Important Safety Information
When used as directed, lindane medications are relatively safe and effective. The most commonly reported side effects include itching skin, burning skin, dry skin, and rash. Other reported adverse events include: dizziness, headache, pain, paresthesia (tingling), hives, and alopecia (hair loss). However, the relationship of some of these effects to lindane therapy is unclear.
Serious adverse events with lindane medications, such as seizures and death, are rare, and have almost always resulted from product misuse (e.g., swallowing large quantities, prolonged or repeated application). Lindane medications are now limited to single-use 2 oz. bottles to minimize this risk. Please see Boxed Warnings below.
Lindane lotion USP, 1%
Rx Only
WARNINGS:
Lindane lotion should only be used in patients who cannot tolerate or have failed first-line treatment with safer medications for the treatment of scabies
Neurologic Toxicity
Seizures and deaths have been reported following lindane lotion use with repeat or prolonged application, but also in rare cases following a single application used according to directions. Lindane lotion should be used with caution in infants, children, the elderly, and individuals with other skin conditions (e.g, atopic dermatitis, psoriasis) and in those who weigh <110 lbs (50 kg) as they may be at risk of serious neurotoxicity
Contraindications
Lindane lotion is contraindicated in premature infants and individuals with known uncontrolled seizure disorders
Proper Use
Instruct patients on the proper use of lindane lotion, the amount to apply, how long to leave it on, and avoiding re-treatment. Inform patients that itching occurs after the successful killing of scabies and is not necessarily an indication for re-treatment with lindane lotion
Lindane shampoo USP, 1%
Rx Only
WARNINGS:
Lindane shampoo should only be used in patients who cannot tolerate or have failed first-line treatment with safer medications for the treatment of lice
Neurologic Toxicity
Seizures and deaths have been reported following lindane shampoo use with repeat or prolonged application, but also in rare cases following a single application used according to directions. Lindane shampoo should be used with caution in infants, children, the elderly, and individuals with other skin conditions, and in those who weigh <110 lbs (50 kg) as they may be at risk of serious neurotoxicity
Contraindications
Lindane shampoo is contraindicated in premature infants and individuals with known uncontrolled seizure disorders
Proper Use
Instruct patients on the proper use of lindane shampoo, the amount to apply, how long to leave it on, and avoiding re-treatment. Inform patients that itching occurs after the successful killing of lice and is not necessarily an indication for re-treatment with lindane shampoo