Malathion (Topical)

Brand Names : Ovide

Proper Use of This Medicine

. Malathion may cause you to be very sick if it is not used correctly. Do not use it in the mouth because it is harmful if swallowed.

Use this medicine only as directed by your doctor . Do not use more of it, do not use it more often, and do not use it for a longer time than your doctor ordered. To do so may increase the chance of absorption through the skin and the chance of becoming very sick.

To use:

• Apply malathion by sprinkling on dry hair and rubbing in until the hair and scalp are thoroughly moistened.
• Immediately after using this medicine, wash your hands to remove any medicine that may be on them.
• Allow the hair to dry naturally. Use no heat (as from a hair dryer) and leave the hair uncovered.
• After the medicine has been allowed to remain on the hair and scalp for 8 to 12 hours, wash the hair with a nonmedicated shampoo and then rinse thoroughly .
• After rinsing, use a fine-toothed comb to remove the dead lice and eggs from the hair.

Keep this medicine away from the eyes . If you should accidentally get some in your eyes, flush them thoroughly with water at once.

This medicine is flammable. Do not use near heat, near open flame, or while smoking.

Head lice can be easily transferred from one person to another by direct contact with clothing, hats, scarves, bedding, towels, washcloths, hairbrushes and combs, or hairs from infected persons. Therefore, all household members of your family should be examined for head lice and receive treatment if they are found to be infected . If you have any questions about this, check with your doctor.

Dosing - The dose of malathion will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label . The following information includes only the average doses of malathion. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells your to do so.

• For lotion dosage form:
  • For head lice infestations:
    • Adults and children 6 years of age and older - Apply to the hair and scalp one time. Treatment may be repeated after seven to nine days if necessary.
    • Children up to 6 years of age - Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.

Storage - To store this medicine:

• Keep out of the reach of children.
• Flammable. Keep away from heat and open flame.
• Store away from heat and direct light.
• Keep the medicine from freezing.
• Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed. Be sure that any discarded medicine is out of the reach of children.