This medication is used to treat head lice, tiny insects
that infest and irritate your scalp. Malathion belongs to a class of drugs
known as organophosphates. It works by paralyzing and killing lice and
their eggs (nits).
This drug is not recommended for use in newborns or
infants younger than 1 year.
Learn all preparation and usage instructions in the
product package. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or
pharmacist.
This medication is for use on hair and scalp only. Do
not swallow. Be careful to avoid getting malathion in your nose, ears,
mouth, vagina, or eyes. Protect eyes during application by keeping them
tightly closed and covered with a cloth or towel. If the medication
accidentally comes in contact with your eyes, flush them with water to
reduce irritation. If irritation continues or you experience vision
changes, talk to your doctor.
Apply this medication onto dry hair and scalp. Use
enough medication to make the hair and scalp wet, especially the back of
the head and neck. Allow the hair to air-dry, uncovered. Wash hands after
applying this medication. Leave malathion on the hair and scalp for 8-12
hours. Then shampoo and rinse well, especially the back of the head and
neck.
Run a fine-toothed comb (nit comb) through your wet hair
to remove the dead lice and lice eggs. The infected person should be
checked by another person for lice and nits. Please see the instructions in
the product package for more details about nit removal. Consult your doctor
if lice are still present after 7-9 days. Repeat treatment with this or
other medication may be necessary.
This medication may cause a slight stinging feeling on
the scalp. This is normal. However, if skin irritation occurs, wash the
scalp and hair right away, allow the irritation to clear, and try using the
medication again. If the irritation returns, consult your
doctor.
This medication contains an ingredient that could easily
catch fire (flammable). Avoid smoking, being around open flames (such as
fireplaces, stoves, campfires), or electric heat sources such as heaters,
hair dryers, and curlers/hair irons while using malathion.
Burning, stinging, dry hair, or a temporary increase in
dandruff may occur. If any of these effects last or get worse, tell your
doctor or pharmacist promptly.
Remember that this medication has been prescribed
because 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 malathion, 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:
- asthma
- skin infections
- skin or scalp problems (such as psoriasis, eczema)
- open sores/wounds on the scalp (such as minor cuts,
scrapes)
Constant or forceful scratching of the scalp may lead to
a bacterial skin infection. Tell your doctor right away if you develop
worsening redness or pus.
During pregnancy, this medication should be used only
when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. If
you are pregnant and applying this medication on another person, handle it
with care.
It is unknown if this drug 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 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. Symptoms of overdose may include: breathing problems,
muscle weakness/paralysis, shaking, increased sweating/saliva/tears,
increased urine, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, anxiety, headache, confusion,
dizziness, drowsiness, slow or fast heartbeat.
Do not share this medication unless directed to do so by
your doctor.
One application is usually all that is needed. To avoid
giving lice to another person or getting them again, all headwear, scarves,
coats, and bed linens should be machine-washed with hot water and dried in
a dryer (at high setting) for at least 20 minutes, dry cleaned, sealed in a
plastic bag for 2 weeks, or sprayed with a disinfectant that kills lice.
Brushes and combs should be soaked in hot water (hotter than 130 degrees
F/54 degrees C) for 10 minutes, soaked in alcohol for 1 hour, or thrown
away. Furniture and floors should be thoroughly vacuumed.
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. Treatment may be considered to prevent infestation even if
live lice are not found on them.
Store at room temperature away from open flame. 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.