Benzyl Alcohol Lotion

What is this medication?

BENZYL ALCOHOL (BEN zil AL kuh hawl) treats head lice, tiny insects that live in hair. It works by killing the lice. It does not kill the eggs, so a second treatment is needed.

This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Ulesfia, Zilactin-L

What should I tell my care team before I take this medication?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• An unusual or allergic reaction to benzyl alcohol, other medications, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• Pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• Breast-feeding

How should I use this medication?

This medication is for external use only. Do not take by mouth. Follow the directions on the product label. Do not wash hair with conditioner or a combination shampoo-conditioner immediately before applying this medication. Follow product-specific instructions for length of application and product removal. All products should be rinsed from the hair over a sink or tub to limit skin exposure; do not use hot water. In general, do not re-wash the hair for 1 to 2 days after use.

Talk to your care team about the use of this medication in children. While this medication may be prescribed for children as young as 6 months for selected conditions, precautions do apply.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss your second dose, use it as soon as you can. Do not use double or extra doses.

What may interact with this medication?

Interactions are not expected.

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What should I watch for while using this medication?

All recently worn clothing, hats, used bedding, and towels should be washed in hot water or dry-cleaned. Combs, brushes, and hair clips should also be washed in hot water.

This medication gets rid of lice, but it does not get rid of their eggs. A second treatment is needed 7 days after the first treatment.

Head lice can be spread from one person to another by direct contact with clothing, hats, scarves, bedding, towels, washcloths, hairbrushes, and combs. All members of your household should be examined for head lice and should receive treatment if they are found to be infected. If you have any questions about this, check with your care team.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medication?

Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:

• Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
• Burning, itching, crusting, or peeling of treated skin

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):

• Eye irritation or itching
• Mild skin irritation, redness, or dryness
• Numbness, decrease in sense of touch or sensation

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Where should I keep my medication?

Keep out of the reach of children and pets.

Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Do not freeze. Throw away any unused medication after the expiration date.

NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.