What is the correct name for shampoo for lice? - briefly
The correct term is a pediculicide shampoo, commonly marketed as a lice‑treatment shampoo. It contains an approved insecticidal agent designed to kill head lice.
What is the correct name for shampoo for lice? - in detail
The product intended to eliminate head‑lice infestations is commonly labeled as a pediculicide shampoo. Manufacturers also use terms such as “lice treatment shampoo,” “nit shampoo,” or “lice‑kill shampoo,” but the regulatory‑approved designation is pediculicide shampoo because it contains an insecticidal agent approved for use on human hair.
Key characteristics of a pediculicide shampoo:
- Active ingredients: typically 1 % permethrin, 0.5 % pyrethrin, 0.5 % malathion, or 0.5 % benzyl alcohol. Newer formulations may include spinosad or dimethicone, which act by suffocation rather than neurotoxicity.
- Label requirements: must state the specific active ingredient, concentration, dosage instructions, and safety warnings (e.g., contraindications for infants under two months or for individuals with known allergies).
- Application protocol: apply to wet hair, massage into scalp for the time specified (usually 5–10 minutes), rinse thoroughly, and repeat after 7–10 days to target newly hatched nits.
- Regulatory status: classified as an over‑the‑counter (OTC) drug in the United States (FDA monograph) and as a medicinal product in the European Union (EMA). Packaging includes a “Drug Facts” panel and a distinct “Pediculicide” symbol.
When selecting a product, verify that the label explicitly identifies it as a pediculicide shampoo and lists the active ingredient concentration. This ensures compliance with health‑authority standards and provides the necessary efficacy against both lice and their eggs.