OVIDE® (malathion) Lotion is an effective, FDA-approved, prescription-only product for head lice treatment in children 6 years and older and adults. Unlike over-the-counter products and Lindane, there are no documented reports that head lice are resistant to OVIDE® (malathion) Lotion. (See “ About Head Lice ” for more information on lice resistance ).
How To Use OVIDE® (malathion) Lotion
As with any product, caution must be taken when applying OVIDE® Lotion to the scalp.
Carefully read the instructions on the package insert before applying this product, then proceed by following these instructions.
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Apply OVIDE® Lotion on DRY hair in an amount sufficient to thoroughly wet the hair and scalp. Pay particular attention to the back of the head and neck. Wash hands after applying. |
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Allow hair to dry naturally— do not use any electric heat source, and allow hair to remain uncovered. Because this product contains alcohol to aid in its effectiveness, it is flammable.
The lotion and wet hair should not be exposed to open flames or electric heat sources, including hair dryers and electric curlers. Do not smoke while applying lotion or while hair is wet. |
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Shampoo the hair after 8 to 12 hours or as directed by your physician. |
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Rinse and use a fine-toothed (nit) comb * to remove dead lice and eggs.
* Not include in package. |
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Further treatment is generally not necessary, but if lice are still present after 7-9 days, repeat with a second application of OVIDE® Lotion. |
Ovide (malathion) Lotion, 0.5%, Safety Profile
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Minor side effects observed in trials of Ovide® (malathion) lotion, 0.5%, include a temporary increase in dandruff in those prone to this condition. |
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Irritation to the skin and scalp is the most common adverse reaction. |
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Accidental contact with the eyes can result in mild conjunctivitis. |
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OVIDE® (malathion) Lotion is contraindicated for neonates and infants. |
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Because this product contains alcohol, it is flammable. Keep away from heat sources (i.e., hair dryers, cigarettes) or open flame while hair is wet. |
Please see full prescribing information .
Using Nit Combs
After applying a
head lice treatment product, use a metal nit comb to help remove dead
head lice and their eggs. A good
nit comb doesn’t bend and has teeth that are close together, so nits the size of poppy seeds can’t escape the stroke of the comb.
When combing, work on one small section at a time, combing from the scalp to the ends of the hair. Then wipe the comb with a paper towel and move to the next section. Afterward, wash the comb in soapy, hot water (130
o F) or soak the comb in alcohol for one hour.
House Cleaning
Don’t turn your house upside-down in an effort to get rid of
head lice . Such efforts are unnecessary. Lice depend on human blood to survive and typically die within 24 hours without a host.
Head lice may, however, get caught in a hairbrush, comb or headband. So, wash hair care items and accessories in hot water (130
o F). Likewise,
head lice may be trapped when towel-drying hair, so launder clothes, towels and bedding materials in hot water or tumble in a dryer on high heat. If your child sleeps with a special stuffed animal or blanket, wash it in hot water, or tumble it in a dryer on high heat. You don’t need to place stuffed animals in plastic bags for several weeks. Routine cleaning is sufficient. It is unnecessary to spray your furniture, beds or carpets with insecticides.
FDA-Approved Product
Once your doctor or health care professional has diagnosed
head lice , follow his or her professional advice for treatment. Only an FDA-approved product is recommended. The Food and Drug Administration approval indicates that the product has been tested for safety and effectiveness.
Usually your doctor will want you to start with product that you can buy over-the-counter (OTC), i.e., without a prescription. However, if you live in an area where
lice have been resistant to such products, your doctor may want to skip the OTC product and immediately prescribe a prescription product.
As with any product, whether it be OTC or prescription, please follow label instructions carefully.
Never use alternative treatments suggested by friends or family members.
OVIDE® and TaroPharma® are trademarks of Taro Pharmaceuticals U.S.A., Inc. and/or its affiliates.