Lindane
About Lindane
Lindane is a topical medication prescribed to treat parasitic infections such as scabies and pubic lice. It serves as a specialised, second-line medical treatment when other safer options have failed or cannot be tolerated. This therapy is highly effective at clearing the infestation and preventing parasites from spreading to other people. Because of the risk of severe neurological toxicity, including seizures, Lindane has been withdrawn or heavily restricted in many countries, including the European Union and Canada. Its use is limited in several regions, and it is reserved only for specific situations where safer treatments are unsuitable.
For scabies, Lindane lotion is generally applied once and left on the skin for the duration recommended by the doctor (commonly around 8–12 hours before washing off). For pubic lice, follow the specific product instructions carefully. Lindane shampoo formulations are typically left on for about 4 minutes before rinsing, unless your doctor provides different instructions.
Always follow the prescribed instructions.
You must apply this treatment only to clean, completely dry skin, making sure to avoid warm or wet skin which can increase absorption. To support your recovery and ensure the parasites do not return, you should wash all recently used clothing, towels, and bedding in hot water on the same day you start treatment.
While most people tolerate the medication well when applied correctly, common side effects include mild skin irritation, itching, or a burning sensation. However, you must contact your doctor immediately if you experience severe dizziness, muscle spasms, or an unexpected seizure after application.
Lindane should generally be avoided in patients weighing less than 50 kg because of an increased risk of serious nervous system toxicity. It should only be considered in exceptional circumstances when safer treatments are unsuitable and under specialist supervision.
This medication can interact with other substances, such as alcohol or medications that lower your seizure threshold, making serious side effects more likely. If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or are caring for an elderly individual, you must consult your doctor before using Lindane.
Uses of Lindane
• Treatment of parasitic infections: Lindane is used to treat parasitic infections like strongyloidiasis and onchocerciasis, by targeting and eliminating the parasites that cause them.
• Scabies treatment: Lindane effectively treats scabies by targeting the mites that cause intense itching and skin irritation.
• Lice infection: Lindane treats head lice infection by killing both lice and eggs, especially when other treatments aren't effective.
Medicinal Benefits
Lindane provides effective treatment for parasitic skin infestations by targeting and eliminating mites and lice. When used appropriately, this medicine offers several key health benefits:
- Effective Elimination of Mites and Lice: Lindane helps kill the parasites responsible for infestations, including their eggs, preventing further multiplication and spread.
- Rapid Relief from Infestation Symptoms: As the infestation clears, Lindane helps reduce symptoms such as itching and skin irritation, improving comfort.
- Convenient Short-Course Treatment: Typically requiring a single, carefully managed application, Lindane provides a simple treatment approach that helps clear active infestations and reduces the risk of transmission to others.
Directions for Use
Follow these step-by-step instructions carefully to ensure safe application:
- Wait at least one full hour after bathing or showering so your skin is completely cool and dry before application.
- Trim your fingernails short to prevent scratching and to ensure no parasites hide under them.
- Apply a thin layer of the lotion from your neck down to your toes, making sure to cover all skin folds, creases, and the soles of your feet.
- For scabies, Lindane lotion is commonly left on for about 8–12 hours before washing off. For pubic lice, shampoo formulations may require a much shorter application time (often about 4 minutes). Always follow the product label or your doctor’s instructions.
- Wash the medication off thoroughly using warm, not hot, water, and dry yourself with a clean towel.
Always follow your doctor's exact instructions and never apply more of this medication than prescribed.
Storage
Side Effects of Lindane
Common Side Effects (Usually mild):
- Mild skin itching or redness
- Dry skin or peeling
- A mild burning or stinging sensation where applied
- Numbness or tingling in the skin
Serious Side Effects (Call a doctor right away):
- Seizures or convulsions
- Severe dizziness, confusion, or clumsiness
- Uncontrolled shaking or muscle spasms
- Severe skin rash, hives, or swelling of the face, lips, or throat
- Difficulty breathing or swallowing
- Neurological toxicity
Medicines Containing this Salt
View AllDrug Warnings
- Never apply this lotion to wet or warm skin, as this dramatically increases the risk of the medicine absorbing into your bloodstream and causing seizures.
- Do not use tight wraps, plastic dressings, or heavy blankets over the treated skin after applying the medication.
- Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water immediately after applying the lotion to prevent accidental contact with your eyes or mouth.
- Lindane should not be used in patients weighing less than 50 kg unless there is a compelling medical reason and it is specifically considered by a healthcare professional. Extreme caution is required because lower body weight increases the risk of serious nervous system toxicity.
- Extra caution is required in anyone with factors that increase seizure risk.
- If you are treating a child or an elderly family member, closely monitor them for any signs of extreme sleepiness, dizziness, or muscle twitching during and after treatment.
- Lindane can cause serious nervous system toxicity, including seizures and death in rare cases, especially with excessive use, repeated applications, or use in high-risk patients. It should only be used when safer treatments are unsuitable.
- Lindane use has become increasingly restricted in several regions, including parts of India, due to safety concerns. Healthcare providers generally prefer safer first-line options whenever possible.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interactions:
Inform your doctor if you are taking any of the following medicines, as they may interact.
- Using Lindane alongside medications that lower your seizure threshold (such as certain antidepressants, antipsychotics, pain relievers, or some antibiotics) can increase your risk of experiencing a seizure.
- Avoid applying other topical creams, oils, ointments, or moisturisers to your skin at the same time, as they can speed up the absorption of Lindane into your body.
Drug-Food Interactions:
- Do not drink alcohol during your treatment, as alcohol can significantly increase the risk of central nervous system side effects, including seizures.
Drug-Disease Interactions:
Inform your doctor if you have a history of the following conditions before taking Lindane, as it may worsen your condition or cause complications.
- Seizure disorders: People with a history of epilepsy or seizures must not use this medication.
- Skin barrier damage: Avoid using this medication if you have severe eczema, psoriasis, open wounds, or severely broken skin, as this allows too much medicine to enter the body.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
cautionInteraction of alcohol with Lindane is unknown. Please consult a doctor before consuming alcohol while using Lindane.
Pregnancy
unsafeLindane is Category C pregnancy drug and is considered unsafe for pregnant women due to the increased risk of adverse effects.
Breast Feeding
unsafeLindane is not recommended for breastfeeding mothers as it may be excreted in breast milk and cause adverse effects in the baby.
Driving
safe if prescribedLindane usually does not affect your ability to drive or operate machinery.
Liver
cautionIf you have any concerns regarding the use of Lindane in patients with liver problems, please consult a doctor.
Kidney
safe if prescribedIf you have any concerns regarding the use of Lindane in patients with kidney problems, please consult a doctor.
Children
cautionPlease consult a child specialist before using Lindane in children.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Wash all clothing, underwear, pajamas, bedding, and towels used within 48 hours before treatment in very hot water at least 54°C (130°F) and dry them on the hot cycle.
- Place any items that cannot be washed (such as stuffed animals or heavy coats) into a sealed plastic bag for at least two weeks to ensure any remaining parasites die.
- Thoroughly vacuum all carpets, rugs, upholstered furniture, and car seats, then immediately discard the vacuum bag outside.
- Ensure all sexual partners and household members are examined and treated at the same time to prevent passing the parasites back and forth.
- Avoid direct skin-to-skin contact with others until your medical provider confirms the infestation has been completely cleared.
Special Advise
- Avoid contact of Lindane with eyes. In case of accidental contact, rinse with water.
- Do not apply Lindane on lots of broken skin, crusted (scabby), or open sores on the skin.
- Wear gloves that are least permeable to Lindane such as sheer vinyl, nitrile, or latex with neoprene to avoid Lindane getting on hands while applying to someone else. Avoid natural latex gloves as they are more permeable to Lindane and wash your hands thoroughly after application.
- Wash all recently worn pajamas, underwear, clothing, towels, sheets, and pillowcases in very hot water or dry clean them.
- 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 Lindane especially do not touch a baby or small child.
- Avoid using any oil on hair or skin just before or after applying Lindane as oils may increase the absorption of Lindane and cause adverse effects. Oils include moisturisers, 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 include an intensely itchy rash that worsens at night. People who live in nursing homes, university halls of residence, or who work in nurseries are at more risk of spreading scabies from person to person due to close contact.
FAQs
Lindane treats scabies in people for whom other medicines did not work. Lindane is available usually in the topical form used to treat head lice.
No, Lindane is not recommended for patients with uncontrolled fits as it may increase the risk of fits. Therefore, inform your doctor if you are suffering from fits or have a history of fits before using Lindane.
No, Lindane should not be applied immediately after bathing as warm or wet skin helps Lindane to penetrate through the skin quickly and may increase the risk of fits. Therefore, you are advised to wait for minimum 1 hour after taking a shower or bath.
No, Lindane does not prevent scabies or reinfestation (recurring scabies). Lindane kills the mites and is only used in the treatment of scabies that has already started.
You are not recommended to use more than the prescribed dose of Lindane or too often as it may lead to life threatening seizures (fits).
Yes, scabies is a contagious skin condition which 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 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).
Shake the bottle well before use. Apply a very thin layer of Lindane on the affected area as advised by the doctor. Wash your hands thoroughly after applying Lindane.
Lindane should be used in children only if advised by the doctor. It is not recommended for premature infants due to the increased risk of skin permeability. Consult the doctor before using Lindane in children.
Lindane may cause side effects like dry skin, skin rash, itching, or burning sensation of the skin. Most of these side effects of Lindane do not require medical attention and gradually resolve over time. However, if the side effects persist, please consult your doctor.
No, you should not repeat the treatment without consulting your doctor. Itching is a common body reaction to the dead mites and can last for several weeks after successful treatment; it does not necessarily mean the infestation is still active. Talk to your doctor if itching persists.
Lindane is generally avoided during pregnancy unless absolutely necessary and prescribed by a doctor. It can absorb through the skin and may cause harm to the developing baby. Safer alternatives are usually preferred during pregnancy whenever possible. Talk to your doctor to discuss safer alternative treatments.
No, you should not breastfeed while using Lindane. The medicine can pass into breast milk and may harm your baby. Breastfeeding decisions should be discussed with a healthcare provider because Lindane may remain in breast milk after application. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about how to safely pump and discard milk, or for alternative treatments.
Flush your eyes immediately with large amounts of cool, clean water. If irritation, burning, or vision changes occur, seek medical attention right away. Talk to your doctor if symptoms continue.
You must leave the medication on your skin for the exact duration recommended by your doctor. Leaving it on for longer than prescribed increases the risk of serious side effects. Talk to your doctor if you are unsure of the timing.
No, you should avoid applying any other creams, oils, or skin lotions to the treated areas while Lindane is on your skin. These products can increase the amount of medicine absorbed into your body. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist for guidance.
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