Lice Treatment

Generic name: Pyrethrins and Piperonyl Butoxide Gel and Liquid [ pye-RE-thrins-& pi-PER-oh-nil-byo-TOKS-ide ]
Brand names: Lice Treatment, RID
Drug class: Topical anti-infectives

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on May 6, 2024.

Uses of Lice Treatment:

• It is used to treat lice.

What do I need to tell my doctor BEFORE I take Lice Treatment?

• If you are allergic to Lice Treatment (pyrethrins and piperonyl butoxide gel and liquid); any part of Lice Treatment (pyrethrins and piperonyl butoxide gel and liquid); or any other drugs, foods, or substances. Tell your doctor about the allergy and what signs you had.

This medicine may interact with other drugs or health problems.

Tell your doctor and pharmacist about all of your drugs (prescription or OTC, natural products, vitamins) and health problems. You must check to make sure that it is safe for you to take Lice Treatment (pyrethrins and piperonyl butoxide gel and liquid) with all of your drugs and health problems. Do not start, stop, or change the dose of any drug without checking with your doctor.

What are some things I need to know or do while I take Lice Treatment?

• Tell all of your health care providers that you take Lice Treatment (pyrethrins and piperonyl butoxide gel and liquid). This includes your doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and dentists.
• This medicine may cause harm if swallowed. If Lice Treatment (pyrethrins and piperonyl butoxide gel and liquid) is swallowed, call a doctor or poison control center right away.
• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan on getting pregnant, or are breast-feeding. You will need to talk about the benefits and risks to you and the baby.

How is this medicine (Lice Treatment) best taken?

Use Lice Treatment (pyrethrins and piperonyl butoxide gel and liquid) as ordered by your doctor. Read all information given to you. Follow all instructions closely.

• Do not take Lice Treatment (pyrethrins and piperonyl butoxide gel and liquid) by mouth. Use on your skin only. Keep out of your mouth, nose, and eyes (may burn).
• If you get Lice Treatment (pyrethrins and piperonyl butoxide gel and liquid) in any of these areas, rinse well with water.
• Cover eyes and face with a towel. Keep eyes closed tightly.
• Wash your hands before and after use.
• Do not wet hair or affected part with water before putting on.
• Lightly coat hair or affected part.
• Work into hair and scalp or affected skin gently.
• Leave on for 10 minutes.
• Do not cover while Lice Treatment (pyrethrins and piperonyl butoxide gel and liquid) is on.
• After 10 minutes, use a little warm water and soap or shampoo on hair and lather.
• Rinse fully.
• Dry with a towel.
• Use special nit comb or tweezers to get rid of dead nits (lice eggs) from hair.
• Wash all bedding, towels, and recently worn clothes in hot water or have them dry cleaned.

What do I do if I miss a dose?

• Put on a missed dose as soon as you think about it.

Related/similar drugs

sodium chloride topical, ivermectin topical, permethrin topical, Elimite, acetic acid topical, spinosad topical, Natroba, lindane topical, Nix Complete Lice Treatment System

What are some side effects that I need to call my doctor about right away?

WARNING/CAUTION: Even though it may be rare, some people may have very bad and sometimes deadly side effects when taking a drug. Tell your doctor or get medical help right away if you have any of the following signs or symptoms that may be related to a very bad side effect:

• Signs of an allergic reaction, like rash; hives; itching; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin with or without fever; wheezing; tightness in the chest or throat; trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking; unusual hoarseness; or swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat.
• Eye irritation.

What are some other side effects of Lice Treatment?

All drugs may cause side effects. However, many people have no side effects or only have minor side effects. Call your doctor or get medical help if any of these side effects or any other side effects bother you or do not go away:

• Irritation where Lice Treatment (pyrethrins and piperonyl butoxide gel and liquid) is used.

These are not all of the side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, call your doctor. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.

You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-332-1088. You may also report side effects at https://www.fda.gov/medwatch.

If OVERDOSE is suspected:

If you think there has been an overdose, call your poison control center or get medical care right away. Be ready to tell or show what was taken, how much, and when it happened.

How do I store and/or throw out Lice Treatment?

• Store at room temperature in a dry place. Do not store in a bathroom.
• Protect from heat.
• Keep all drugs in a safe place. Keep all drugs out of the reach of children and pets.
• Throw away unused or expired drugs. Do not flush down a toilet or pour down a drain unless you are told to do so. Check with your pharmacist if you have questions about the best way to throw out drugs. There may be drug take-back programs in your area.

Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer

• If your symptoms or health problems do not get better or if they become worse, call your doctor.
• Do not share your drugs with others and do not take anyone else's drugs.
• Some drugs may have another patient information leaflet. Check with your pharmacist. If you have any questions about Lice Treatment (pyrethrins and piperonyl butoxide gel and liquid), please talk with your doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
• If you think there has been an overdose, call your poison control center or get medical care right away. Be ready to tell or show what was taken, how much, and when it happened.

Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer