This medication is used to treat head lice, tiny insects
that infest and irritate your scalp. Head lice lay small white eggs (nits)
at the roots of hair close to the scalp, especially on the hairline at the
back of the neck and behind the ears. Dimethicone works by stopping the
lice and their eggs from getting air, killing them by
suffocation.
Read the Patient Information Leaflet if available from
your pharmacist before you start using dimethicone and each time you get a
refill. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or
pharmacist.
People who are in close contact with the infected
person, such as members of the same household, should also be checked for
lice and nits. Use a comb to help look for head lice or nits. Treat
everyone infected with lice on the same day to prevent getting lice again.
A regular comb can be used before treatment to remove any tangles. Clean
the comb thoroughly after use. See also Notes section.
This medication is for external use only. Use this
medication when your hair is dry. Do not wet your hair before applying.
Before using for the first time, screw the dispensing pump onto the bottle
and prime the spray bottle as directed. Close your eyes tightly during
application and avoid getting dimethicone in your eyes, nose, or mouth. If
the medication accidentally gets into the eye(s), rinse right away for 10
to 15 minutes with plenty of water. Since you should keep your eyes closed
during application, you may need to have another person help you apply this
medication. Children will need an adult to apply this medication for them.
Spray this medication carefully over all hair on the scalp as directed by
the manufacturer. Massage in well until the hair is completely wetted with
the solution.
After application, leave the medication on the hair for
at least 30 minutes. After dimethicone has been left on for at least 30
minutes, you may use a lice comb to carefully comb hair and remove the dead
lice and nits. Do not wash out the medication. Leave the hair to dry for at
least 8 hours (such as overnight). After waiting a total of at least 8
hours, dimethicone can be washed out with your usual
shampoo.
You or anyone who helps you apply this medication should
wash hands after application. After 8 to 10 days, the treatment must be
repeated. Tell your doctor if head lice remain after the second treatment
with dimethicone.
Skin or eye irritation/redness may occur. If any of
these effects last or get worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist
promptly.
If your doctor has directed you to use this medication,
remember that your doctor has judged that the benefit to you is greater
than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not
have serious side effects.
A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare.
However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a
serious allergic reaction, including:
- rash
- itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat)
- severe dizziness
- trouble breathing
This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If
you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or
pharmacist.
In the US - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.
You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at
www.fda.gov/medwatch.
In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about
side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at
1-866-234-2345.
Before using dimethicone, tell your doctor or pharmacist
if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product
may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or
other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.
Before using this medication, tell your doctor or
pharmacist your medical history, especially of:
- skin conditions or sensitivities
Constant or forceful scratching of the skin/scalp may
lead to a bacterial skin infection. Tell your doctor right away if you
develop pus or worsening redness.
Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about
all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription
drugs, and herbal products).
This product is flammable. Do not use near an open flame
or heat source which uses an open flame.
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant before using this
medication.
It is unknown if dimethicone passes into breast milk.
Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.
Drug interactions may change how your medications work
or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not
contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you
use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and
share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the
dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.
This product may react with certain hair care and hair
tinting products.
This medicine may be harmful if swallowed. If someone
has overdosed and has serious symptoms such as passing out or trouble
breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison control center right away. US
residents can call 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call
1-844-764-7669.
To avoid spreading lice to another person or getting
lice again, machine-wash all head wear, clothing, bed linens, and towels
with hot water, then dry in a dryer at high setting for at least 20
minutes. Items such as pillows or stuffed animals that cannot be washed
should be dry cleaned, sealed in a plastic bag for at least 2 weeks, or
sprayed with a disinfectant that kills lice. Brushes or combs should be
soaked in hot water (hotter than 130 degrees F/54 degrees C) for at least 5
to 10 minutes. Furniture and floors should be thoroughly
vacuumed.
Store at room temperature away from heat and open flame.
This product is flammable. Keep all medications away from children and
pets.
Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them
into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when
it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste
disposal company.