Hedrin Lotion: Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, Precautions and Alternates

Quick overview

Hedrin Lotion is a clear, colourless, odourless lotion containing dimeticone, used to treat head lice. It works as a physical insecticide, coating lice and causing them to dehydrate, rather than using traditional chemical insecticides. It is suitable for adults and children aged 6 months and over, with two applications 7 days apart recommended for full effect.

What is Hedrin Lotion

Hedrin Lotion is a clear, colourless, odourless skin lotion applied to the scalp and hair to treat head lice. It does not contain traditional insecticides. Its generic name is dimeticone, and it belongs to the silicone polymer (physical insecticide) drug class.

Hedrin Lotion uses

• Eradication of head lice infestations
• Treatment of head lice and nits with two applications, 7 days apart
• Physical treatment of lice without traditional insecticides

Benefits of Hedrin Lotion

• Helps eradicate head lice infestations.
• Contains dimeticone 4%, which physically coats lice and disrupts their ability to manage water, causing them to die.
• Works without traditional neurotoxic insecticides or pesticides.
• Remains effective against insecticide-resistant head lice because it works by a physical rather than chemical mechanism.
• Is suitable for adults and children aged 6 months and over; younger infants should be treated only under medical supervision.
• Two treatments 7 days apart help kill lice that hatch after the first application.

How Hedrin Lotion works

Hedrin Lotion contains dimeticone, which physically coats the lice in the solution. This causes the lice to dehydrate and die, rather than working like a traditional chemical insecticide.

Hedrin Lotion dosage

Apply enough lotion to dry hair to fully cover the scalp. Work the lotion evenly through the hair from the roots to the tips. Allow the hair to dry naturally. Leave the lotion on for at least 8 hours or overnight. Wash the hair out with normal shampoo, then rinse thoroughly with water and dry the hair. Repeat the application after 7 days to deal with any newly hatched lice. If other family members are found to have live head lice, they should be treated on the same day.

Available forms and strengths

Hedrin Lotion is available as a lotion.

Side effects of Hedrin Lotion

Common

• Slight skin irritation, especially if used on broken skin
• Flaking of the scalp
• Itching
• Irritation around the eyes
• Hair loss

Serious

• Allergic reactions such as rash, swelling or weals on the skin
• Breathing difficulties

Warnings and precautions

• Keep hair away from naked flames, burning cigarettes and other sources of ignition during treatment, because treated hair can burn more easily.
• This product is for external use only, for treating the scalp and hair.
• Avoid getting the lotion in the eyes. If it does get into the eyes, rinse them with water right away.
• If it is swallowed by accident, get medical advice right away and take the pack with you.
• Stop using the product right away and wash it off with shampoo if signs of an allergic reaction occur.
• Do not use this product if you are allergic to dimeticone, cyclomethicone, or any of the other ingredients.
• If one person in a household has head lice, everyone living in the same home should be checked and treated at the same time.
• Children under 6 months old should only be treated with this product under medical supervision.
• Hedrin Lotion may be used during pregnancy and breastfeeding, though one source recommends speaking to a doctor or pharmacist first, and notes that wet combing is the preferred method for pregnant women under current UK guidelines. Hedrin Lotion may be used during breastfeeding. 
• There are no known issues with using alcohol while using this product. Hedrin Lotion does not affect the ability to drive or operate machinery.

Storage

• Store below 25°C (77°F) or as directed on the specific product label.
• Keep in a cool, dry place away from excessive heat.
• Protect from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures.
• Keep the bottle tightly closed in its original packaging.
• Keep away from naked flames, cigarettes, and other ignition sources, as treated hair or clothing may burn more easily.
• Keep out of reach and sight of children.

When to see a doctor

• Speak to a pharmacist or doctor if live lice are still present after the second treatment, or if head lice keep coming back.
• Speak to a pharmacist or doctor if you are treating a child under 6 months old.
• Speak to a pharmacist or doctor if you think there may be an allergic reaction or irritation from the product.
• Get urgent medical help if you have breathing difficulties, or swelling, rash or weals on the skin, or a severe reaction after use.
• If the lotion is swallowed by accident, get medical advice as soon as possible.
• If side effects occur, stop using the product and speak to a doctor or pharmacist about other treatment options.

Alternatives

• Malathion Lotion
• Full Marks Solution
• Hedrin All in One
• Hedrin Once