Derbac-M liquid (malathion)

How does it work?

Derbac-M liquid contains the active ingredient malathion, which is an organophosphorous insecticide that kills parasites such as head lice, pubic lice and scabies mites.

Malathion works by blocking the action of an enzyme in the parasite called cholinesterase. This enzyme is essential for the growth and survival of the parasite. By inactivating it, malathion disrupts vital metabolic processes in the parasites and ultimately leads to their death. Derbac-M liquid kills lice and their eggs and scabies mites.

To treat head lice, the liquid should be applied to the scalp and rubbed into dry hair from the roots to the tips until all the hair is moistened. The best way to do this, particularly with with long hair, is to make a small parting and apply a few drops of the liquid along the hair, then spread this evenly along the length of the hair. Repeat the process with numerous other small sections until the whole scalp has been covered. Leave the hair to dry naturally in a warm but well ventilated room (don't use a hairdryer). After 12 hours, or the next day if preferred, shampoo the hair in the normal way. Rinse the hair and comb it using a fine toothed metal nit comb while the hair is still wet to remove the dead lice and eggs.

To treat pubic lice (crabs), the liquid should be applied to the entire skin surface, paying particular attention to hairy areas such as the pubic hair, beards and moustaches. Avoid any other areas above the neck. Allow the liquid to dry naturally. You should leave it on for at least one hour, but preferably overnight before washing.

Louse eggs may be more difficult to kill than live lice, because the insecticide liquid may not penetrate the eggshell to get in to the developing louse. It may therefore be necessary to repeat the treatment after seven days to kill lice emerging from any eggs that survived the first application. Ask your pharmacist for advice about this.

To treat scabies, the liquid should be applied to the entire skin surface, including the scalp, neck, face and ears, avoiding the eyes and mouth. Allow the liquid to dry naturally and do not wash off or bathe for 24 hours. If hands or any other parts must be washed during this period, the treatment must be reapplied to those areas immediately. Family members and other close contacts should be treated at the same time.

Derbac-M liquid is a water-based malathion product. These are preferable to alcohol-based lotions for the treatment of pubic lice and scabies, as they are less irritant to broken skin and sensitive areas such as the genitalia. Water-based products are also preferred in small children and in people with asthma or eczema, for whom the alcohol-based products may be irritant.

What is it used for?

Head lice

Pubic lice

Scabies.

Warning!

This medicine is for external use on the skin only.

Avoid contact with the eyes or mouth.

If the liquid is accidentally swallowed, please seek medical advice from your doctor or casualty department immediately.

It is recommended that rubber gloves be worn by people giving repeated applications or treating large numbers of people with this medicine, for example clinic or school nurses.

Do not use this medicine more than once in a week, or for more than three consecutive weeks.

Not to be used in

Infants under six months of age, except on medical advice.

This medicine should not be used if you are allergic to one or any of its ingredients. Please inform your doctor or pharmacist if you have previously experienced such an allergy. If you feel you have experienced an allergic reaction, stop using this medicine and inform your doctor or pharmacist immediately.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

Certain medicines should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding. However, other medicines may be safely used in pregnancy or breastfeeding providing the benefits to the mother outweigh the risks to the unborn baby. Always inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, before using any medicine.

This medicine is not known to be harmful if used during pregnancy or breastfeeding. However, as with all medicines, it should be used with caution by pregnant or breastfeeding women and only on the advice of a doctor.

Side effects

Medicines and their possible side effects can affect individual people in different ways. The following are some of the side effects that are known to be associated with this medicine. Because a side effect is stated here, it does not mean that all people using this medicine will experience that or any side effect.

Skin irritation

The side effects listed above may not include all of the side effects reported by the drug's manufacturer. For more information about any other possible risks associated with this medicine, please read the information provided with the medicine or consult your doctor or pharmacist.

How can this medicine affect other medicines?

This medicine is not known to affect other medicines.

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