Malathion, Topical

What are other names for this medicine?

Type of medicine: pediculicide

Generic and brand names: malathion, topical; Ovide

What is this medicine used for?

This medicine is used to kill head lice and their eggs.

What should my healthcare provider know before I take this medicine?

Before taking this medicine, tell your healthcare provider if you have ever had an allergic reaction to any medicine.

Females of childbearing age: Tell your healthcare provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. Do not breast-feed while taking this medicine without your healthcare provider's approval.

How do I use it?

Check the label on the medicine for directions about your specific dose. Use this medicine exactly as directed by your healthcare provider. Do not use it more often or longer than directed.

This medicine contains alcohol that can catch fire. Do not use it near an open flame, curling iron, or electric hair dryer. Do not smoke while you apply the medicine.

Keep this medicine away from the eyes. If it gets into the eyes accidentally, flush them with plenty of cool tap water.

Apply the lotion to dry hair and rub it in gently until your scalp is thoroughly moistened, especially the back of your head and neck.

Do not use a hair dryer. Allow the lotion to dry naturally and leave your hair uncovered. Wash your hands after applying the lotion.

Leave the lotion on for 8 to 12 hours, then wash your hair with a mild, nonmedicated shampoo. Rinse your hair thoroughly and use a fine-toothed comb to remove dead lice and eggs.

Do not put this medicine on open cuts or broken skin.

More than one treatment is usually not needed. Contact your healthcare provider if lice are still present after 7 to 9 days. Do not apply a second treatment without your healthcare provider's approval.

What if I overdose?

If you or anyone else has intentionally taken too much of this medicine, call 911 or go to the emergency room right away. If you pass out, have seizures, weakness or confusion, or have trouble breathing, call 911. If you think that you or anyone else may have taken too much of this medicine, call the poison control center. Do this even if there are no signs of discomfort or poisoning. The poison control center number is 800-222-1222.

Symptoms of an acute overdose may include: increased sweating, watering mouth, diarrhea, slow heartbeat, trouble breathing.

What should I watch out for?

Do not use this medicine on infants or children under 6 years of age. Their skin may absorb too much medicine and they may have serious side effects. An adult should supervise use of this medicine on older children. Make sure children close their eyes tightly to keep this medicine out of their eyes. Pregnant women should not apply this medicine without gloves.

Head lice spread easily, so your healthcare provider may want to treat all members of your household at the same time.

This medicine is for external use only. If it is swallowed by accident, get emergency medical help right away.

What are the possible side effects?

The scalp may sting when you put on the medicine. If the skin gets irritated, stop using the medicine until the irritation is gone. Then put the medicine on again. If irritation returns, contact your healthcare provider.

What products might interact with this medicine?

No significant drug interactions have been reported for this medicine.

Because there is a small risk that some of this medicine may be absorbed into your system, tell your healthcare provider about any other medicines you are taking or using.

Keep a list of all your medicines with you. List all the prescription medicines, nonprescription medicines, supplements, natural remedies, and vitamins that you take. Be sure that you tell all healthcare providers who treat you about all the products you are taking.

How should I store this medicine?

Store this medicine at room temperature. Keep the container tightly closed. Protect it from heat, high humidity, and bright light. Keep this medicine in a safe place, away from medicines that are taken by mouth. This medicine is flammable. Do not use it near an open flame and do not use a hair dryer.

This advisory includes selected information only and may not include all side effects of this medicine or interactions with other medicines. Ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist for more information or if you have any questions.

Ask your pharmacist for the best way to dispose of outdated medicine or medicine you have not used. Do not throw medicine in the trash.

Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.

Do not share medicines with other people.