Gamma Benzene Hexachloride
About Gamma Benzene Hexachloride
Gamma Benzene Hexachloride is a topical prescription medication used to treat scabies and lice infestations. It is used when other medicines have not worked, cannot be used, or are not suitable. It helps eliminate the parasites responsible for these infestations and relieves the intense itching and discomfort.
Gamma Benzene Hexachloride is typically applied only once as a single treatment. You must apply it only to completely dry, cool skin to ensure it works safely. Alongside this treatment, washing all personal clothing, bedding, and towels in hot water is essential to prevent the parasites from returning.
While using Gamma Benzene Hexachloride, you may experience mild skin irritation, itching, or dryness. However, if you experience serious side effects such as muscle tremors, dizziness, or seizures, you must seek medical attention immediately. Always talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you notice any unusual changes in your body.
Before applying Gamma Benzene Hexachloride, talk to your doctor if you have a history of seizures, head injuries, or severe skin conditions like eczema. Do not use this medication if you have a known seizure disorder or if the patient is a premature infant. It is also not recommended for individuals with very sensitive or highly broken skin.
This medication can interact with body oils, oil-based lotions, alcohol-containing skin products, and other topical medicines, which may increase absorption through the skin and raise the risk of serious side effects. Pregnant or breastfeeding women, as well as elderly individuals, should consult their doctor before use to ensure it is safe for their specific situation.
Uses of Gamma Benzene Hexachloride
Medicinal Benefits
Gamma Benzene Hexachloride helps eliminate the mites or lice causing the infestation, relieving symptoms and preventing the spread of infection when used exactly as prescribed.
Benefits may include:
- Helps reduce the severe itching and discomfort caused by scabies or lice, allowing you to rest and sleep more comfortably.
- Kills the mites or lice responsible for the infestation, helping clear the infection.
- Reduces the risk of the infestation spreading to other parts of your body or to close contacts when combined with appropriate hygiene measures.
- Often works with a single application when used as directed, reducing the need for repeated treatments.
- Once the parasites are eliminated, it allows the affected skin to begin healing and recover naturally.
Directions for Use
- Follow your doctor's instructions on the dosage and timing of this medication to ensure safety.
- For Scabies: Apply a thin layer of 1% topical preparation to all skin surfaces, from the neck to the toes, if you have scabies. After 8 to 12 hours, thoroughly wash the substance off the body with warm water.
- For Pediculosis: Apply 30 to 60 ml of 1% shampoo to dry hair for pediculosis. The amount needed for most patients will be 30 ml (up to 60 ml), depending on the length of their hair. Massage into hair for 4 minutes, then add a little water at a time to create a lather. Right away, rinse thoroughly until no more suds are visible. Use a fine-toothed comb to comb the hair after it has dried. Most of the time, a single treatment is adequate; if not, another pediculicide may be used in a week.
- Do not apply to broken or severely irritated skin. Keep away from your eyes. Avoid contact with eyes.
Storage
Side Effects of Gamma Benzene Hexachloride
Common Side Effects (Usually mild)
- Mild skin itching
- Dry, scaling, or peeling skin
- Slight redness or a burning sensation where applied
Serious Side Effects (Call a doctor right away)
- Seizures or convulsions
- Severe dizziness, confusion, or lack of coordination
- Signs of a severe allergic reaction, such as swelling of the face, lips, or throat, or difficulty breathing
- Unusual restlessness, irritability, or muscle twitching
Medicines Containing this Salt
View AllDrug Warnings
- Apply to Cool, Dry Skin: Never apply this medication to wet skin or immediately after bathing, as wet skin can absorb the medicine too quickly and cause severe side effects.
- Wear Protective Gloves: Wear disposable gloves if you are applying Gamma Benzene Hexachloride to another person to protect your own skin from unnecessary exposure.
- Avoid Covering the Treated Area: Do not cover the treated skin with tight wraps, bandages, or plastic dressings unless explicitly instructed by your doctor.
- Keep Away from Eyes and Mouth: Avoid getting the lotion in your eyes, nose, or mouth; if contact occurs, rinse thoroughly with cool water immediately.
- Avoid Other Topical Products: Do not apply other topical products, such as body oils or moisturisers, at the same time, as they can increase the absorption of this medicine.
Drug Interactions
- Medicines that lower the seizure threshold (such as certain antidepressants, antipsychotics, or some antibiotics): May increase the risk of seizures when used with Gamma Benzene Hexachloride. Inform your doctor or pharmacist about all the medicines you are taking before starting treatment.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
cautionThe interaction of alcohol with Gamma Benzene Hexachloride is unknown. Please consult a doctor before consuming alcohol while using Gamma Benzene Hexachloride.
Pregnancy
unsafeGamma Benzene Hexachloride is a Category C pregnancy drug and is considered unsafe for pregnant women due to the increased risk of adverse effects to the unborn baby or fetus.
Breast Feeding
unsafeGamma Benzene Hexachloride is not recommended for breastfeeding mothers as it may be excreted in breast milk and cause adverse effects in the nursing baby.
Driving
safe if prescribedGamma Benzene Hexachloride usually does not affect your ability to drive or operate machinery.
Liver
cautionIf you have any concerns regarding the use of Gamma Benzene Hexachloride in patients with liver problems, please consult a doctor.
Kidney
cautionIf you have any concerns regarding the use of Gamma Benzene Hexachloride in patients with kidney problems, please consult a doctor.
Children
cautionGamma Benzene Hexachloride is not recommended for use in premature babies. Please consult a child specialist before using Gamma Benzene Hexachloride in children.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Wash Clothing and Bedding: Wash all clothes, bed sheets, and towels used during the 48 hours before treatment in hot water (at least 130°F or 54°C) and dry them on high heat to kill any remaining mites or lice.
- Seal Non-Washable Items: Seal items that cannot be washed, such as stuffed animals or heavy coats, in a plastic bag for at least 14 days.
- Clean Your Home: Vacuum all carpets, rugs, and upholstered furniture thoroughly, then discard the vacuum bag or clean the canister immediately.
- Treat Close Contacts: Have all household members and close contacts checked by a doctor at the same time to prevent passing the infestation back and forth.
- Avoid Close Contact: Avoid close physical or skin-to-skin contact with others until your treatment is fully completed and your doctor confirms the infection is gone.
Special Advise
Avoid contact of Gamma Benzene Hexachloride with eyes. In case of accidental contact, rinse with water thoroughly.
Do not apply Gamma Benzene Hexachloride on lots of broken skin, crusted (scabby), or open sores on the skin.
Wear gloves that are least permeable to Gamma Benzene Hexachloride such as sheer vinyl, nitrile, or latex with neoprene to avoid Gamma Benzene Hexachloride getting on hands while applying to someone else. Avoid natural latex gloves as they are more permeable to Gamma Benzene Hexachloride and thoroughly wash your hands after application.
Do not cover the treated area with unbreathable things like tight or plastic clothes, plastic lining, blankets, or diapers.
Avoid contact with other people’s skin after applying Gamma Benzene Hexachloride, and especially you should not touch a baby or small child.
Avoid scratching the skin as it may worsen the infection.
Avoid direct skin-to-skin contact. Seek medical help if your sexual partner also develops scabies.
Avoid using any oil on hair or skin just before or after applying Gamma Benzene Hexachloride as oils may increase the absorption of Gamma Benzene Hexachloride and cause adverse effects. Oils include moisturizers, skin lotions, oil-based conditioners, and hair products.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Scabies: It is a skin condition caused by mites known as Sarcoptes scabiei. It causes an itchy skin rash and is contagious (spreads from one person to another person). These tiny mites crawl under the skin and live on the skin for months laying eggs, and causing severe itching. Scabies spreads easily throughout the body except for the head. Hence, it should be treated quickly. The most commonly seen symptom is an intensely itchy rash that worsens at night. People who live in nursing homes, university halls of residence, or nurseries are at more risk of spreading scabies from person to person due to close contact.
Pediculosis: It is the infection caused by the parasite, Pediculus humanus. It is an ectoparasite and feeds on blood. It infects the hairy parts of the body, such as the scalp and pubic area. In this condition, lice attach to the scalp and lay eggs at the base of the hair. It can be easily transmitted from one person to another through direct contact. The symptom includes intense itching or scratching at the affected area.
FAQs
Gamma Benzene Hexachloride is used to treat scabies (a skin infection caused by mites) and pediculosis (infestation of lice in the hairy parts of the body).
Gamma Benzene Hexachloride is an antiparasitic drug used to treat scabies (a skin infection) and pediculosis (lice infestation). Gamma Benzene Hexachloride kills scabies mites and their eggs by going through the skin. Gamma Benzene Hexachloride is used to treat scabies and pediculosis in patients for whom other medicines did not work or cannot be given other safer medicines.
No, Gamma Benzene Hexachloride is not recommended for patients with uncontrolled fits as it may worsen the condition. Therefore, inform your doctor if you have a history of fits before using Gamma Benzene Hexachloride.
No, Gamma Benzene Hexachloride should not be applied immediately after bathing as warm or wet skin helps Gamma Benzene Hexachloride penetrate through the skin quickly and may increase the risk of fits. Therefore, you are advised to wait for a minimum of 1 hour after taking a shower or bath.
Gamma Benzene Hexachloride does not prevent scabies or reinfestation (recurring scabies). Gamma Benzene Hexachloride kills the mites and is only used in the treatment of scabies that has already started.
Scabies is a contagious skin condition that spreads from one person to another through physical contact. Therefore, it is recommended to avoid close physical contact until the treatment for scabies is completed.
Scabies is a contagious skin condition caused by the Sarcoptes scabiei mite, which burrows into the skin to lay eggs. It leads to an itchy rash, especially at night. It spreads through close skin contact and can affect anyone. It should be treated quickly to prevent its spread.
Gamma Benzene Hexachloride is not recommended for use in premature babies. It should be used in children only if advised by the doctor. Please consult the doctor if you have any concerns regarding the usage of Gamma Benzene Hexachloride in children.
The side effects of Gamma Benzene Hexachloride include rash, dryness, itching, or burning sensation in the treated area. Consult the doctor if any of these side effects persist or worsen.
No, Gamma Benzene Hexachloride is not available over-the-counter as it is a prescription medication. It should be used only if prescribed by the doctor.
Yes, Gamma Benzene Hexachloride is used to treat scabies and to kill lice, eggs, and nits as it contains an anti-parasitic agent that works by penetrating into the skin and killing them.
Yes, Gamma Benzene Hexachloride is safe if used in the dose and duration prescribed by the doctor.
Gamma Benzene Hexachloride can be left overnight (for 8-12 hours) unless you experience irritation. Rinse off the product next morning.
If you experience severe local irritation, such as intense redness, itching, dryness, or a stinging/burning sensation, discontinue the use of Gamma Benzene Hexachloride and consult the doctor.
Avoid contact of Gamma Benzene Hexachloride with the eyes. If accidental contact occurs, rinse it off thoroughly with plenty of water. Do not use it on large areas of broken skin, crusted (scabby), or open sores. When applying to someone else, wear gloves made of materials that are least permeable to the lotion, such as sheer vinyl, nitrile, or latex with neoprene. Do not use natural latex gloves as they are more permeable, and be sure to wash your hands thoroughly after application. Do not cover the treated area with tight or plastic clothing, plastic linings, blankets, or diapers, as they are unbreathable. After applying Gamma Benzene Hexachloride, avoid contact with other people's skin, especially babies or small children. Avoid scratching the skin as it may worsen the infection, and avoid direct skin-to-skin contact. If your sexual partner develops scabies, seek medical help. Do not use oils including moisturizers, skin lotions, oil-based conditioners, and hair products on the hair or skin before or after applying Gamma Benzene Hexachloride, as oils may increase its absorption and cause adverse effects.
Gamma Benzene Hexachloride should be applied as often as recommended by the doctor. The doctor will determine the frequency of using Gamma Benzene Hexachloride based on your condition being treated.
Do not apply moisturizer, before or after using Gamma Benzene Hexachloride as it may increase its absorption and cause adverse effects. It is advised to wait for an hour after applying Gamma Benzene Hexachloride before applying moisturizer.
Do not use this if you have active eczema or broken skin, as this can cause too much of the medicine to be absorbed. Talk to your doctor.
A second application is rarely needed and should only be done if live mites or lice are still present after 7 days, and only under medical supervision. Talk to your doctor.
Flush your eyes immediately with plenty of cool water. Seek medical help if irritation or pain persists. Talk to your doctor.
This medicine should only be used during pregnancy if absolutely necessary and when other safer treatments have failed. Talk to your doctor.
Hot or wet skin absorbs the medicine much faster, which increases the risk of serious side effects like seizures. Talk to your doctor.
No, itching may persist for several weeks even after the parasites are dead as your skin heals. Talk to your doctor.
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