Piperonyl butoxide and pyrethrins topical

Generic name: piperonyl butoxide and pyrethrins topical [ pye-PER-oh-nil-bue-TOX-ide-and-pye-REE-thrins-TOP-i-kal ]
Brand names: Good Sense Complete Lice Treatment, Sunmark Lice Solution Kit, VanaLice, A-200 Lice Treatment, Good Sense Lice Killing Shampoo, ... show all 33 brands Step 1, Leader Lice Solution, Pronto Lice Kill System, R and C Lice Treatment Kit, Rid Pediculicide, Tegrin-LT Lice Treatment Kit, Triple X Pediculicide, R and C, Pyrinyl II, Lice-X Liquid, R and C Lice Treatment Spray, Tegrin-LT Shampoo, End Lice Liquid, A-200 Lice Control, Tegrin-LT Lice Spray, Pronto Spray, Pronto with Metal Comb, Rid Shampoo/Spray Kit, Pyrinyl Liquid, Pyrinyl Liquid Shampoo, Pronto Shampoo Kit, Rid Pediculicide Spray, Pronto Shampoo and Cream Rinse, Pyrinil Lice Control Kit, Lice Treatment Maximum Strength, Stop Lice Maximum Strength, Good Sense Lice Killing Shampoo, Step 1
Dosage forms: topical gel (3.5%-0.3%), topical kit (3%-0.3%; 4%-0.33%), topical shampoo (3%-0.3%; 4%-0.33%)
Drug class: Topical anti-infectives

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com on Jun 2, 2025. Written by Cerner Multum.

What is piperonyl butoxide and pyrethrins topical?

Piperonyl butoxide and pyrethrins topical (for the skin) is a combination medicine used to treat head, pubic, and body lice.

Piperonyl butoxide and pyrethrins topical may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Piperonyl butoxide and pyrethrins topical side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives, difficult breathing, swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Piperonyl butoxide and pyrethrins topical may cause serious side effects. Stop using piperonyl butoxide and pyrethrins topical and call your doctor at once if you have:

• trouble breathing;

• worsening skin or scalp irritation or infection; or

• eye irritation.

Less serious side effects may be more likely, or you may have none at all.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Related/similar drugs

Warnings

Follow all directions on the label and package. Use exactly as directed. Tell your healthcare provider if you use other medicines or have other medical conditions or allergies.

Before taking this medicine

You should not use piperonyl butoxide and pyrethrins topical if you are allergic to it.

Ask a doctor or pharmacist if piperonyl butoxide and pyrethrins topical is safe to use if you have or have ever had an allergy to ragweed.

Ask a doctor before using this medicine if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Do not give this medicine to a child younger than 2 years old without medical advice.

How should I use piperonyl butoxide and pyrethrins topical?

Use exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor.

Piperonyl butoxide and pyrethrins topical comes in many different forms (shampoo, gel, and kit).

Do not get this medicine in your eyes, nose, mouth, or vagina. Piperonyl butoxide and pyrethrins topical medicine is for use only on the skin or scalp.

You may need to shake the piperonyl butoxide and pyrethrins shampoo before each use. Follow the directions on the medicine label.

For all conditions, apply the medicine thoroughly to affected area. Leave the medicine on for 10 minutes. Then work into a lather and rinse thoroughly with warm water.

To treat head lice:

• Apply the recommended amount of medicine to dry hair and to all areas of the scalp, starting from behind the ears and neck.

• Wash your hair using shampoo only (no conditioner or 2-in-1 shampoo). Rinse thoroughly and towel dry the hair, leaving it damp.

• Protect your eyes with a towel or washcloth. Treat hair from the roots to the ends and leave the medicine in the hair.

• You may also use a nit comb to remove lice eggs from the hair. Your hair should be slightly damp while using a nit comb. Work on only one section of hair at a time, combing through 1 to 2-inch strands from the scalp to the ends. Repeat if necessary.

• Rinse the nit comb often during use. Place removed nits into a sealed plastic bag and throw it into the trash.

• Check the scalp again daily to make sure all nits have been removed.

• Consider reapply this medicine again in 7-10 days to kill any newly hatched lice.

To treat body or pubic lice:

• All sexual partners should be treated.

• Use it as directed on the package or as directed by your doctor, pharmacist, or other healthcare provider. Do not use more of this product than is recommended on the label.

You may have itching or redness on your scalp when you are using this medicine. Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve, or if they get worse.

To prevent reinfection with lice, wash all clothing, hats, bed clothes, bed linens, stuffed toys, towels, hair brushes, combs, and hair accessories in hot water with a strong cleanser to remove any mites or eggs and dry in high heat. Dry-clean any non-washable clothing. You may need to use a special lice control spray to treat furniture, mattresses, sports helmets, headphones, and other non-washable items. Ask your doctor or pharmacist about disinfecting your home.

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Do not freeze the shampoo and spray.

Piperonyl butoxide and pyrethrins topical dosing information

Usual Adult Dose for Lice:

Piperonyl butoxide 4%-pyrethrins 0.33% topical shampoo: Use on dry hair. Apply to affected area until all the hair is thoroughly wet with shampoo. Allow to remain for 10 minutes only. Shampoo as usual and rinse thoroughly. Second treatment must be done in 7 to 10 days.

Usual Pediatric Dose for Lice:

Piperonyl butoxide 4%-pyrethrins 0.33% topical shampoo: Use on dry hair. Apply to affected area until all the hair is thoroughly wet with shampoo. Allow to remain for 10 minutes only. Shampoo as usual and rinse thoroughly. Second treatment must be done in 7 to 10 days.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Ask your doctor if you missed your second application of piperonyl butoxide and pyrethrins topical.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222 if anyone has accidentally swallowed the medicine.

What should I avoid while using piperonyl butoxide and pyrethrins topical?

Avoid using other medications or skin products on the areas you treat with piperonyl butoxide and pyrethrins topical, unless your doctor tells you to.

Avoid getting piperonyl butoxide and pyrethrins topical in your eyes, nose, mouth, or vagina. If contact does occur, rinse with water.

Avoid close contact with others until the infection has been cured. Also avoid sharing hair combs, hair accessories, hats, clothing, bed linens, pillows, and other items of personal use.

What other drugs will affect piperonyl butoxide and pyrethrins topical?

Medicine used on the skin is not likely to be affected by other drugs you use, but many drugs can interact. Tell your doctor about all your current medicines, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

Further information

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

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

Medical Disclaimer

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