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Are there any prescription treatments for head lice?

Permethrin (brand name Elimite) is a prescription product that can be used to treat head lice. This medicine is typically used when over-the-counter products are not effective. A recent study found that the combination of Permethrin and >trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (Bactrim or Septra) was more likely to cure a head lice infestation than Permethrin used alone.

Gamma benzene hexachloride (>Lindane), malathion (>Ovide), and crotamiton (>Eurax) are other prescription drugs that are applied to the hair to treat lice.

Rarely, lice creams may not work. Ivermectin (>Stromectol) is a new tablet that is taken in a single oral dose to treat lice. It has not been studied in children weighing less than 35 pounds.

Sources:
Handbook of Nonprescription Drugs. American Pharmaceutical Association, 1996.
Mayo Clinic Family Health Book. William Morrow & Co., 1996.
Burkhart, C.G., "An Assessment of Topical and Oral Prescription and Over-the-counter Treatments for Head Lice" Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology 38 (1998).
Habif, Thomas. Clinical Dermatology. Mosby-Year Book Inc., 1996.
Hipolito RB. “Head Lice Infestation: Single Drug Versus Combination Therapy With One Percent Permethrin And Trimethoprim/Sulfamethoxazole.” Pediatrics 107(2001).

This answer prepared 4/24/01.

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