Malathion Topical Side Effects

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Dec 20, 2024.

Applies to malathion topical: topical lotion.

Do not use this medicine on your child unless approved by your doctor.

Head lice can be easily spread from one person to another by direct contact with clothing, hats, scarves, bedding, towels, washcloths, hairbrushes and combs, or hairs from infected persons. All members of your household should be checked for head lice and receive treatment if they are found to be infected. If you have any questions about this, check with your doctor.

To prevent spread of lice to other people, good health habits are also required. These include the following:

• Dry-clean or wash all clothing, bedding, and personal items (including washcloths, towels, hats, scarves, combs, brushes, hairpieces, and wigs) in hot, soapy water.
• Clean the house or room by thorough vacuuming.

Skin irritation may occur while using the medicine. If it occurs, wash scalp and hair right away and check with your doctor.

Call your doctor right away if you have burns (including second-degree burns) and stinging sensation after using this medicine.

Breathing in even small amounts of carbamate- or organophosphate-type insecticides or pesticides (e.g., carbaryl [Sevin®], demeton [Systox®], diazinon, malathion, parathion, or ronnel [Trolene®]) may add to the effects of this medicine. Farmers, gardeners, residents of communities undergoing insecticide or pesticide spraying or dusting, workers in plants manufacturing such products, or other persons exposed to such poisons should protect themselves by wearing a mask over the nose and mouth, changing clothes frequently, and washing hands often while using this medicine.

Do not use this medicine for a hair or scalp problem that has not been checked by your doctor.

Serious side effects of malathion topical

Along with its needed effects, malathion topical may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur while taking malathion topical:

Get emergency help immediately if any of the following symptoms of overdose occur while taking malathion topical:

Symptoms of overdose

• abdominal or stomach cramps
• anxiety or restlessness
• clumsiness or unsteadiness
• confusion or mental depression
• convulsions (seizures)
• diarrhea
• difficult or labored breathing
• dizziness
• drowsiness
• increased sweating
• increased watering of the mouth or eyes
• loss of bowel or bladder control
• muscle twitching of the eyelids, face, and neck
• pinpoint pupils
• slow heartbeat
• trembling
• unusual weakness

Other side effects of malathion topical

Some side effects of malathion topical may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects.

Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

See also:

Further information

Malathion topical side effects can vary depending on the individual. Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Note: Medication side effects may be underreported. If you are experiencing side effects that are not listed, submit a report to the FDA by following this guide.

Medical Disclaimer