Lindane

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How should this medicine be used?

Lindane comes as a lotion to apply to the skin and a shampoo to apply to the hair and scalp. It should only be used once and then should not be used again for a long time. Follow the directions on the package or on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Use lindane exactly as directed. Do not use more or less of it or use it more often than directed by your doctor.

Before using lindane, ask your pharmacist or doctor for a copy of the manufacturer's information for the patient and read it carefully.

Lindane should only be used on the skin and hair. Never apply lindane to your mouth and never swallow it. Avoid getting lindane into your eyes.

When you apply lindane to yourself or someone else, wear gloves made of nitrile, sheer vinyl, or latex with neoprene. Do not wear gloves made of natural latex because they will not prevent lindane from reaching your skin. Throw away your gloves and wash your hands well when you are finished.

After using lindane, sanitize all the clothing, underwear, pajamas, sheets, pillowcases, and towels you have used recently. These items should be washed in very hot water or dry-cleaned.

Itching may still occur after successful treatment. Do not reapply lindane.

Lindane lotion is used only to treat scabies. Do not use it to treat lice. To use the lotion, follow these steps:

• Your fingernails should be trimmed short and your skin should be clean, dry, and free of other oils, lotions, or creams. If you need to bathe or shower, wait 1 hour before applying lindane to allow your skin to cool.
• Shake the lotion well.
• Put some lotion on a toothbrush. Use the toothbrush to apply the lotion under your fingernails. Wrap the toothbrush in paper and throw it away. Do not use this toothbrush to brush your teeth because it may harm you.
• Apply a thin layer of lotion all over your skin from your neck down to your toes (including the soles of your feet). You might not need all the lotion in the bottle.
• Close the lindane bottle tightly and throw it away in a trashcan that is out of the reach of children. Do not save leftover lotion to use later.
• You may dress in loose fitting clothing, but do not wear tight or plastic clothing or cover your skin with blankets. Do not put plastic lined diapers on a baby who is being treated.
• Leave the lotion on your skin for 8-12 hours, but no longer. If you leave the lotion on longer, it will not kill any more scabies, but it may cause seizures or other serious problems. Do not let anyone else touch your skin during this time. Other people may be harmed if their skin touches the lotion on your skin.
• After 8-12 hours have passed, wash off all of the lotion with warm water. Do not use hot water.

Lindane shampoo is used only for pubic lice (crabs) and head lice. Do not use the shampoo if you have scabies. To use the shampoo, follow these steps:

• Wash your hair with your regular shampoo at least 1 hour before applying lindane and dry it thoroughly. Do not use any creams, oils, or conditioners.
• Shake the shampoo well. Apply just enough shampoo to make your hair, scalp, and the small hairs on the back of your neck wet. If you have pubic lice, apply the shampoo to the hair in your pubic area and the skin underneath. You might not need all of the shampoo in the bottle.
• Close the lindane bottle tightly and throw it away in a trashcan that is out of the reach of children. Do not save leftover shampoo to use later.
• Leave the lindane shampoo on your hair for exactly 4 minutes. Keep track of the time with a watch or clock. If you leave the lotion on for longer than 4 minutes, it will not kill any more lice, but it may cause seizures or other serious problems. Keep your hair uncovered during this time.
• At the end of 4 minutes, use a small amount of warm water to lather the shampoo. Do not use hot water.
• Wash all of the shampoo off of your hair and skin with warm water.
• Dry your hair with a clean towel.
• Comb your hair with a fine tooth comb (nit comb)or use tweezers to remove nits (lice eggs and larvae). You will probably need to ask someone to help you with this, especially if you have head lice.

Last Revised: 07/01/2003

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