Lindane

Scabies, Lice Infestations, Lice Infestations

Treatment

1 Active Study for Lindane

Treatment for

Scabies

What is Lindane

LindaneThe Generic name of this drug

Treatment SummaryLindane is an insecticide that has been used to treat head lice, pubic lice, and scabies. However, concerns about neurotoxicity and environmental damage have led to it being banned in many countries, including the United States and Canada. In Canada, Lindane is only allowed as a second-line treatment for lice and scabies in patients over two years old who cannot use other treatments, and the FDA has approved its use until 2015.

Lindaneis the brand name

image of different drug pills on a surface

Lindane Overview & Background

Brand Name

Generic Name

First FDA Approval

How many FDA approvals?

Lindane

1981

Effectiveness

How Lindane Affects PatientsScabies is a skin condition caused by lice that is very contagious. It is marked by intense itching, especially at night, and can manifest in areas such as the fingers, scalp, wrists, and genitalia. Scabies is spread through close contact with others. Lindane is an insecticide that can be used to kill the lice and treat scabies, eliminating the symptoms.

How Lindane works in the bodyLindane is an insecticide that kills parasites like lice and scabies by blocking the neurons in their brains. It works by penetrating the parasites' exoskeletons and stopping a molecule called GABA from controlling the flow of chloride ions. This causes the nerve cells in the parasite's brain to become overstimulated, leading to paralysis, convulsions, and death. Lindane is not very effective at killing parasite eggs.

When to interrupt dosage

The measure of Lindane is contingent upon the determined condition, including Lice Infestations, Lice and crab lice. The amount also fluctuates as per the technique of delivery delineated in the table beneath.

Condition

Dosage

Administration

Lice Infestations

, 10.0 mg/mL, 1.0 %

, Topical, Lotion - Topical, Shampoo, Lotion, Shampoo - Topical, Liquid, Liquid - Topical, Shampoo, suspension, Shampoo, suspension - Topical

Lice Infestations

, 10.0 mg/mL, 1.0 %

, Topical, Lotion - Topical, Shampoo, Lotion, Shampoo - Topical, Liquid, Liquid - Topical, Shampoo, suspension, Shampoo, suspension - Topical

Scabies

, 10.0 mg/mL, 1.0 %

, Topical, Lotion - Topical, Shampoo, Lotion, Shampoo - Topical, Liquid, Liquid - Topical, Shampoo, suspension, Shampoo, suspension - Topical

Warnings

Lindane has five contraindication, so it should not be utilized when confronting any of the conditions specified in the following table.Lindane Contraindications

Condition

Risk Level

Notes

Skin Conditions

Do Not Combine

Pulse Frequency

Do Not Combine

Psoriasis

Do Not Combine

Scabies <infestation>

Do Not Combine

Epilepsy

Do Not Combine

There are 1 known major drug interactions with Lindane.

Common Lindane Drug Interactions

Drug Name

Risk Level

Description

Dalfampridine

Moderate

The risk or severity of seizure can be increased when Lindane is combined with Dalfampridine.

Lindane Toxicity & Overdose RiskLindane is moderately toxic when taken orally, with a reported LD50 of 88 to 190 mg/kg in rats. It is also moderately toxic through contact with the skin, with reported LD50 values of 500 to 1000 mg/kg in rats, 300 mg/kg in mice, 400 mg/kg in guinea pigs, and 300 mg/kg in rabbits. Common symptoms of acute lindane exposure include confusion, motor and mental impairment, convulsions, and central nervous system toxicity. Skin and gastrointestinal changes may also occur.

image of a doctor in a lab doing drug, clinical research

Lindane Novel Uses: Which Conditions Have a Clinical Trial Featuring Lindane?

A single investigation is currently underway to assess the potential of Lindane for treating Lice, crab lice and Lice Infestations.

Condition

Clinical Trials

Trial Phases

Lice Infestations

0 Actively Recruiting

Scabies

1 Actively Recruiting

Phase 4

Lice Infestations

0 Actively Recruiting

Lindane Reviews: What are patients saying about Lindane?

3.7Patient Review

1/28/2015

Lindane for Scabies

I had a severe reaction to this because I didn't read the instructions carefully enough. You have to wait an hour after bathing to apply it, not immediately. This allows the lotion to get into your bloodstream too quickly and that will make you very sick. It has taken most of the itch away and it has been four days. The scab/sores are starting to heal and it does not look as angry. I would advise using it, but this is poison, so take this application seriously!

2.3Patient Review

12/13/2009

Lindane for Scabies

I had a really bad case of scabies and this treatment did not help me at all.

1.7Patient Review

3/29/2009

Lindane for Scabies

I think this medication should only be prescribed as a last resort, but unfortunately I was given it as my first option. I followed the directions to a T and saw no change in my scabies whatsoever. Not only that, but there are some pretty severe risks associated with using this drug which, in my opinion, do not outweigh its benefits.

1.7Patient Review

6/21/2010

Lindane for Scabies

My doctor didn't give me proper instructions on using this medicine. Therefore I had a severe reaction, with headaches, soreness, and nausea. I would NEVER use this medicine again.

1.3Patient Review

8/9/2010

Lindane for Scabies

It was very distressing to get scabies at my age, and the Lindane didn't work. I've tried many different medications prescribed by my doctor, and none of them have helped.

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Patient Q&A Section about lindane

These questions and answers are submitted by anonymous patients, and have not been verified by our internal team.

When was lindane banned in the US?

"In 2002, California decided to no longer allow pharmaceutical companies to use lindane because of worries that it would contaminate water. This was because lindane, which is used to treat head lice and scabies, was negatively affecting the quality of wastewater."

Answered by AI

Is lindane banned?

"Although the United States has not ratified the Convention, it has similar bans in place for agricultural uses of lindane. Lindane is still allowed to be used as a second-line lice and scabies treatment."

Answered by AI

Is lindane still used?

"All uses of lindane were stopped in 2001 or 2002, except for six uses related to seed treatment for crops like barley, corn, oats, rye, sorghum, and wheat. Lindane is mostly harmful to the nervous system, causing various toxic effects."

Answered by AI

Is lindane toxic?

"You may be exposed to lindane by eating contaminated food or by breathing in air that is contaminated from its formulation or use. Lindane is very toxic to humans. The short-term effects of lindane exposure through inhalation in humans include nose and throat irritation as well as effects on the blood."

Answered by AI