Table of Contents
What is lindane used for?
Lindane is an anti-parasite medicine. Lindane topical (for the skin) kills certain parasites that live or lay eggs in your skin or hair. Lindane topical shampoo is used to treat head lice or pubic lice (“crabs”). Lindane topical lotion is used to treat scabies.
Why is lindane banned?
In 2002, California banned pharmaceutical use of lindane because of concerns about water quality, as lindane treatment for head lice and scabies was found to be a significant factor adversely affecting wastewater quality.
Is lindane safe for kids?
Lindane lotion should be used with caution for 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.
Is lindane toxic?
Exposure to lindane may occur from eating contaminated food or by breathing air contaminated during formulation or use. Lindane is quite toxic to humans. The acute (short-term) effects of lindane through inhalation exposure in humans consist of irritation of the nose and throat and effects on the blood.
Who should not take lindane?
Babies; children; older people; people who weigh less than 110 lb; and people who have skin conditions such as psoriasis, rashes, crusty scabby skin, or broken skin are more likely to have serious side effects from lindane.
Who can safely receive lindane?
This medicine is for use in adults and children who weigh at least 110 pounds. Lindane topical should be used only if other medicines cannot be given, or have been tried without success.
Can you still buy lindane?
The only remaining U.S. use of lindane is for prescription shampoos and lotion treatments for head lice and scabies, which are regulated by the Food and Drug Administration, not the EPA. Lindane prescriptions have been banned in California since 2002, and most U.S. doctors no longer prescribe them.
Is lindane banned in California?
In 2002, California banned pharmaceutical use of lindane because of concerns about water quality, as lindane treatment for head lice and scabies was found to be a significant factor adversely affecting wastewater quality. This is the first time that a pharmaceutical has been outlawed to protect water quality.
Is lindane still used today?
Is lindane bad for the environment?
Lindane is considered to be highly toxic to aquatic organisms, and moderately toxic to birds and mammals.
What are the side effects to lindane?
Side Effects
- Convulsions (seizures)
- dizziness, clumsiness, or unsteadiness.
- fast heartbeat.
- muscle cramps.
- nervousness, restlessness, or irritability.
- skin irritation not present before use of lindane.
- skin rash.
What is the generic name for lindane?
Lindane , formerly known as gamma benzene hexachloride, is an insecticide and is used to treat scabies and lice infestations.
What do you need to know about lindane shampoo?
Lindane is an anti-parasite medicine. Lindane topical (for the skin) kills certain parasites that live or lay eggs in your skin or hair. Lindane topical shampoo is used to treat head lice or pubic lice (“crabs”). Lindane topical lotion is used to treat scabies.
What kind of Medicine is lindane for skin?
Lindane is an anti-parasite medicine. Lindane topical (for the skin) kills certain parasites that live or lay eggs in your skin or hair.
Are there any side effects to taking lindane?
Lindane should not be used to treat premature babies or people who have or have ever had seizures, especially if the seizures are hard to control. Lindane may cause serious side effects if too much is used or if it is used for too long or too often. Your doctor will tell you exactly how to use lindane.
How is lindane registered in the United States?
In the US, lindane pesticide products were regulated by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), while lindane medications are regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). It was registered as an agricultural insecticide in the 1940s, and as pharmaceutical in 1951.