Ivermectin for treating head lice
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Ivermectin for treating head lice
Ivermectin (Stromectol or Mectizan) is an oral drug that can be used to treat several diseases caused by parasites that live on or in the human body. The drug is available by prescription in the United States.
A single dose of ivermectin, repeated in 7 days, can work very well to get rid of head lice.1 Ivermectin can be used when lice are resistant to other forms of treatment, such as pyrethrin and malathion.2 However, some health professionals have concerns about its safety.
References
Citations
Dourmishev AL, et al. (2005). Ivermectin: pharmacology and application in dermatology. International Journal of Dermatology (44): 981–988.
Chosidow O (2000). Scabies and pediculosis. Lancet, 355: 819–826.
Credits
| Author | Debby Golonka, MPH |
| Author | Ralph Poore |
| Editor | Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA |
| Associate Editor | Marianne Flagg |
| Associate Editor | Pat Truman, MATC |
| Primary Medical Reviewer | Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine |
| Primary Medical Reviewer | Michael J. Sexton, MD - Pediatrics |
| Specialist Medical Reviewer | Thomas Emmett Francoeur, MDCM, CSPQ, FRCPC - Pediatrics |
| Last Updated | November 24, 2006 |
| Last updated: | November 24, 2006 |
|---|---|
| Author: | Ralph Poore |
| Reviewed By: | Michael J. Sexton, MD - Pediatrics, Thomas Emmett Francoeur, MDCM, CSPQ, FRCPC - Pediatrics |
| Editors: | Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA, Pat Truman, MATC |
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