Malathion

Head

Treatment

1 FDA approval

1 Active Study for Malathion

What is Malathion

Malathion

The Generic name of this drug

Treatment Summary

Malathion 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.

Ovide

is the brand name

image of different drug pills on a surface

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 Patients

Malathion 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 body

Malathion 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 - Topical, , Lotion

Warnings

Malathion has one contraindication, so it should not be used when experiencing any of the states listed in the following table.

Malathion Contraindications

Condition

Risk Level

Notes

Pulse Frequency

Do Not Combine

There are 6 known major drug interactions with Malathion.

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 Risk

Taking 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.

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

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

1 Actively Recruiting

Not Applicable

Malathion Reviews: What are patients saying about Malathion?

5

Patient Review

11/30/2010

Malathion for Presence of Head Lice

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.

4

Patient Review

12/7/2010

Malathion for Presence of Head Lice

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.

3.7

Patient Review

12/8/2011

Malathion for Presence of Head Lice

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

1

Patient Review

10/26/2007

Malathion for Presence of Head Lice

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.

1

Patient Review

11/23/2007

Malathion for Presence of Head Lice

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.

1

Patient Review

12/25/2010

Malathion for Presence of Head Lice

This product was a bust. Not only did it not work, but the lice infestation actually got worse. I'm incredibly frustrated and disappointed.
image of drug pills surrounding a glass of water symbolizing drug consumption

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

Clinical Trials for Malathion