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Lindane  (Topical)

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Brand Names

In the U.S.—

  • Kwell
  • Thionex

In Canada—

  • Hexit
  • PMS Lindane

Another commonly used name for lindane is gamma benzene hexachloride.

Category


Description

Lindane (LIN-dane) , formerly known as gamma benzene hexachloride, is an insecticide and is used to treat scabies and lice infestations.

Lindane cream and lotion are usually used to treat only scabies infestation. Lindane shampoo is used to treat only lice infestations.

Lindane is available only with your doctor's prescription, in the U.S. and some forms are available in Canada without a prescription in following dosage forms:



Before Using This Medicine

In deciding to use a medicine, the risks of using the medicine must be weighed against the good it will do. This is a decision you and your doctor will make. For lindane, the following should be considered:

Allergies—Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to lindane. Also tell your health care professional if you are allergic to any other substances, such as preservatives or dyes.

Pregnancy—Lindane has not been studied in pregnant women. You and your doctor must discuss the risks and benefits of this medicine before using it. Lindane is absorbed through the skin of pregnant women and could possibly cause toxic effects in the central nervous system (CNS) of the unborn baby. Use lindane only 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.. Studies in animals have shown that lindane can cause birth defects and other problems.

Breast-feeding—Lindane is absorbed through the mother's skin and is present in breast milk. There may be a risk of serious side effects if lindane from breast milk is eaten by your baby or from skin absorption from mother to baby. You should interrupt breast-feeding by expressing the milk and throwing the milk away for at least 24 hours following use Be sure you have discussed the risks and benefits of this medicine with your doctor.

Children—Infants and children or people who weigh less than 110 pounds (50 kilograms) are especially sensitive to the effects of lindane. This may increase the chance of serious side effects during treatment. Be sure you have discussed the risks and benefits of using this medicine with your doctor. In addition, use of lindane is not to be used in premature infants.

Older adults—Elderly people or people who weigh less than 110 pounds (50 kilograms) are especially sensitive to the effects of lindane. This may increase the chance of serious side effects during treatment. Be sure you have discussed the risks and benefits of this medicine with your doctor.

Other medicines—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. When you are using lindane, it is especially important that your health care professional know if you are using any other prescription or nonprescription (over-the-counter [OTC]) medicine.

Other medical problems—The presence of other medical problems may affect the use of lindane. Make sure you tell your doctor if you have any other medical problems, especially:


Proper Use of This Medicine

Lindane is poisonous. Keep it away from the mouth because it is harmful and may be fatal if swallowed.

Use lindane only 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 absorption through the skin and the chance of lindane poisoning.

Keep lindane away from the eyes. If you should accidentally get some in your eyes, flush them thoroughly with water at once and contact your doctor.

Do not use lindane on open wounds, such as cuts or sores on the skin or scalp. To do so may increase the chance of lindane poisoning.

When applying lindane to another person, you should wear plastic disposable or rubber gloves made of latex or vinyl, especially if you are pregnant or are breast-feeding. Do not use natural latex gloves because lindane can go through those gloves and be absorbed by your skin. Wash hands very well after applying the lotion. This will prevent lindane from being absorbed through your skin. If you have any questions about this, check with your healthcare professional.

Put lindane lotion under fingernails, and trim fingernails short. Use a toothbrush to get the lindane lotion under fingernails, and throw out the toothbrush when finished.

Do not cover the area completely. Use a light clothing.

Lindane comes with patient directions. Be sure that you read them very carefully before using lindane. If you have any questions check with your healthcare professional.

Your sexual partner or partners, especially, and all members of your household may need to be treated also, since the infestation may spread to persons in close contact. If these persons have not been checked for an infestation or if you have any questions about this, check with your healthcare professional

To use the cream or lotion form of lindane for scabies :

To use the shampoo form of lindane for lice:

Dosing—

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

Storage—

To store this medicine:


Precautions While Using This Medicine

To help prevent reinfestation or spreading of the infestation to other persons:


Side Effects of This Medicine

Side Effects of This Medicine

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.

Check with your doctor as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur:

After you stop using lindane, itching may occur and continue for 1 to several weeks. If this continues longer or is bothersome, check with your doctor.

Serious side effects have resulted in patients using lindane. Sometime it has occurred even when used according to the labeled directions. Serious side effects have been reported following lindane use with repeat or prolonged use, but also in rare cases following a single application. You should discuss these possible effects with your doctor.

Other side effects not listed above may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your doctor.



Developed: 8/15/1994
Revised: 7/17/2003

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