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
Lindane Overview & Background
Brand Name
Generic Name
First FDA Approval
How many FDA approvals?
Lindane
Lindane
1981
8
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
10.0 mg/mL, , 1.0 %
, Shampoo - Topical, Shampoo, suspension, Shampoo, Lotion, Topical, Lotion - Topical, Liquid, Liquid - Topical, Shampoo, suspension - Topical
crab lice
10.0 mg/mL, , 1.0 %
, Shampoo - Topical, Shampoo, suspension, Shampoo, Lotion, Topical, Lotion - Topical, Liquid, Liquid - Topical, Shampoo, suspension - Topical
Lice Infestations
10.0 mg/mL, , 1.0 %
, Shampoo - Topical, Shampoo, suspension, Shampoo, Lotion, Topical, Lotion - Topical, Liquid, Liquid - Topical, Shampoo, suspension - Topical
Scabies
10.0 mg/mL, , 1.0 %
, Shampoo - Topical, Shampoo, suspension, Shampoo, Lotion, Topical, Lotion - Topical, Liquid, Liquid - Topical, 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 ContraindicationsCondition
Risk Level
Notes
uncontrolled seizure disorders
Do Not Combine
Toxoplasma Infections
Do Not Combine
Skin Conditions
Do Not Combine
Scabies <infestation>
Do Not Combine
Psoriasis
Do Not Combine
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.
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
0 Actively Recruiting
crab lice
0 Actively Recruiting
Lice Infestations
0 Actively Recruiting
Scabies
0 Actively Recruiting
Lindane Reviews: What are patients saying about Lindane?
3.7Patient Review
1/28/2015 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 I had a really bad case of scabies and this treatment did not help me at all.
1.7Patient Review
3/29/2009 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 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 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.
Patient Q&A Section about lindane
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." - Anonymous Online Contributor
Unverified Answer
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." - Anonymous Online Contributor
Unverified Answer
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." - Anonymous Online Contributor
Unverified Answer
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." - Anonymous Online Contributor
Unverified Answer