What is the name of a lice treatment sold in pharmacies? - briefly
One widely available over‑the‑counter lice remedy is Nix, a permethrin‑based shampoo. It can be purchased at most pharmacies.
What is the name of a lice treatment sold in pharmacies? - in detail
Over‑the‑counter lice remedies available in pharmacies are marketed under several brand names, each containing a specific active ingredient.
One common product is Nix, which contains 1 % permethrin. Permethrin is a synthetic pyrethroid that disrupts the nervous system of head‑lice, leading to paralysis and death. The recommended regimen is a single 10‑minute application to dry hair, followed by a repeat treatment after seven days to eliminate newly hatched nymphs. Nix is approved for children six months and older and is listed on the FDA’s OTC drug monograph.
Another widely sold option is Rid, formulated with pyrethrins (derived from chrysanthemum flowers) and piperonyl‑butoxide as a synergist. The combination enhances the insecticidal effect by inhibiting the lice’s detoxification enzymes. Rid is applied as a 10‑minute rinse to dry hair, with a second treatment after seven days. It is labeled for use in children older than two months.
Pronto offers a silicone‑based treatment containing 100 % dimethicone. Dimethicone works by coating and suffocating lice and their eggs, without relying on neurotoxic chemicals. The product is applied to dry hair, left for eight hours (or overnight), then washed out. A single application is usually sufficient, though a repeat may be advised for heavy infestations. Pronto is safe for infants from two months onward.
Additional OTC alternatives include:
- LiceFreee – 1 % permethrin lotion, similar to Nix but with a different vehicle.
- Ulesfia – 0.5 % ivermectin lotion, a macrocyclic lactone that binds to glutamate‑gated chloride channels, causing paralysis. Approved for children six months and older.
- Eliminator – 0.5 % malathion, an organophosphate insecticide, used less frequently due to odor and potential skin irritation; generally reserved for resistant cases.
Each product’s label provides specific instructions on hair length, repeat dosing, and contraindications. Users should verify age limits, avoid application to broken skin, and follow wash‑out procedures to prevent residue buildup. Selecting a treatment depends on the patient’s age, allergy profile, and any prior resistance to permethrin‑based formulations.