Head lice
Scabies
Spinosad (Natroba) is an antiparasitic medication. It works by acting on the nervous system in parasitic insects: lice and mites (which cause scabies). The medication causes their muscles to contract too often, eventually paralyzing and killing these insects.
Source: 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.
Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:
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.
Can actually cure the condition after one or two treatments
Kills both live lice and their eggs
Also available as a lower-cost generic
Can be messy to apply and you might need someone to help
Can cause skin redness or irritation
Not safe for children younger than 6 months old
Before you start using spinosad (Natroba), make sure you read the Instructions for Use. You can also watch helpful administration videos from the manufacturer for treating head lice and scabies with the medication.
Don't forget to wash your hands before and after you apply spinosad (Natroba).
For head lice
Only apply spinosad (Natroba) to dry hair and scalp. Make sure to completely cover both the scalp and hair. Keep your eyes closed until you rinse the medication off to avoid getting it into the eyes.
After you apply, leave spinosad (Natroba) on for 10 minutes. Start timing after your scalp and hair gets fully covered with medication. Then, rinse the area well with warm water.
You can use shampoo in your hair anytime after spinosad (Natroba) is completely rinsed off.
If you see any live lice 7 days after the first time you use spinosad (Natroba), repeat treatment again.
Nit combing after using spinosad (Natroba) isn't required, but you can use a fine-tooth comb to remove treated lice and nits if desired.
For scabies
Apply spinosad (Natroba) to all parts of your body, from your neck to the bottom of your feet. Don't forget to apply it to any folds in the skin, between your fingers and toes, and even under your finger and toe nails. If you have a balding scalp, also apply the medication to the scalp, hairline, temples, and forehead.
After you apply, leave spinosad (Natroba) on for 10 minutes. Start timing after your body gets fully covered with medication. When the 10 minutes are up, you can put your clothes on.
Avoid showering or bathing until at least 6 hours after spinosad (Natroba) has dried on your skin.
Spinosad (Natroba) 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: Age younger than 6 months
Spinosad (Natroba) contains benzyl alcohol, which can be dangerous for infants younger than 6 months old. That's why the medication can't be used in anyone younger than 6 months old, regardless of the condition. If exposed to benzyl alcohol, serious side effects can occur, with some even leading to death.
Dosage | Quantity | Price as low as | Price per unit |
---|---|---|---|
120ml of 0.9% | 1 bottle | $102.60 | $102.60 |
Head lice: Apply enough of the medication to fully cover your dry scalp and hair. Leave it on for 10 minutes, then rinse it off well with warm water. If there's still lice in your hair 7 days after your first treatment, then you'll have to apply a second treatment.
Scabies: Apply enough of the medication to fully cover your whole body, from your neck to the bottom of your feet. Let it dry for 10 minutes before you put on clothes, and leave it on your skin for at least 6 hours. Then, wash it off by showering or bathing.
Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. Tell your healthcare professional if you are taking any other prescription or nonprescription (over-the-counter [OTC]) medicine.
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