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Lindane

Warning

This drug should only be used if other, safer medicines (such as permethrin) cannot be used or have not been effective. Do not use lindane to re-treat the same lice infestation after the first lindane treatment does not work.

Rarely, lindane has caused seizures (sometimes death) after prolonged or repeated use. Rare (sometimes fatal) nervous system reactions such as seizures may occur, even after correct one-time use of lindane.

Lindane should not be used in premature infants or patients with poorly controlled seizures. In addition, lindane should be used with caution in infants, children, older adults, patients with skin conditions (such as skin rash, psoriasis), and patients with low body weight (such as less than 110 pounds or 50 kilograms).

Itching may occur after either successful or failed treatments. Avoid re-applying lindane for a few months after use.

Precautions

See also Warning section.

Before using lindane shampoo, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: other skin conditions (such as psoriasis, dermatitis), HIV infection, history of serious head injury, seizures, brain tumors, liver disease, alcohol abuse, sudden stopping of regular alcohol or sedative use.

This drug may make you dizzy or drowsy. Alcohol or marijuana (cannabis) can make you more dizzy or drowsy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs alertness until you can do it safely. Limit alcoholic beverages. Talk to your doctor if you are using marijuana (cannabis).

Before having an imaging test (such as X-rays, CT scan) requiring the use of dye, tell your doctor that you have used this medication.

This medication is not recommended for use during pregnancy. Consult your doctor for more details. If you are pregnant, do not apply lindane shampoo to others unless it is absolutely necessary and you have discussed it with your doctor. Use gloves as directed. (See How to Use section.)

Lindane passes into breast milk and could have undesirable effects on a nursing infant. Your baby should not come into direct contact with your skin while it has lindane on it. In addition, to lessen the chance of exposing your baby to the medication and possible side effects, pump your breast milk and discard it for 24 hours after using lindane. During this time, feed your baby formula or breast milk you stored from before you used lindane shampoo.

Side Effects

See also Warning section.

Stinging, burning, or redness of the skin may occur. If any of these effects last or get worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.

Remember that this medication has been prescribed because your doctor has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.

Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects, including: vomiting, dizziness, drowsiness, seizures.

A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.

This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

In the US -

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch.

In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.