Malathion Lotion vs Lindane Shampoo in Children with Head Lice

The safety and efficacy of a pediculicide lotion of malathion (0.5% in isopropanol) in 29 children, was compared with 1 % lindane shampoo in 33 children, in treating head lice. Treatment consisted of a single application lasting 2 hours (malathion) or 5 min (lindane).

There were no significant differences between the efficacy of these drugs. Immediately following treatment, no lice were present in either group. At 7 days live lice were found in 2 children treated with malathion and in 4 of those treated with lindane. By 4-6 weeks the respective values were 5 and 3 children. Overall, the efficacy of malathion was 93% while lindane was effective in 88% of cases .

Both treatments demonstrated in vitro ovicidal activity, although neither completely prevented the hatching of nits. In pre-treatment hair samples, nits hatched in 63% of samples, whereas in post-treatment samples this value was reduced to 35%. Because ovicidal activity was incomplete, two treatments with the same pediculicide should be given about 7 days apart. Mathias. R. G. et af.: Canadian Medical Association Journal 130: 407 (15 Feb 1984)

0156-2703/ 84/ 0414-0009/ 0$01.00/ 0 © ADIS Press INPHARMA@ 14 Apr 1984 9