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Pyrethrins and Piperonyl Butoxide  (Topical)

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Brand Names

In the U.S.—

  • A-200 Gel Concentrate
  • A-200 Shampoo Concentrate
  • Barc
  • Blue
  • Licetrol
  • Pronto Lice Killing Shampoo Kit
  • Pyrinyl
  • R & C
  • Rid
  • Tisit
  • Tisit Blue
  • Tisit Shampoo
  • Triple X

In Canada—

  • R & C

Category


Description

Medicine containing pyrethrins (pye-REE-thrins) is used to treat head, body, and pubic lice infections. This medicine is absorbed by the lice and destroys them by acting on their nervous systems. It does not affect humans in this way. The piperonyl butoxide ( pye-PEER-i-nil byoo-TOX-ide) is included to make the pyrethrins more effective in killing the lice. This combination medicine is known as a pediculicide (pe-DIK-yoo-li-side ) .

This medicine is available without a prescription; however, your doctor may have special instructions on the proper use of this medicine for your medical condition.

Pyrethrins and piperonyl butoxide combination medicine is available in the following dosage forms:



Before Using This Medicine

If you are using this medicine without a prescription, carefully read and follow any precautions on the label. For pyrethrins and piperonyl butoxide combination, the following should be considered:

Allergies—Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to pyrethrins, piperonyl butoxide, ragweed, chrysanthemum plants, or kerosene or other petroleum products. Also tell your health care professional if you are allergic to any other substances, such as preservatives or dyes.

Pregnancy—Pyrethrins and piperonyl butoxide may be absorbed through the skin. However, this medicine has not been shown to cause birth defects or other problems in humans when used on the skin.

Breast-feeding—Pyrethrins and piperonyl butoxide combination may be absorbed through the mother's skin. It is not known whether pyrethrins and piperonyl butoxide combination passes into the breast milk. Although most medicines pass into breast milk in small amounts, many of them may be used safely while breast-feeding. Mothers who are using this medicine and who wish to breast-feed should discuss this with their doctor.

Children—Although there is no specific information comparing use of pyrethrins and piperonyl butoxide combination in children with use in other age groups, this medicine is not expected to cause different side effects or problems in children than it does in adults.

Older adults—Many medicines have not been studied specifically in older people. Therefore, it may not be known whether they work exactly the same way they do in younger adults. Although there is no specific information comparing use of pyrethrins and piperonyl butoxide combination medicine in the elderly with use in other age groups, this medicine is not expected to cause different side effects or problems in older people than it does in younger adults.

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


Proper Use of This Medicine

Pyrethrins and piperonyl butoxide combination medicine usually comes with patient directions. Read them carefully before using this medicine.

Use this medicine only as directed. Do not use more of it and do not use it more often than recommended on the label. To do so may increase the chance of absorption through the skin and the chance of side effects.

Keep pyrethrins and piperonyl butoxide combination medicine away from the mouth and do not inhale it. This medicine is harmful if swallowed or inhaled.

To lessen the chance of inhaling this medicine, apply it in a well-ventilated room (for example, one with free flowing air or with a fan turned on).

Keep this medicine away from the eyes and other mucous membranes, such as the inside of the nose, mouth, or vagina, because it may cause irritation. If you accidentally get some in your eyes, flush them thoroughly with water at once.

Do not apply this medicine to the eyelashes or eyebrows . If they become infected with lice, check with your doctor.

To use the gel or solution form of this medicine:

To use the shampoo form of this medicine:

After rinsing and drying, use a nit removal comb (special fine-toothed comb, usually included with this medicine) to remove the dead lice and eggs (nits) from hair.

Immediately after using this medicine, wash your hands to remove any medicine that may be on them.

This medicine should be used again in 7 to 10 days after the first treatment in order to kill any newly hatched lice.

Lice can easily move from one person to another by close body contact. This can happen also by direct contact with such things as clothing, hats, scarves, bedding, towels, washcloths, hairbrushes and combs, or the hair of infected persons. Therefore, all members of your household should be examined for lice and receive treatment if they are found to be infected.

To use this medicine for pubic (crab) lice:

Dosing—

The dose of pyrethrins and piperonyl butoxide combination 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 pyrethrins and piperonyl butoxide combination. 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 prevent reinfection or spreading of the infection to other people, good health habits are also required. These include the following:


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:

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



Revised: 02/18/1994

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