What is the name of shampoo for lice? - briefly
Lice shampoo is commonly marketed under brand names such as Nix (permethrin) or Rid (pyrethrins). Both are over‑the‑counter treatments approved for eliminating head lice.
What is the name of shampoo for lice? - in detail
The product commonly recommended for eliminating head‑lice infestations is a medicated shampoo containing the insecticide pyrethrin or the synthetic pyrethroid permethrin. In the United States the leading brand is Nix (1 % permethrin). In the United Kingdom and many Commonwealth markets the comparable product is Rid (1 % permethrin) and LiceMD (1 % permethrin). Other formulations use dimethicone, a silicone‑based compound that immobilises lice; examples include LiceFreee and Lice Shield.
Key characteristics of these shampoos:
- Active ingredient – permethrin (synthetic pyrethroid) or pyrethrin (natural extract); dimethicone products contain no neurotoxic insecticide.
- Concentration – typically 1 % for permethrin, 0.5 % for pyrethrin; dimethicone concentrations range from 4 % to 10 %.
- Application protocol – apply to dry hair, massage into scalp, leave for 10 minutes (permethrin/pyrethrin) or 30 minutes (dimethicone), then rinse thoroughly.
- Repeat treatment – a second application 7–10 days after the first is advised to kill newly hatched nymphs.
- Safety considerations – contraindicated for infants under 2 months (permethrin/pyrethrin) and for individuals with known allergy to pyrethrins or permethrin. Dimethicone is generally tolerated by all ages, including infants.
- Prescription status – permethrin and pyrethrin shampoos are over‑the‑counter in most regions; dimethicone products may require a pharmacist’s recommendation in some countries.
Effectiveness studies report cure rates of 80‑90 % for permethrin and up to 95 % for dimethicone when the protocol is followed precisely. Resistance to permethrin has been documented in some populations, making dimethicone a valuable alternative. Selecting a product should consider the user’s age, allergy profile, and local resistance patterns.