lindane topical

What is the most important information I should know about lindane topical?

Do not use this medicine on a premature baby.

What is lindane topical?

Lindane is an anti-parasite medicine. Lindane topical (for the skin) kills certain parasites that live or lay eggs in your skin or hair.

Lindane topical shampoo is used to treat head lice or pubic lice ("crabs"). Lindane topical lotion is used to treat scabies.

This medicine is for use in adults and children who weigh at least 110 pounds. Lindane topical should be used only if other medicines cannot be given, or have been tried without success.

Lindane topical may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before using lindane topical?

• an uncontrolled seizure disorder;
• crusted scabies; or
• other skin conditions such as eczema or psoriasis.

To make sure lindane topical is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have:

• a history of seizures;
• a history of head injury or brain/spinal cord tumor;
• HIV or AIDS;
• cirrhosis or other liver disease; or
• if you drink large amounts of alcohol.

How should I use lindane topical?

Use only one application of this medicine. Use exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor. Do not use in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.

Your doctor should perform lab tests to make sure you have a condition that can be treated with lindane topical. Your sexual partner and other people you have close contact with should also be checked and treated by their own doctor.

Do not share this medicine with another person, even if they have the same symptoms you have.

Read all patient information, medication guides, and instruction sheets provided to you. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.

After you wash your skin or hair, wait at least 1 hour before using lindane topical. Do not apply any other lotion, shampoo, conditioner, cream, or oil. Apply lindane topical only to dry skin or hair.

If you are putting lindane topical on another person, wear special gloves made of nitrile, latex with neoprene, or sheer vinyl. Do not use natural latex gloves because more lindane can go through that kind of glove.

Each bottle of this medicine is for one use only. Throw away after one use, in a place children cannot get to. Do not keep leftover lindane topical.

Wash all recently-worn clothing and hats, and bed linens, as well as hair brushes and combs in very hot water.

If you get scabies or lice again a few weeks or months after using lindane topical, do not use this medicine again. Ask your doctor or pharmacist about a different medicine. Using too much lindane topical in a short span of time can cause serious side effects or death.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Since lindane topical is used as a single dose, it does not have a daily dosing schedule.

What happens if I overdose?

What should I avoid while using lindane topical?

Do not let anyone touch the skin where you applied lindane topical, especially a child or a pregnant woman. This medicine can be absorbed through the skin of another person who comes into contact with your treated skin.

Parasite infestations are highly contagious. Using this medicine will not prevent you from passing lice or scabies to other people. Avoid sexual or intimate contact until the infestation has cleared up. Also avoid sharing hair combs, hair accessories, hats, clothing, bed linens, and other articles of personal use.

What are the possible side effects of lindane topical?

• severe dizziness;
• a seizure (convulsions); or
• any problems with vision, speech, or balance.

In rare cases, some people using lindane topical have had a seizure after only one use.

Children and older adults can absorb larger amounts of this medicine through the skin and may be more likely to have side effects.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What other drugs will affect lindane topical?

Tell your doctor about all your current medicines and any you start or stop using, especially:

• isoniazid;
• meperidine;
• methocarbamol;
• theophylline;
• an antibiotic such as ampicillin, ciprofloxacin, imipenem, and others;
• medicine to treat or prevent malaria;
• an immunosuppressant such as cyclosporine, mycophenolate mofetil, or tacrolimus;
• medicine to treat depression or mental illness; or
• medicine to treat Alzheimer's disease or dementia.

This list is not complete. Other drugs may interact with lindane topical, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible interactions are listed in this medication guide.

Where can I get more information?

Your pharmacist can provide more information about lindane topical.