Lindane Topical

Lindane Topical is a prescription medication used for treating scabies when other medications fail and also for treating head and pubic lice.

• Lindane Topical is available under various brand names: Kwell

Common side effects of Lindane Topical include:

• stinging,
• burning, or
• redness of the skin.

Serious side effects of Lindane Topical include:

• hives,
• difficulty breathing,
• swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat,
• severe dizziness;
• a seizure (convulsions); or
• any problems with vision, speech, or balance.

Rare side effects of Lindane Topical include:

• seizure

Seek medical care or call 911 at once if you have the following serious side effects:

• Severe headache, confusion, slurred speech, arm or leg weakness, trouble walking, loss of coordination, feeling unsteady, very stiff muscles, high fever, profuse sweating, or tremors;
• Serious eye symptoms such as sudden vision loss, blurred vision, tunnel vision, eye pain or swelling, or seeing halos around lights;
• Serious heart symptoms include fast, irregular, or pounding heartbeats; fluttering in the chest; shortness of breath; sudden dizziness, lightheartedness, or passing out.

This is not a complete list of side effects and other serious side effects or health problems that may occur because of the use of this drug. Call your doctor for medical advice about serious side effects or adverse reactions. You may report side effects or health problems to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Adult and pediatric dosage

Lotion/shampoo

• 1%

Scabies

Adult and pediatric dosage

• Lotion: Apply a thin layer and massage the skin of the entire body except for the face; bathe and remove the drug 8-12 hr after application

Head Lice or Crab Lice

Adult and pediatric dosage

• Apply 1-2 oz of shampoo (not to exceed 2 oz) on dry hair; leave on 4 min, lather, rinse, and remove nits with a fine comb
• One-time application is usually sufficient; may use other pediculicides in 1 wk if necessary.

Dosage Considerations – Should be Given as Follows: 

• See “Dosages”

If your medical doctor is using this medicine to treat your pain, your doctor or pharmacist may already be aware of any possible drug interactions and may be monitoring you for them. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicine before checking with your doctor, health care provider, or pharmacist first

• Lindane Topical has no noted severe interactions with any other drugs.
• Lindane Topical has no noted serious interactions with any other drugs.
• Lindane Topical has no noted moderate interactions with any other drugs.
• Lindane Topical has no noted minor interactions with any other drugs.

This information does not contain all possible interactions or adverse effects. Visit the RxList Drug Interaction Checker for any drug interactions. Therefore, before using this product, tell your doctor or pharmacist about all your products. Keep a list of all your medications with you and share this information with your doctor and pharmacist. Check with your health care professional or doctor for additional medical advice, or if you have health questions or concerns.

Contraindications

• allergic to lindane
• an uncontrolled seizure disorder;
• crusted scabies; or
• other skin conditions such as eczema or psoriasis.

Effects of drug abuse

• None

Short-Term Effects

• See “What Are Side Effects Associated with Using Lindane Topical?”

Long-Term Effects

• See “What Are Side Effects Associated with Using Lindane Topical?”

Cautions

• Although this medicine is useful in treating parasites, lindane is a poison that can be absorbed through your skin. Misuse of lindane Topical can cause serious or fatal side effects.
• You should not use lindane Topical if you have an uncontrolled seizure disorder, crusted scabies, or other skin conditions such as eczema or psoriasis.
• Do not use this medicine on a premature baby.
• Avoid using other skin products on the areas you treat with this medicine or it could pass through your skin too easily.
• Do not let anyone touch the skin where you applied lindane Topical, especially a child or a pregnant woman. This medicine can be absorbed through the skin of another person who comes into contact with your treated skin.
• Parasite infestations are highly contagious. Using this medicine will not prevent you from passing lice or scabies to other people. Avoid sexual or intimate contact until the infestation has cleared up. Also avoid sharing hair combs, hair accessories, hats, clothing, bed linens, and other articles of personal use.

Pregnancy & Lactation

• It is not known whether lindane Topical will harm an unborn baby. Do not use this medicine without a doctor's advice if you are pregnant.
• Lactation
  • Lindane Topical can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. Do not breastfeed within 24 hours after using lindane Topical. If you use a breast pump during this time, throw out any milk you collect. Do not feed it to your baby.