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 water-based malathion shampoo is used in the treatment of head lice and pubic lice. Water-based malathion products are preferred to alcohol-based lotions such as Prioderm and Suleo-M for the treatment of pubic lice, 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. In general however, lotions rather than shampoos are preferred for the treatment of head lice and pubic lice, as they are left in contact with the hair for longer than shampoos, giving a greater chance of killing the lice.

What is it used for?

Head lice

Pubic lice

Warning!

This preparation is for external use only.

Avoid contact of this medicine with the eyes.

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 more frequently than 3 times at 3 day intervals. Do not repeat within 3 weeks.

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.

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.

No side effects have been reported with this medicine

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?

There are no reported interactions with this medicine.

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