Piperonyl butoxide and pyrethrins topical

Generic name: piperonyl butoxide and pyrethrins topical [ pye-PER-oh-nil-bue-TOX-ide-and-pye-REE-thrins-TOP-i-kal ]
Brand names: A-200 Lice Treatment, Good Sense Lice Killing Shampoo, Step 1, Pronto Lice Kill System, R and C Lice Treatment Kit, ... show all 41 brands Rid Pediculicide, Tegrin-LT Lice Treatment Kit, Triple X Pediculicide, A-200 Lice Treatment, Good Sense Lice Killing Shampoo, Step 1, Leader Lice Solution, Pronto Lice Kill System, R and C Lice Treatment Kit, Rid Pediculicide, Tegrin-LT Lice Treatment Kit, Triple X Pediculicide, R and C, Pyrinyl II, Lice-X Liquid, R and C Lice Treatment Spray, Tegrin-LT Shampoo, End Lice Liquid, A-200 Lice Control, Tegrin-LT Lice Spray, Pronto Spray, Pronto with Metal Comb, Rid Shampoo/Spray Kit, Pyrinyl Liquid, Pyrinyl Liquid Shampoo, Pronto Shampoo Kit, Rid Pediculicide Spray, Pronto Shampoo and Cream Rinse, Pyrinil Lice Control Kit, Lice Treatment Maximum Strength, Stop Lice Maximum Strength, Good Sense Lice Killing Shampoo, Step 1, Sunmark Lice Solution Kit, Good Sense Complete Lice Treatment, VanaLice
Dosage forms: topical kit (3%-0.3%; 4%-0.33%), topical shampoo (3%-0.3%; 4%-0.33%), topical spray (3%-0.3%)
Drug class: Topical anti-infectives

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com on Aug 3, 2023. Written by Cerner Multum.

What is piperonyl butoxide and pyrethrins topical?

Piperonyl butoxide is a chemical that stops the breakdown of pyrethrins, an insecticide chemical.

Piperonyl butoxide and pyrethrins topical (for the skin) is a combination medicine used to treat lice.

Piperonyl butoxide and pyrethrins topical may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Piperonyl butoxide and pyrethrins topical side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Stop using piperonyl butoxide and pyrethrins and call your doctor at once if you have severe stinging, burning, itching, swelling, or irritation where the medication is applied.

Common side effects of piperonyl butoxide and pyrethrins topical may include:

• mild itching, burning, or stinging;

• mild skin rash; or

• numbness or tingly feeling.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Warnings

Follow all directions on your medicine label and package. Tell each of your healthcare providers about all your medical conditions, allergies, and all medicines you use.

Before taking this medicine

You should not use piperonyl butoxide and pyrethrins topical if you are allergic to it, or if you have an allergy to chrysanthemums or ragweed.

FDA pregnancy category C. It is not known whether piperonyl butoxide and pyrethrins topical will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant while using this medication.

It is not known whether this medicine passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

How should I use piperonyl butoxide and pyrethrins topical?

Follow all directions on your prescription label. Do not use this medicine in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.

Lice infestations are highly contagious. All household members may need to be treated for lice. Lice can be spread from person to person by sharing a hairbrush, a comb, hats, or headbands. It can also be spread through head-to-head contact.

Apply the shampoo to dry hair. Shake well before use. Apply to all areas of the scalp, including behind the ears and neck. Treat hair from the roots to the ends and leave the shampoo in the hair for no longer than 10 minutes, then rinse thoroughly with warm water. The shampoo should be used again in 7 to 10 days to kill any newly hatched lice.

Keep your eyes tightly closed while using this medicine in your hair. You may use a washcloth or towel to protect your eyes while applying the medication to your head. Do not apply to your eyebrows or eyelashes. Call your doctor if these areas become infected with lice.

You will need to remove any eggs (nits) from the hair shafts with a special comb. Some lice products come provided with a nit comb. If you do not have such a comb, ask your pharmacist where you can get one. Nits may not be removed effectively with a regular fine-tooth comb.

Use this medication for the full prescribed length of time. Your symptoms may improve before the lice infestation is completely cleared. Call your doctor if your condition does not improve, or if your symptoms get worse while using this medication.

To prevent reinfection with lice, wash all clothing, hats, bed linens, stuffed toys, hair brushes, and combs in hot water with a strong cleanser to remove any mites or eggs. You may need to use a special lice control spray to treat furniture, mattresses, sports helmets, headphones, and other non-washable items. Ask your doctor or pharmacist about disinfecting your home.

Store the medicine at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

Piperonyl butoxide and pyrethrins topical dosing information

Usual Adult Dose for Lice:

Piperonyl butoxide 4%-pyrethrins 0.33% topical shampoo: Use on dry hair. Apply to affected area until all the hair is thoroughly wet with shampoo. Allow to remain for 10 minutes only. Shampoo as usual and rinse thoroughly. Second treatment must be done in 7 to 10 days.

Usual Pediatric Dose for Lice:

Piperonyl butoxide 4%-pyrethrins 0.33% topical shampoo: Use on dry hair. Apply to affected area until all the hair is thoroughly wet with shampoo. Allow to remain for 10 minutes only. Shampoo as usual and rinse thoroughly. Second treatment must be done in 7 to 10 days.

Related/similar drugs

sodium chloride topical, ivermectin topical, permethrin topical, Elimite, acetic acid topical, spinosad topical, Natroba, lindane topical, Nix Complete Lice Treatment System

What happens if I miss a dose?

Use the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not use extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

What should I avoid while using piperonyl butoxide and pyrethrins topical?

Avoid using other medications or skin products on the areas you treat with piperonyl butoxide and pyrethrins topical, unless your doctor tells you to.

Avoid getting this medication in your eyes, nose, mouth, or vagina. If this does happen, rinse with water. Do not use piperonyl butoxide and pyrethrins topical on sunburned, windburned, dry, chapped, irritated, or broken skin.

Avoid close contact with others until the infection has been cured. Also avoid sharing hair combs, hair accessories, hats, clothing, bed linens, pillows, and other items of personal use.

What other drugs will affect piperonyl butoxide and pyrethrins topical?

It is not likely that other drugs you take orally or inject will have an effect on topically applied piperonyl butoxide and pyrethrins. But many drugs can interact with each other. Tell each of your health care providers about all medicines you use, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

Further information

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer

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