How Do Topical Pediculicides Work?

Topical pediculicides are neurotoxins (substances that alter the structure or function of the nervous system) used to treat scabies (mites that attach themselves to the skin) and lice infestation (small insects that attach themselves to the skin on the head).

Topical pediculicides work by paralyzing and killing lice and mites (insecticidal effect). They act on the nerve cell membrane of the parasite, disrupt the sodium channel transport, and thus paralyze the insects. Some pediculicides have an ovicidal effect (kill eggs).

Conditions treated with topical pediculicides include:

• Lice infestation:
  • Body lice
  • Head lice
  • Pubic lice
• Scabies (a contagious, intensely itchy skin condition caused by a tiny, burrowing mite)
• Rosacea (a common skin condition that causes redness and visible blood vessels on the face)

Common side effects include:

• Skin irritation
• Itching of scalp area
• Numbness of skin
• Rash
• Burning and/or stinging
• Dry skin

Other rare side effects include:

• Hypersensitivity reactions:
• Rash
• Hives
• Itching/swelling of face/tongue/throat
• Infected or pus-filled areas of the skin or scalp area
• Contact dermatitis (a condition that makes skin red or inflamed after contact with an allergen or an irritant)
• Severe dizziness (feeling faint, weak, or unsteady)
• Trouble breathing

Information contained herein is not intended to cover all possible side effects, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. Check with your doctor or pharmacist to make sure these drugs do not cause any harm when you take them along with other medicines. Never stop taking your medication and never change your dose or frequency without consulting your doctor.

Drug names include:                               

• Abametapir
• Acticin
• Elimite
• Ivermectin topical
• Malathion
• Nix
• Ovide
• Permethrin
• Sklice
• Soolantra
• Xeglyze