Uses
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.
How To Use
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.
Side Effects
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.
Precautions
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 breast-feeding.
Drug Interactions
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.
Overdose
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 their local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. Alberta residents can call PADIS (Poison and Drug Information Service) 24 hours a day at 1-800-332-1414. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center.
Notes
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.
Missed Dose
Not applicable.
Storage
This product is flammable. Store at room temperature away from heat and 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.
