What are lice tablets called? - briefly
They are marketed as lice tablets, most commonly the Nix (permethrin) tablet formulation.
What are lice tablets called? - in detail
Lice tablets belong to the class of oral pediculicides. The most widely recognized product is ivermectin in tablet form, marketed under names such as Stromectol and Soolantra (the latter primarily for rosacea but sometimes prescribed off‑label for lice). In some regions the medication is listed as “oral ivermectin” or “systemic pediculicide.”
Key characteristics of oral ivermectin tablets:
- Active ingredient: ivermectin, a macrocyclic lactone that binds to glutamate‑gated chloride channels in parasites, causing paralysis and death.
- Dosage for head‑lice infestations: a single dose of 200 µg/kg body weight; a second dose may be recommended after 7–10 days to eliminate newly hatched nits.
- Prescription status: prescription‑only in most countries; over‑the‑counter availability varies.
- Contra‑indications: children under 15 kg, pregnant or lactating women, individuals with known hypersensitivity to ivermectin.
- Common side effects: mild gastrointestinal upset, dizziness, rash; severe reactions are rare.
Other oral agents occasionally used include:
- Moxidectin tablets – a newer macrocyclic lactone with a longer half‑life, approved for certain parasitic infections and investigated for lice treatment.
- Lindane tablets – historically employed but largely withdrawn due to neurotoxicity concerns.
Regulatory agencies (e.g., FDA, EMA) list ivermectin as the primary oral option for resistant head‑lice cases. The medication is classified pharmacologically as a systemic antiparasitic, distinct from topical shampoos, lotions, or creams that contain pyrethrins, permethrin, or malathion.
In summary, the term “lice tablets” refers to oral pediculicidal preparations, most commonly ivermectin tablets, prescribed in weight‑adjusted doses to eradicate active lice and reduce the risk of reinfestation.