Proper Use

Drug information provided by: Merative, Micromedex®

Use this medicine exactly as directed by your doctor. Do not use more of it, do not use it more often, and do not use it for a longer time than your doctor ordered. To do so, may increase the chance of absorbing the medicine and the chance of becoming very sick.

Use this medicine on the hair and scalp only. Keep your eyes tightly closed while applying this medicine. If skin irritation occurs, wash your hair and scalp right away.

This medicine may cause you to be very sick if it is not used correctly. Call a doctor or poison control center right away if you accidentally swallow this medicine.

To use:

  • Apply the lotion by sprinkling on dry hair and rubbing in until the hair and scalp are thoroughly moistened.
  • Wash your hands right away after using the medicine. This is to remove any medicine that may be on them.
  • Allow the hair to dry naturally. Use no heat (as from a hair dryer) and leave the hair uncovered.
  • After the medicine has been allowed to remain on the hair and scalp for 8 to 12 hours, wash the hair with a non-medicated shampoo and then rinse thoroughly.
  • After rinsing, use a fine-toothed (nit) comb to remove the dead lice and eggs from the hair.
  • If lice are still present after 7 to 9 days, repeat with a second application of malathion lotion.
  • This medicine is flammable. Keep the lotion and hair wet with lotion away from open flames. Do not use electric heat sources such as hair dryers and curlers when you apply this medicine, or while your hair is wet. Do not smoke while applying this medicine or while hair is wet. Let your hair to dry naturally.

Keep this medicine away from your eyes. If you should accidentally get some in your eyes, wash your eyes with water at once and check with your doctor right away.

Do not use cosmetics and other hair products on the treated hair and scalp areas.

Dosing

The dose of this medicine will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label. The following information includes only the average doses of this medicine. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.

The amount of medicine that you take depends on the strength of the medicine. Also, the number of doses you take each day, the time allowed between doses, and the length of time you take the medicine depend on the medical problem for which you are using the medicine.

  • For topical dosage form (lotion):
    • For head lice infestations:
      • Adults, teenagers, and children 6 years of age and older—Apply to the hair and scalp one time. Treatment may be repeated after 7 to 9 days, if necessary.
      • Children 1 to 6 years of age—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
      • Infants younger than 1 year of age—Use is not recommended.

Storage

Keep out of the reach of children.

Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.

Ask your healthcare professional how you should dispose of any medicine you do not use.

Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Keep from freezing.

Keep the medicine away from heat or open flame.

Portions of this document last updated: Feb. 01, 2024

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