Dosing & Uses
Dosage Forms & Strengths
pyrethrins/piperonyl butoxide
shampoo
- 0.33%/4%
gel
- 0.33%/4%
- 0.3%/3.5%
Treatment of Head, Body, Pubic Lice
Apply to completelly wet infested areas, leave on 10 min & wash with large amount of warm water
Use fine toothed comb to remove lice and egg from hair
Shampoo hair to restore body and luster
Do not exceed 2 consecutive applications within 24 hr
Retreat in 7-10 days
Amount to apply varies: See package insert
Dosage Forms & Strengths
pyrethrins/piperonyl butoxide
shampoo
- 0.33%/4%
gel
- 0.33%/4%
- 0.3%/3.5%
Treatment of Head, Body Lice
Apply to completelly wet infested areas, leave on 10 min & wash with large amount of warm water
Use fine toothed comb to remove lice and egg from hair
Shampoo hair to restore body and luster
Do not exceed 2 consecutive applications within 24 hr
Retreat in 7-10 days
Amount to apply varies: See package insert
Adverse Effects
Frequency Not Defined
Erythema
Pruritus
Burning
Stinging
Urticaria
Edema
Slight corneal erosion
Warnings
Contraindications
Hypersensitivity to product, ragweed (Asteraceae family plants) hypersensitivity
Cautions
For external use only
Do not use near eye or use in eyelashes or eyebrow
Do not use in mucosal tissues (oral, nasal, genitalia)
Do not use near eyes, inside nose, mouth, or vagina
If lice on eyebrows or eyelashes, see healthcare professional
While using product, keep eyes tightly closed and protect eyes with a washcloth or towel, if product gets into eyes, flush with water right away, scalp itching or redness may occur
Contact healthcare professional if breathing difficulty occurs, eye irritation occurs, skin or scalp irritation occurs
Keep out of reach of children; if swallowed, get medical help or contact a poison control center right away
Pregnancy & Lactation
Pregnancy
Considered drug of choice by CDC to treat pubic like in patients who are pregnant
Lactation
Considered drug of choice by CDC to treat pubic like in patients who are breastfeeding
Pregnancy Categories
A: Generally acceptable. Controlled studies in pregnant women show no evidence of fetal risk.
B: May be acceptable. Either animal studies show no risk but human studies not available or animal studies showed minor risks and human studies done and showed no risk. C: Use with caution if benefits outweigh risks. Animal studies show risk and human studies not available or neither animal nor human studies done. D: Use in LIFE-THREATENING emergencies when no safer drug available. Positive evidence of human fetal risk. X: Do not use in pregnancy. Risks involved outweigh potential benefits. Safer alternatives exist. NA: Information not available.Pharmacology
Mechanism of Action
Following absorption through the chitinous exoskeleton of arthropods, pyrethrins stimulate the nervous system, apparently by competitively interfering with cationic conductances in the lipid layer of nerve cells, thereby blocking nerve impulse transmissions
Piperonyl butoxide has little or no insecticidal activity but potentiates that of pyrethrins by inhibiting the hydrolytic enzymes responsible for pyrethrins' metabolism in arthropods
Pharmacokinetics
Absorbed: Pyrethrins are absorbed through intact skin when applied topically
Piperonyl butoxide reportedly is poorly absorbed through intact skin when applied topically
Onset of action: 30 min
Images
| BRAND | FORM. | UNIT PRICE | PILL IMAGE |
|---|---|---|---|
| RID Lice Killing topical - | 0.33-4 % shampoo |  | |
| RID Lice Killing topical - | 0.33-4 % shampoo |  | |
| Lice Killing topical - | 0.33-4 % shampoo |  | |
| RID Complete Lice Elimination Kit topical - | 4-0.33-0.5 % kit |  | |
| RID Complete Lice Elimination Kit topical - | 4-0.33-0.5 % kit |  |
Copyright © 2010 First DataBank, Inc.
Patient Handout
pyrethrins-piperonyl butoxide topical
PYRETHRINS AND PIPERONYL BUTOXIDE - TOPICAL
(pie-RETH-rins/pip-ER-oh-nill)
COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Medi-Lice
USES: This medication is used to treat lice, which are tiny insects that can infest and irritate the scalp (head lice), the pubic area (crabs), or the body. This medication works by paralyzing and killing lice.
HOW TO USE: Review the manufacturer's instruction sheet and carefully follow all directions for your product. If any of this information is unclear, talk to your doctor or pharmacist. Do not use more drug than recommended.This medication is for use on the outside of the body only. Avoid applying this drug to the eyes, nose, mouth, or vagina. If this product gets in these areas, rinse with plenty of water. If irritation occurs, tell your doctor promptly.Do not use this product on eyelashes or eyebrows. Check with your doctor if these areas have lice.If applying this product to an infant, cover the infant's hands and feet after applying the drug to make sure this product does not get in the infant's mouth.Apply this drug in an area with good air flow (such as near an open window).Apply this drug to the skin once, thoroughly covering the affected area. Leave on for about 10 minutes or as long as directed by your doctor. Then wash the affected area with warm water and soap.Rinse and dry with a clean towel. For hairy areas, use a nit removal comb (a fine-toothed comb) as directed. Wash hands immediately after use.Because this product does not affect the eggs (nits) laid by lice, repeat the application once 7 to 10 days later to kill any newly hatched lice.Tell your doctor if your condition lasts or gets worse after the 2 treatments with this medication.
SIDE EFFECTS: Skin irritation may occur. If this effect lasts or gets worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.If your doctor has directed you to use this medication, remember that your doctor has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.In the US -Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch.In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.
PRECAUTIONS: Before using pyrethrins/piperonyl butoxide, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to chrysanthemum or ragweed; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: skin infections.Constant or hard scratching of the skin/scalp may lead to a bacterial skin infection. Tell your doctor right away if you develop worsening redness or pus.During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.It is not known whether this drug passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
DRUG INTERACTIONS: Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.
OVERDOSE: This medicine may be harmful if inhaled or swallowed. If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison control center right away. US residents can call their local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center. Symptoms of overdose may include: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, unusual drowsiness.
NOTES: Do not share this medication with anyone else unless directed by your doctor.To avoid giving lice to another person or getting them again, all headwear, scarves, coats, and bed linens should be machine-washed with hot water and dried in a dryer (at high setting) for at least 20 minutes. These items may also be dry cleaned, sealed in a plastic bag for 2 weeks, or sprayed with a disinfectant that kills lice. Brushes and combs should be soaked in hot water (hotter than 130 degrees F/54 degrees C) for 10 minutes, soaked in alcohol for 1 hour, or thrown away. Furniture and floors should be thoroughly vacuumed.People who are in close contact with the infected person, such as members of the same household, should also be checked for lice and nits. Treatment may be considered to prevent infestation, even if live lice are not found on them.
MISSED DOSE: If you miss a dose, consult your doctor or pharmacist.
STORAGE: Store at room temperature. Refer to storage information printed on your package for the exact temperature range. If you have any questions about storage, ask your pharmacist. Keep container tightly closed. Do not freeze. Keep all medications away from children and pets.Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company.
Information last revised January 2023. Copyright(c) 2023 First Databank, Inc.
IMPORTANT: HOW TO USE THIS INFORMATION: This is a summary and does NOT have all possible information about this product. This information does not assure that this product is safe, effective, or appropriate for you. This information is not individual medical advice and does not substitute for the advice of your health care professional. Always ask your health care professional for complete information about this product and your specific health needs.
