Prescription Medicine

Prescription medicine for lice is a route patients are advised to take after over the counter measures have been exhausted and infestation is still present.  When lice are no longer reacting to traditional removal methods there is a chance that they have mutated into super lice. “Super lice” do not look any different from normal lice, they are head lice that developed resistance to the pesticides in over-the-counter treatment solutions.

There can be many reasons as to why a lice treatment failed:

  • Drug resistance (super lice)
  • Treatments administered incorrectly
  • Reinfestation

The most important thing to do is talk to your doctor before taking drastic measures.  Lice are annoying and the removal process can be frustrating and daunting. Talk to your doctor about next steps or seek help from a lice expert.

Spinosad (Natroba)

Spinosad is a topical treatment approved for patients ages 6 months and older.  It can be applied to dry hair and rinsed with warm water after 10 minutes. A lice comb should be used after the treatment to help remove the dead lice and nits. Read the instructions carefully before starting the process and consult with your doctor for further instructions and review of side effects.

Malathion

Malathion is a lotion to treat adults and children over the age of 2. The lotion should be applied with assistance and left to dry naturally.  The lotion should be rinsed out after 8 to 12 hours. Sometimes the treatment requires a second round if live lice are seen 7 to 0 days after the first treatment.  Follow the directions on the prescription and consult with your doctor for further instructions and questions.

Ivermectin (Stroectol)

Ivermectin is a prescription tablet taken by mouth.  It can be prescribed by doctors to children weighing more than 33 pounds as a final solution if topical treatments do not get rid of the head lice. Consult with your doctor regarding side effects, dosage and questions.

Notes:
Mayo Clinic article about prescription and OTC options
FDA Treating & preventing head lice