II. Indications
- Resistant Head Lice
III. Contraindications
- Infants
IV. Mechanism
- Irreversible Cholinesterase Inhibitor (Pesticide)
V. Precautions
- Flammable - keep away from flame or heat source (e.g. hair dryer)
- Keep lotion away from eyes
- Not recommended for infants
VI. Medications
- Malathion 0.5% in Isopropanol 78% (Ovide Lotion)
VII. Dosing: Head Lice (adults and children age >6 years)
- Apply lotion to dry hair until hair and scalp is wet and allow hair to air dry
- Wash hair after 8 to 12 hours
- Remove nits with fine-tooth comb
- Re-treat in 7 to 9 days (if needed)
- Do NOT blow dry hair (flammable)
VIII. Adverse Effects
- Stinging and irritation secondary to Alcohol base
- Considered safe for topical use in children and adults (but avoid in infants)
- Little if any systemic absorption at this dose
IX. Safety
- Pregnancy Category B
- Unknown Safety in Lactation
X. Efficacy
- Highly pediculicidal (kills lice)
- Highly ovicidal (kills eggs)
- Offers residual protection by binding hair
- Resistance has been reported
XI. Resources
- Malathion Lotion (DailyMed)
XII. References
Images: Related links to external sites (from Bing)
Related Studies
| malathion (on 7/20/2022 at Medicaid.Gov Survey of pharmacy drug pricing) | ||
| MALATHION 0.5% LOTION | Generic | $3.71 per ml |