How does it work?

Malathion is an organophosphorous insecticide, which kills parasites such as head lice, pubic lice and scabies mites. It works by blocking the action of a chemical called cholinesterase that is essential for the growth and survival of the parasite. This disrupts vital metabolic processes and ultimately leads to the death of the parasite. This alcohol-based malathion lotion is used in the treatment of head lice. Water-based malathion products, such as Derbac-M and Quellada-M, are preferred 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 people with asthma and children for whom the alcohol-based products may be irritant.

What is it used for?

Head lice

Warning!

This preparation is for external use only.

This medicine contains flammable alcohol. Avoid naked flames and lighted objects, such as gas and electric fires and lit cigarettes, and the use of artificial heat, eg hairdryers.

This preparation may affect permed, coloured or bleached hair.

It is advised that rubber gloves be worn by people giving repeated applications or treating large numbers of individuals e.g. clinic nurses.

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

Avoid contact of this medicine with the eyes. If it does enter the eyes, rinse immediately with plenty of water.

Allow the hair to dry naturally in a well ventilated room after application. Do not use hairdryers. Don't cover the head until the preparation is dry.

May cause wheezing in people with asthma

May cause inflammation in people with severe eczema

Use with caution in

Asthma

Eczema

Sensitive skin

Not to be used in

Infants under 6 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 affect pregnancy or breast-feeding, however it should be used with caution by pregnant or breast-feeding women.

Label warnings

Caution flammable: keep medication away from fire or flames.

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