Pyrethrin/Piperonyl Butoxide, Topical

What are other names for this medicine?

Type of medicine: scabicide; pediculicide; lice treatment

Generic and brand names: pyrethrin/piperonyl butoxide, topical; A-200 Shampoo; End Lice Liquid; Pronto Shampoo; R & C Shampoo; RID Mousse and Shampoo; Tisit Blue Gel; Tisit Liquid; Tisit Shampoo; Triple X Kit Liquid

What is this medicine used for?

This medicine is used on the skin and hair to get rid of head lice, body lice, and pubic (crab) lice. It comes as a liquid, gel, or shampoo. You can buy this medicine without a prescription.

There is also a spray for furniture and clothing. This should not be used on humans or animals.

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

Do not use this medicine if you are allergic to ragweed, chrysanthemums, kerosene, or petroleum.

Tell your healthcare provider if you are allergic 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?

Read and follow the directions on the package or the instruction sheet exactly. If you do not understand the directions, ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist to explain. Apply enough medicine to thoroughly wet the scalp or skin, but do not use more of the medicine than instructed and do not leave it on longer than instructed. Using too much or leaving it on too long increases your risk of side effects.

Use this medicine only on your skin, hair, and scalp. Do not use this medicine on your eyelashes or eyebrows. Do not get any of this medicine in your nose, mouth, eyes, or genitals. If you do, rinse with plenty of cool water. Call your healthcare provider or a poison control center if you accidentally swallow any of this medicine.

Wash the affected areas before applying the medicine to your skin. Usually, you will use this medicine and allow it to remain exactly 10 minutes.

If you are using the shampoo form, apply the shampoo to dry hair, leave on for 10 minutes, then add enough water to make a lather, shampoo, and rinse thoroughly. Protect the eyes by closing them tightly and shielding them with a towel or washcloth.

Use this medicine 1 time. Tell your healthcare provider if your condition does not improve within 7 to 10 days. Your provider may tell you to use the medicine again to kill any eggs (nits) that were not killed the first time.

What should I watch out for?

Stop using the medicine and contact your healthcare provider if you have any irritation or infection (redness or pus) on your skin or scalp.

To prevent the lice from coming back, wash all clothes, bed clothing, washcloths, towels, hats, scarves, combs, and brushes in hot water for at least 5 to 10 minutes. Dry on high heat for 20 minutes. This should kill eggs that have not yet hatched.

What are the possible side effects?

Along with its needed effects, your medicine may cause some unwanted side effects. Some side effects may be very serious. Some side effects may go away as your body adjusts to the medicine. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any side effects that continue or get worse.

Serious (report these to your healthcare provider right away): Infection, serious irritation.

Other: Minor irritation; itching; dry, peeling skin; stuffy or runny nose.

What products might interact with this medicine?

No significant drug interactions have been reported. However, do not use any strong or abrasive soaps or products containing alcohol on your skin while you are using this medicine.

Keep a list of all your medicines (prescription, nonprescription, supplements, natural remedies, and vitamins) with you. 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. Store this medicine away from medicines you take by mouth to avoid accidentally swallowing it. Keep the container tightly closed. Protect it from heat, high humidity, and bright light.

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.