Lindane

This information from Lexicomp^® explains what you need to know about this medication, including what it’s used for, how to take it, its side effects, and when to call your healthcare provider.

What is this drug used for?

• It is used to treat lice.

What do I need to tell my doctor BEFORE I take this drug?

• If you are allergic to this drug; any part of this drug; or any other drugs, foods, or substances. Tell your doctor about the allergy and what signs you had.
• If you have scabies or if you have used lindane in the past.
• If you are pregnant or may be pregnant. This drug may cause harm to an unborn baby. You will need to talk with your doctor about if this drug is right for you.
• If you are breast-feeding. Do not breast-feed for 24 hours after getting this drug.

This is not a list of all drugs or health problems that interact with this drug.

Tell your doctor and pharmacist about all of your drugs (prescription or OTC, natural products, vitamins) and health problems. You must check to make sure that it is safe for you to take this drug with all of your drugs and health problems. Do not start, stop, or change the dose of any drug without checking with your doctor.

What are some things I need to know or do while I take this drug?

• Tell all of your health care providers that you take this drug. This includes your doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and dentists.
• Talk with your doctor before you drink alcohol.
• Talk with your doctor before you use other drugs or products on your skin.
• Do not take this drug by mouth. If this drug is put in the mouth or swallowed, call a doctor or poison control center right away.
• If you have a sex partner and your lice are in your pubic area, your sex partner may need to get checked and treated for lice too.
• Avoid touching this drug if you are pregnant. If you must put this drug on someone else and you are pregnant, talk with the doctor. You will need to wear special gloves to avoid touching this drug.

What are some side effects that I need to call my doctor about right away?

WARNING/CAUTION: Even though it may be rare, some people may have very bad and sometimes deadly side effects when taking a drug. Tell your doctor or get medical help right away if you have any of the following signs or symptoms that may be related to a very bad side effect:

• Signs of an allergic reaction, like rash; hives; itching; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin with or without fever; wheezing; tightness in the chest or throat; trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking; unusual hoarseness; or swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat.
• Dizziness.
• Seizures.

What are some other side effects of this drug?

All drugs may cause side effects. However, many people have no side effects or only have minor side effects. Call your doctor or get medical help if any of these side effects or any other side effects bother you or do not go away:

• Burning, itching, dryness, or other irritation where this drug was used.

These are not all of the side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, call your doctor. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.

You may report side effects to your national health agency.

You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-332-1088. You may also report side effects at https://www.fda.gov/medwatch.

How is this drug best taken?

Use this drug as ordered by your doctor. Read all information given to you. Follow all instructions closely.

• Do not take this drug by mouth. Use on your scalp and hair only. Keep out of your mouth, nose, ears, and eyes (may burn).
• Wear special gloves while putting this drug on.
• If someone else is putting this drug on you, be sure that person wears special gloves to avoid contact with the drug. Talk with the doctor.
• Shake well before use.
• Do not wet hair with water before using shampoo.
• Be sure your hair is clean and dry before putting on this drug. Use regular shampoo without conditioner. Dry your hair. Wait at least 1 hour after you bathe or shower before putting on this drug.
• Lightly coat hair.
• Work into hair and scalp gently.
• Be sure to also put shampoo on the short hairs at the back of the neck.
• Leave on hair for 4 minutes.
• Do not cover the hair with things like a shower cap or towel.
• After 4 minutes, put a little bit of warm water on hair and lather. Do NOT use hot water.
• Rinse fully.
• Take off gloves and wash your hands.
• Use special nit comb or tweezers to get rid of dead nits (lice eggs) from hair.
• Do not put on cuts, scrapes, or damaged skin unless the doctor tells you to.
• Do not use oil treatments, oil-based hair dressings, or conditioners right before or after putting this drug on.
• Wash all bedding, towels, and recently worn clothes in hot water or have them dry cleaned.

What do I do if I miss a dose?

• Most of the time, only one dose of this drug is needed. If you forget to put on the dose, put it on as soon as you think about it.

How do I store and/or throw out this drug?

• Store at room temperature. Throw away any part not used after use.
• Keep all drugs in a safe place. Keep all drugs out of the reach of children and pets.
• Throw away unused or expired drugs. Do not flush down a toilet or pour down a drain unless you are told to do so. Check with your pharmacist if you have questions about the best way to throw out drugs. There may be drug take-back programs in your area.

General drug facts

• If your symptoms or health problems do not get better or if they become worse, call your doctor.
• Do not share your drugs with others and do not take anyone else’s drugs.
• Some drugs may have another patient information leaflet. If you have any questions about this drug, please talk with your doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
• This drug comes with an extra patient fact sheet called a Medication Guide. Read it with care. Read it again each time this drug is refilled. If you have any questions about this drug, please talk with the doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
• If you think there has been an overdose, call your poison control center or get medical care right away. Be ready to tell or show what was taken, how much, and when it happened.

Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer

This generalized information is a limited summary of diagnosis, treatment, and/or medication information. It is not meant to be comprehensive and should be used as a tool to help the user understand and/or assess potential diagnostic and treatment options. It does NOT include all information about conditions, treatments, medications, side effects, or risks that may apply to a specific patient. It is not intended to be medical advice or a substitute for the medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment of a health care provider based on the health care provider’s examination and assessment of a patient’s specific and unique circumstances. Patients must speak with a health care provider for complete information about their health, medical questions, and treatment options, including any risks or benefits regarding use of medications. This information does not endorse any treatments or medications as safe, effective, or approved for treating a specific patient. UpToDate, Inc. and its affiliates disclaim any warranty or liability relating to this information or the use thereof. The use of this information is governed by the Terms of Use, available at https://www.wolterskluwer.com/en/know/clinical-effectiveness-terms.

Last Reviewed Date

2020-10-09

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