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What is Malathion
MalathionThe Generic name of this drug
Treatment SummaryMalathion is a pesticide used for the treatment of head lice. It works by blocking the signals sent from the nerves to the muscles, resulting in paralysis and death of the lice. Malathion is very effective, but has low toxicity to humans.
Ovideis the brand name
Malathion Overview & Background
Brand Name
Generic Name
First FDA Approval
How many FDA approvals?
Ovide
Malathion
1982
7
Approved as Treatment by the FDA
Malathion, also called Ovide, is approved by the FDA for 1 uses such as Head .Head
Effectiveness
How Malathion Affects PatientsMalathion is a type of insecticide used to get rid of mosquitos and other flying bugs. It is also used in pharmaceuticals to eliminate head lice. Malathion works by blocking an enzyme in the body called cholinesterase, which is caused by its active ingredient malaoxon and phosphorus thionate impurities.
How Malathion works in the bodyMalathion is a type of insecticide that stops a neuron from returning to its resting state. It does this by blocking the enzyme acetylcholinesterase, which breaks down the neurotransmitter acetylcholine. This prevents the neuron from being able to relax, leading to muscle spasms and eventually death. Malathion is toxic to aquatic organisms, but has relatively low toxicity for birds and mammals. Its main metabolites are acid derivatives, with a small amount of malaoxon, which is the strongest cholinesterase inhibitor.
When to interrupt dosage
The quantity of Malathion is contingent upon the diagnosed ailment. The dosage also depends on the approach of delivery as noted in the table below.Condition
Dosage
Administration
Head
5.0 mg/mL, , 0.5 mg/mL
, Topical, Lotion, Lotion - Topical
Warnings
Malathion has one contraindication, so it should not be used when experiencing any of the states listed in the following table.Malathion ContraindicationsCondition
Risk Level
Notes
Pulse Frequency
Do Not Combine
Common Malathion Drug Interactions
Drug Name
Risk Level
Description
Hydroxyzine
Major
The risk or severity of QTc prolongation can be increased when Malathion is combined with Hydroxyzine.
Mobocertinib
Major
The risk or severity of QTc prolongation can be increased when Malathion is combined with Mobocertinib.
Ziprasidone
Major
The risk or severity of QTc prolongation can be increased when Malathion is combined with Ziprasidone.
Fexinidazole
Moderate
The risk or severity of adverse effects can be increased when Malathion is combined with Fexinidazole.
Haloperidol
Moderate
The risk or severity of QTc prolongation can be increased when Malathion is combined with Haloperidol.
Malathion Toxicity & Overdose RiskTaking too much malathion can cause chest tightness, trouble breathing, slow or fast heartbeat, trembling, unsteadiness, blurred vision, and confusion. In more serious cases, a person may experience a coma, seizures, stopped breathing, and paralysis. Malathion can also be irritating to the skin and eyes. The lowest toxic dose of malathion in rats has been found to be greater than 1000 mg/kg when taken orally and greater than 4000 mg/kg when applied to the skin.
Malathion Novel Uses: Which Conditions Have a Clinical Trial Featuring Malathion?
Currently, there are zero active studies investigating the potential of Malathion to provide relief for Head-related conditions.Condition
Clinical Trials
Trial Phases
Head
0 Actively Recruiting
Malathion Reviews: What are patients saying about Malathion?
5Patient Review
11/30/2010 Malathion is some potent stuff, but it sure did the job. I'd tried other organic treatments like olive oil and vinegar before, to no avail. But one treatment with this product took care of the problem.
4Patient Review
12/7/2010 The medication is very caustic and the fumes toxic, but it does kill lice effectively. However, I would not recommend using this around anyone with respiratory issues.
3.7Patient Review
12/8/2011 I followed the directions and saw a lot of white stuff in my hair the next day. Not sure if that's dead lice, but it came right out when I combed. This is my first time dealing with this issue, and I'm African American. I got it from work. I hope this treatment worked. It's upsetting not knowing what to look for...I just wish this would be done. PS- The smell of this med had my house smelling like fresh cut Christmas trees, ugh. Way too overpowering
1Patient Review
10/26/2007 This treatment didn't work for me, and it was really tough to keep on for the recommended eight hours. The smell was also incredibly unpleasant.
1Patient Review
11/23/2007 This mask has a really strong smell that made it hard for me to breathe. I kept it on for the full 12 hours and saw zero results. Would not recommend this product to anyone, especially not children or asthmatics.
1Patient Review
12/25/2010 This product was a bust. Not only did it not work, but the lice infestation actually got worse. I'm incredibly frustrated and disappointed.
Patient Q&A Section about malathion
These questions and answers are submitted by anonymous patients, and have not been verified by our internal team.Is malathion safe for pets?
"Pets are safe to be around when Malathion 57% is used as directed. Pets should be kept away from the area being treated, but they can return once everything is dry."
Answered by AI
Is malathion banned in the US?
"Malathion was registered as a pesticide in the United States in 1956. It is now regulated by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency."
Answered by AI
Is malathion harmful to humans?
"Overexposure to malathion can be deadly. Going into sprayed fields too soon after spraying can expose you to dangerous levels of the chemical."
Answered by AI
Why was malathion banned?
"Malathion has been linked developmental disorders in children and has been found by the World Health Organization to be “probably carcinogenic to humans.” Last year EPA scientists determined that the pesticide, manufactured by Dow Chemical, poses widespread risks to protected plants and animals."
Answered by AI