Drugs for Head Lice
June 10, 2024 (Issue: 1704)
Pediculosis capitis (head lice infestations) occur in
all age groups, but especially in elementary school
children. In most cases, transmission occurs by
head-to-head contact. Pharmacologic treatment is
recommended for persons with live lice or...more
- D Nolt et al. Head lice. Pediatrics 2022; 150:e2022059282. doi:10.1542/peds.2022-059282
- KJ Gellatly et al. Expansion of the knockdown resistance frequency map for human head lice (Phthiraptera: Pediculidae) in the United States using quantitative sequencing. J Med Entomol 2016; 53:653. doi:10.1093/jme/tjw023
- DM Pariser et al. Topical 0.5% ivermectin lotion for treatment of head lice. N Engl J Med 2012; 367:1687. doi:10.1056/nejmoa1200107
- AKC Leung et al. Paediatrics: how to manage pediculosis capitis. Drugs Context 2022; 11:2021. doi:10.7573/dic.2021-11-3
- In brief: OTC ivermectin for head lice. Med Lett Drugs Ther 2023; 65:103.
- O Chosidow et al. Oral ivermectin versus malathion lotion for difficult-to-treat head lice. N Engl J Med 2010; 362:896. doi:10.1056/nejmoa0905471
- A Nofal. Oral ivermectin for head lice: a comparison with 0.5% topical malathion lotion. J Dtsch Dermatol Ges 2010; 8:985. doi:10.1111/j.1610-0387.2010.07487.x
- TL Meinking et al. Assessment of oral ivermectin (200-400 mcg/kg) in treating head lice infestations. 5th International Conference on Phthiraptera (ICP5), Park City, Utah, August 2-7, 2014.
- WL Sanchezruiz et al. Oral ivermectin for the treatment of head lice infestation. Am J Health Syst Pharm 2018; 75:937. doi:10.2146/ajhp170464
- D Stough et al. Efficacy and safety of spinosad and permethrin creme rinses for pediculosis capitis (head lice). Pediatrics 2009; 124:e389. doi:10.1542/peds.2008-3762
- TL Meinking et al. Efficacy of a reduced application time of Ovide lotion (0.5% malathion) compared to Nix creme rinse (1% permethrin) for the treatment of head lice. Pediatr Dermatol 2004; 21:670. doi:10.1111/j.0736-8046.2004.21613.x
- RNS Flores-Genuino et al. Occlusive versus neurotoxic agents for topical treatment of head lice infestation: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Pediatr Dermatol 2020; 37:86. doi:10.1111/pde.14016
- IF Burgess and P Silverston. Head lice. BMJ Clin Evid 2015; 2015:1703.
- ES Ihde et al. Safety and efficacy of a 100% dimethicone pediculocide in school-age children. BMC Pediatr 2015; 15:70. doi:10.1186/s12887-015-0381-0
- DD Dorge et al. Flammability testing of 22 conventional European pediculicides. Parasitol Res 2017; 116:1189. doi:10.1007/s00436-017-5396-z
- K Candy et al. Essential oils as a potential treatment option for pediculosis. Planta Med 2020; 86:619. doi:10.1055/a-1161-9189
- N Kaul et al. North American efficacy and safety of a novel pediculicide rinse, isopropyl myristate 50% (Resultz). J Cutan Med Surg 2007; 11:161. doi:10.2310/7750.2007.00045
- BM Goates et al. An effective nonchemical treatment for head lice: a lot of hot air. Pediatrics 2006; 118:1962. doi:10.1542/peds.2005-1847
- SE Bush et al. Efficacy of the LouseBuster, a new medical device for treating head lice (Anoplura:Pediculidae). J Med Entomol 2011; 48:67. doi:10.1603/me10122
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