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| Other drug names: | A-Am An-Az B C-Ch Ci-Cz D-Dh Di-Dz E F G H I-J K-L M-Mh Mi-Mz N-Nh Ni-Nz O P-Pl Pm-Pz Q-R S-Sn So-Sz T-To Tp-Tz U-V W-Z 0-9 |
| Contents of this page: | |
Some commonly used brand names are:
In the U.S.--
In Canada--
Generic name product may be available in the U.S. and Canada.
Another commonly used name for lindane is gamma benzene hexachloride .
Lindane (LIN-dane) , formerly known as gamma benzene hexachloride, is an insecticide and is used to treat scabies and lice infestations.
Lindane cream and lotion are usually used to treat only scabies infestation. Lindane shampoo is used to treat only lice infestations.
Lindane is available only with your doctor's prescription, in the following dosage forms:
In deciding to use a medicine, the risks of using the medicine must be weighed against the good it will do. This is a decision you and your doctor will make. For lindane, the following should be considered:
Allergies--Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to lindane. Also tell your health care professional if you are allergic to any other substances, such as preservatives or dyes.
Pregnancy--Lindane is absorbed through the skin and could possibly cause toxic effects in the central nervous system (CNS) of the unborn baby. Use lindane only as directed by your doctor. Do not use more of it, do not use it more often, and do not use it for a longer time than your doctor ordered. In addition, you should not be treated with lindane more than twice during your pregnancy .
Breast-feeding--Lindane is absorbed through the mother's skin and is present in breast milk. Even though lindane has not been reported to cause problems in nursing babies, you should use another method of feeding your baby for 2 days after you use lindane. Be sure you have discussed this with your doctor.
Children--Infants and children are especially sensitive to the effects of lindane. This may increase the chance of side effects during treatment. In addition, use of lindane is not recommended in premature infants.
Older adults--Absorption of lindane may be increased in the elderly. This may increase the chance of problems during treatment with this medicine.
Other medicines--Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. When you are using lindane, it is especially important that your health care professional know if you are using any other prescription or nonprescription (over-the-counter [OTC]) medicine.
Other medical problems--The presence of other medical problems may affect the use of lindane. Make sure you tell your doctor if you have any other medical problems, especially:
Lindane is poisonous. Keep it away from the mouth because it is harmful and may be fatal if swallowed .
Use lindane only as directed by your doctor. Do not use more of it, do not use it more often, and do not use it for a longer time than your doctor ordered. To do so may increase the chance of absorption through the skin and the chance of lindane poisoning .
Keep lindane away from the eyes . If you should accidentally get some in your eyes, flush them thoroughly with water at once and contact your doctor.
Do not use lindane on open wounds, such as cuts or sores on the skin or scalp . To do so may increase the chance of lindane poisoning.
When applying lindane to another person, you should wear plastic disposable or rubber gloves, especially if you are pregnant or are breast-feeding . This will prevent lindane from being absorbed through your skin. If you have any questions about this, check with your doctor.
Lindane usually comes with patient directions. Read them carefully before using lindane.
Your sexual partner or partners, especially, and all members of your household may need to be treated also, since the infestation may spread to persons in close contact. If these persons have not been checked for an infestation or if you have any questions about this, check with your doctor.
To use the cream or lotion form of lindane for scabies :
To use the shampoo form of lindane for lice :
Dosing--Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label . The following information includes only the average doses of lindane. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.
Storage--To store this medicine:
To help prevent reinfestation or spreading of the infestation to other persons:
In infants and children, the risk of lindane being absorbed through the skin and causing unwanted side effects is greater than in adults. In premature newborn infants, use of lindane is not recommended, because lindane may be more likely to be absorbed through their skin than through the skin of older infants. You should discuss these possible effects with your doctor.
Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.
Check with your doctor as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur:
Rare
Skin irritation not present before use of lindane; skin rash
Symptoms of lindane poisoning
Convulsions (seizures); dizziness, clumsiness, or unsteadiness; fast heartbeat; muscle cramps; nervousness, restlessness, or irritability; vomiting
After you stop using lindane, itching may occur and continue for 1 to several weeks. If this continues longer or is bothersome, check with your doctor.
Other side effects not listed above may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your doctor.
Revised: 08/15/94
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