How It Works
Lindane is a chemical that kills the
scabies mite.
Lindane is available as a
cream or lotion. It is applied to the skin and left on for 8 hours before being
washed off with lukewarm, soapy water. Follow these
instructions for using scabies medicines.
Lindane cream or lotion can cause serious side effects if you do not use
it exactly as directed. General precautions
include the following:
- Only apply it on cool and dry skin.
Chemicals in lindane absorb quickly and easily. If it is applied after bathing
when skin is warm and moist, lindane is more likely to become toxic and cause
side effects.
- Never apply the medicine more than one time
without first seeing your doctor. Itching may continue even after all the mites
have been killed. If you itch, it doesn't mean that you still have scabies.
Talk to your doctor, who may advise you to take an
antihistamine or other medicine.
Why It Is Used
Lindane is an
insecticide used to kill parasites on animals and humans. It can be used to
treat scabies but usually only as a second-line treatment.1 This means that lindane should be used only after another
medicine, usually permethrin (Elimite), is tried first. This is because lindane
can cause dangerous side effects in certain people or if it is not used
exactly as directed.
How Well It Works
For people who haven't had success with other treatments, lindane may work to cure scabies.
Side Effects
All medicines have side effects. But many people don't feel the side effects, or they are able to deal with them. Ask your pharmacist about the side effects of each medicine you take. Side effects are also listed in the information that comes with your medicine.
Here are some important things to think about:
- Usually the benefits of the medicine are more important than any minor side effects.
- Side effects may go away after you take the medicine for a while.
- If side effects still bother you or your child and you wonder if you or your child should keep taking the medicine, call your doctor. He or she may be able to lower your dose or change your medicine. Do not suddenly quit taking/using your medicine unless your doctor tells you to.
Call 911 or other emergency services right away if you or your child has:
- Trouble breathing.
- Hives.
- Swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Call your doctor right away if you or your child has:
- Seizures.
- A feeling of being dizzy or unsteady.
- Fast heartbeat.
- Fussiness, grouchiness, or restlessness.
- Vomiting.
Lindane can have dangerous
central nervous system (neurotoxic) effects, because it
can become toxic when high amounts are absorbed into the bloodstream.
See Drug Reference for a full list of side effects. (Drug
Reference is not available in all systems.)
What To Think About
Lindane is a poison. It can cause harm if it's swallowed or if it's absorbed into the skin. Do not use more of it, do not use it more often, and do not use it for a longer time than your doctor tells you to. Keep it away from the eyes and mouth.
If you have a seizure disorder or if you have certain skin conditions, do not use lindane.
The
U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) advises that this product be used exactly as labeled. Although most of the side effects reported from
this product are from misuse and overuse, it does contain potentially harmful
toxins.
Itching may last for 7 to 10 days after treatment. But itching
is not a reason to use the product again. Overuse of lice products
(such as using the product more often than it was prescribed) can
irritate the skin and may increase the risk of side effects.
Taking medicine
Medicine is one of the many tools your doctor has to treat a health problem. Taking medicine as your doctor suggests will improve your health and may prevent future problems. If you don't take your medicines properly, you may be putting your health (and perhaps your life) at risk.
There are many reasons why people have trouble taking their medicine. But in most cases, there is something you can do. For suggestions on how to work around common problems, see the topic Taking Medicines as Prescribed.
Advice for women
If you are pregnant, breast-feeding, or planning to get pregnant, do not use any medicines unless your doctor tells you to. Some medicines can harm your baby. This includes prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, herbs, and supplements. And make sure that all your doctors know that you are pregnant, breast-feeding, or planning to get pregnant.
Checkups
Follow-up care is a key part of your treatment and safety. Be sure to make and go to all appointments, and call your doctor if you are having problems. It's also a good idea to know your test results and keep a list of the medicines you take.
Complete the new medication information form (PDF)(What is a PDF document?) to help you understand this medication.
References
Citations
- Stone SP, et al. (2008). Scabies, other mites, and
pediculosis. In K Wolff et al., eds., Fitzpatrick's Dermatology in General Medicine, 7th ed., vol. 2, pp. 2029–2037. New York:
McGraw-Hill Medical.
Credits
| By | Healthwise Staff |
|---|
| Primary Medical Reviewer | Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine |
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| Specialist Medical Reviewer | Alexander H. Murray, MD, FRCPC - Dermatology |
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| Last Revised | March 14, 2011 |
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Stone SP, et al. (2008). Scabies, other mites, and
pediculosis. In K Wolff et al., eds., Fitzpatrick's Dermatology in General Medicine, 7th ed., vol. 2, pp. 2029–2037. New York:
McGraw-Hill Medical.
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