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lindane

Generic Gamene
Used for Scabies
Used for Scabies

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.

Reviewed by:
reviewer
Kristianne Hannemann, PharmD
reviewer
Allison Gourley, PharmD
Last reviewed on May 30, 2023
BasicsSide effectsPros & consPharmacist tipsFAQsWarningsDosageInteractionsContraindicationsAlternativesReferencesPricesMedicare
basics-icon

What is Lindane?

What is Lindane used for?

  • Head lice

  • Crab lice (pubic lice)

How Lindane works

Lindane is an antiparasitic agent. It's directly absorbed by the parasite into its nervous system, causing death.

Drug Facts

Common BrandsGamene (brand no longer available)
Drug ClassAntiparasitic agent
Controlled Substance ClassificationNot a controlled medication
Generic StatusNo lower-cost generic available
AvailabilityDiscontinued
basics-icon

What are the side effects of Lindane?

The following side effects may get better over time as your body gets used to the medication. Let your healthcare provider know immediately if you continue to experience these symptoms or if they worsen over time.

Common Side Effects

  • Itching
  • Burning skin
  • Dry skin
  • Skin rash

Other Side Effects

  • Seizures
  • Dizziness

Serious Side Effects

Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.
  • Seizures

Source: DailyMed

The following side effects have also been reported

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.

pros-and-cons

Pros and cons of Lindane

thumbs-up

Pros

Good choice if other therapies haven't helped

Easy to apply

One treatment is usually enough

thumbs-down

Cons

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

pharmacist-tips

Pharmacist tips for Lindane

pharmacist

  • 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.

                        faqs

                        Frequently asked questions about Lindane

                        Is lindane lotion still available?
                        No. All forms of lindane, including the lotion (for scabies), have been discontinued in the United States. Your healthcare provider can help guide you to alternative treatment options for head lice, pubic lice, or scabies.
                        How to use lindane shampoo?
                        To use lindane shampoo, shake the bottle well and use just enough on your dry hair to wet it. Don't use more than the amount your provider prescribed to lower your risk of serious side effects. Make sure to put the shampoo on your scalp and back of your neck. Keep the shampoo on your hair for 4 minutes; don't cover it with a shower cap or any covering. After 4 minutes, use a small amount of warm water to lather the shampoo and wash it off your head with warm water. Don't leave any shampoo on your head or hair.
                        Can children use lindane?
                        Children are at a higher risk of side effects from using lindane. This is because more medication might be absorbed through the skin, which could cause serious side effects. Ask your child's provider about safer treatment options.
                        Is lindane safe in pregnancy?
                        There isn't enough information to know if lindane is safe to use during pregnancy, but it should only be used in pregnant females if clearly needed. There has been a report of harm to an unborn baby born to a female who used this medication while pregnant. In animal studies, babies born to mothers who used lindane during pregnancy were harmed. If you're pregnant or thinking of becoming pregnant, talk to your provider about risks and benefits of this medication.
                        Can I breastfeed while using lindane?
                        Lindane is transferred to breast milk, so it's recommended to stop breastfeeding when using it and for 24 hours after. Talk to your healthcare provider about safe ways to feed your baby if you're prescribed lindane.
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                        What are the risks and warnings for Lindane?

                        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-warning

                        Seizures and death

                        • 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.

                          dosage

                          Lindane dosage forms

                          Typical dosing for 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.

                          interactions

                          Interactions between Lindane and other drugs

                          Lindane may interact with certain medications or supplements. Always let your doctor and pharmacist know about any other medications or supplements (including prescribed and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and dietary or herbal supplements) that you are currently taking. The list below does not include all possible drug interactions with Lindane. Please note that only the generic name of each medication is listed below.

                          Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is usually not recommended, but may be required in some cases. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.

                          contraindications-icon

                          Lindane contraindications

                          Contraindications are specific health conditions or situations in which a person should not take a medication due to safety concerns. If you have any of the following conditions or if any of the following apply to you, let your healthcare provider know because Lindane will not be safe for you to take.

                          • Premature infants

                          • Certain skin conditions such as crusted scabies, eczema, and psoriasis

                          • Uncontrolled seizures

                          alternatives

                          What are alternatives to Lindane?

                          There are a number of medications that your doctor can prescribe in place of Lindane. Compare a few possible alternatives below.
                          Lindane
                          Used for:

                          • Head lice

                          • Crab lice (pubic lice)

                          View Prices
                          Malathion
                          Used for:

                          • Head lice

                          $76.35 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
                          Spinosad (Natroba)
                          Used for:

                          • Head lice

                          • Scabies

                          $102.60 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices

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                          References

                          Best studies we found

                          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.

                          GoodRx Health has strict sourcing policies and relies on primary sources such as medical organizations, governmental agencies, academic institutions, and peer-reviewed scientific journals. Learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate, thorough, and unbiased by reading our editorial guidelines.
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