Lice Lotions and Shampoos Pose Risk of Poisoning

According to the CDC, 870 people accidentally ingested lindane between 1998 and 2003. Although none of the cases resulted in death and most of the cases involved symptoms that weren't severe, lindane ingestion did cause symptoms such as vomiting, nausea, mouth irritation, abdominal cramps, coughing, and seizures. The average age of the person ingesting lindane was 13 years of age.

One of the problems with lindane, says the CDC, is that it sometimes is repackaged in containers that look like those used for liquid oral medications such as cough syrup. One agency that reported statistics on lindane ingestion said that almost half of the lindane ingestions in children occurred because the child mistook lindane for cough syrup. Other cases of lindane ingestion occurred when unsupervised children drank lindane.

What This Means to You: Lindane is no longer recommended as the first line of treatment against lice or scabies because there are safer medications that are generally more effective and less costly. It also is not recommended for people under 110 pounds (50 kilograms). However, lindane is still used when previous treatments are ineffective or not tolerated. Since 2003 FDA guidelines limit the amount of lindane that can be dispensed to 1- to 2 single-use containers, If your doctor has prescribed lindane, use only as directed and do not keep old medication around for future use. If you have lindane at home from previous uses, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about disposing of the medicine properly to eliminate the risk of accidental ingestion. To prevent children in your home from ingesting other medications, be sure to keep all medications in a locked cabinet or closet out of reach.

Source: J. Sievert; M. Lackovic, MPH; A. Becker, PhD; D.H. Lew; B. Morrissey; J. Blondell, PHD; L.Y. Kim-Jung, PharmD; M.R. Pitts, PharmD; C.A. Holquist, RPh; A.M. Petersen, MPH; J.S. Alonso-Katzowitz; G.M. Calvert, MD; Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, June 3, 2005

Reviewed by: Steven Dowshen, MD
Date reviewed: July 2005