Lindane shampoo

What is this medication?

LINDANE (LIN dane) shampoo is a treatment for lice infestation of hair, including hair in the pubic area (crabs). This medicine kills the parasites and their eggs, but it does not prevent infestations. This medicine is a poison if it is not used properly. Ask your doctor, health care professional or pharmacist to explain any information you do not understand.

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

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): GBH, Lindane

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

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

•brain or spinal tumor

•burns, wounds or other damaged skin

•eczema or atopic dermatitis

•frequently drink alcoholic beverages

•head trauma

•HIV infection

•liver disease

•psoriasis

•seizures

•skin rash

•an unusual or allergic reaction to lindane, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives

•pregnant or trying to get pregnant

•breast-feeding

How should I use this medication?

This medicine 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 medicine. 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.

A special MedGuide will be given to you by the pharmacist with each prescription and refill. Be sure to read this information carefully each time.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. While this drug may be prescribed 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?

This does not apply as this medicine is applied as a single dose. Do not repeat the treatment.

What may interact with this medication?

•chloroquine, pyrimethamine

•cyclosporine, mycophenolate mofetil, tacrolimus capsules

•isoniazid

•medicines for depression, anxiety, or psychotic disturbances

•medicines to treat alzheimer's disease or myasthenia gravis

•meperidine

•methocarbamol

•radiopaque contrast agents

•some antibiotics like penicillins, imipenem and quinolones such as ciprofloxacin, levofloxacin, gatifloxacin

•theophylline

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?

Let your doctor or health care professional know if you still see lice after 7 days of the initial application. Do not use this medicine more than 1 time to treat lice. Using more than directed may increase your risk of experiencing serious side effects including seizures. If you or a family member experience a seizure, get emergency help right away.

Do not use this medicine on damaged skin. It can penetrate through skin that is burned, cut, scraped, or covered in a rash, and cause serious side effects.

If you are applying this medicine to another person, wear plastic or disposable gloves to protect yourself from lice infestation and exposure to the medicine.

All recently worn clothing, underwear, pajamas, used sheets, pillowcases, and towels should be washed in very hot water or dry-cleaned. Close personal contact can spread the infestation. Family members and sexual contacts may require treatment for lice.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medication?

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

•dizziness

•heart palpitations

•nausea, vomiting

•restlessness, nervousness, irritability

•seizures

•skin rash or itching that was not there before treatment

•unusual sleepiness

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

•dry skin or scalp

•itching (this can continue for 1 or more weeks after use)

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.

Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Do not freeze. Keep container tightly closed. After applying the treatment, close the bottle with the leftover shampoo and throw it away out of the reach of children. Do not keep this medicine after using it.

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.