical care. A lindane topical overdose can be fatal.
What should be avoided?
Use only lindane topical on the areas that you are treating. Other skin products could cause it to pass through the skin.Avoid letting anyone touch your skin after applying lindane, especially children or pregnant women. This medicine may be absorbed by another person if they come into contact with the treated skin.Parasite infestations can be highly contagious. This medicine does not stop you from spreading lice or scabies. Avoid sexual and intimate contact until you have cleared the infestation. Avoid sharing hair accessories such as hats and hair combs.
Interaction with other drug
Tell your doctor if you are taking any new medications or if you will stop taking any of your current ones.
- Isoniazid;
- Meperidine;
- Methocarbamol;
- Theophylline;
- Antibiotic like ampicillin or ciprofloxacin.
- Medicine to prevent or treat malaria
- An immunosuppressant, such as closporine or mycophenolate mofetil.
- Medicine to treat mental illness or depression
- Medicine to treat alzheimer’s disease and dementia.
This list is incomplete. Other drugs, such as prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products, may interact with lindane topically. This medication guide does not list all possible interactions.
