Lindane shampoo is used to kill head lice and pubic lice, but can only be used if other treatments haven't worked or you can't use them. Lindane also comes as a lotion used to treat scabies. It can cause serious side effects, like dizziness and seizures.
Please note: As of February 2023, lindane is no longer available in the United States. Talk to your provider about alternative options to treat head lice, pubic lice, and scabies.
Head lice
Crab lice (pubic lice)
Lindane is an antiparasitic agent. It's directly absorbed by the parasite into its nervous system, causing death.
Source:Â DailyMed
Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.
Check with your doctor as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur:
Rare
Convulsions (seizures)
dizziness, clumsiness, or unsteadiness
fast heartbeat
muscle cramps
nervousness, restlessness, or irritability
vomiting
skin irritation not present before use of lindane
skin rash
After you stop using this medicine, it may still produce some side effects that need attention. During this period of time, check with your doctor immediately if you notice the following side effects:
Serious side effects have resulted in patients using lindane. Sometime it has occurred even when used according to the labeled directions. Serious side effects have been reported following lindane use with repeat or prolonged use, but also in rare cases following a single application. You should discuss these possible effects with your doctor.
Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Good choice if other therapies haven't helped
Easy to apply
One treatment is usually enough
Can cause serious side effects, including seizures and death
Not a good option for premature infants and people with certain skin conditions (like crusted scabies, eczema, and psoriasis)
Doesn't prevent lice, only kills them once you have them
Shake lindane well before using it, and don't put the shampoo on any damaged, scraped, or cut skin. This could cause more of the medication to get absorbed into your body, which could lead to side effects.
Wear non-latex gloves while using lindane to minimize absorption into your skin. Avoid contact with other parts of your body besides your hair, neck, and scalp to lower your risk of side effects.
Don't wet your hair before putting lindane on. Put a thin layer on your hair while it's dry, work it into your scalp, and leave it on for 4 minutes. After, lather with a little warm water and rinse out.
Don't cover your hair with a shower cap or towel after applying lindane.
Avoid conditioners or oil treatments right before or after applying lindane. They can make the medication get absorbed into your skin faster and possibly raise the risk of side effects.
If you accidentally get lindane in your eyes, flush your eyes with water right away.
You can use a special nit comb or tweezers to get rid of the lice eggs (dead nits) from your hair after using lindane and drying your hair with a towel.
Wash your bedding, towels, and clothes in hot water or have them dry-cleaned to kill remaining lice.
After using lindane you might experience itching. This is normal and means lindane is working to kill off your head or crab lice. Don't use this medication more than once because it can cause serious side effects.
After using lindane, throw it away in a trash can that's out of reach of children or pets. Even if there is still some medication left in the bottle, you should throw it away.
If you or someone you know accidentally swallows lindane, contact a Poison Center at 800-222-1222 or get medical help right away.
Lindane can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.
Risk factors: Infants | Children | Ages 65 years and older | Skin conditions | Weighing 110 pounds or less | Prolonged undirected use | History of or at risk for seizures
Although rare, lindane can cause seizures and death, especially if used longer than necessary. Use this medication as instructed by your healthcare provider and let them know if you've used lindane before, or if you have a history of seizures. Tell your provider all of the medications you're taking so they can check for interactions with lindane.
The typical dose is to apply 1 fl oz (30 mL) to 2 fl oz (60 mL) of the shampoo to dry hair. Allow the shampoo to remain in place for 4 minutes, then add small amounts of water to form a lather. Then, rinse the shampoo away.
Premature infants
Certain skin conditions such as crusted scabies, eczema, and psoriasis
Uncontrolled seizures
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American Society of Health-System Pharmacists. (2023). Drug shortage detail: Lindane 1% shampoo.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2019). Parasites: Prevention & control.
Morton Grove Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (2019). LINDANE - lindane shampoo, suspension [package insert]. DailyMed.
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