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

Quick overview

Ovide Lotion (malathion) is a prescription topical anti-infective used to kill head lice and their eggs on the scalp. It works by blocking an enzyme that lice need to survive. The lotion is applied to dry hair, left on for a set time, then shampooed out. It is flammable and carries specific precautions around skin, eye, and child safety.

What is Ovide Lotion

Ovide Lotion is a prescription medicine applied to the skin that kills head lice. It is used only on the scalp hair.

Ovide Lotion uses

• Treats head lice (Pediculus humanus capitis) and their eggs on the scalp
• Used to treat head lice (Pediculus humanus capitis)
• Kills live head lice
• Also helps eliminate lice eggs (nits) on the scalp hair
• Applied to the scalp and hair and is intended specifically for head-lice infestation

Benefits of Ovide Lotion

• Kills head lice and their eggs when used as directed
• Studies showed most patients had no live lice immediately after treatment and up to 7 days after treatment

How Ovide Lotion works

Malathion works by blocking an enzyme called cholinesterase in the lice, which kills them.

Ovide Lotion dosage

Apply to dry hair only — do not wet your hair or scalp before applying. Apply enough lotion to fully wet the hair and scalp, paying special attention to the back of the head and neck. Wash your hands after applying the lotion to the scalp.

Let the hair dry naturally and keep it uncovered; do not use a hair dryer, curling iron, or other heat source on treated hair. Do not smoke while applying the lotion or while the hair is still wet, and keep children away from open flames or lit cigarettes while their hair is wet.

Shampoo the hair after 8 to 12 hours, then rinse and use a fine-toothed nit comb to remove dead lice and eggs; rinse the comb often while using it. Do not apply other topical products to the hair or scalp during treatment unless your doctor tells you to.

If lice are still present after 7 to 9 days, a second application may be used. Adults should supervise children directly whenever this medicine is used on them.

Wash all clothing, hats, bedding, and towels in hot water and dry on high heat; dry-clean items that cannot be washed; soak hair brushes, combs, and hair accessories in hot water.

Available forms and strengths

• Lotion

Side effects of Ovide Lotion

Common

• Burning or stinging of the scalp
• Dry hair
• Scalp irritation
• Temporary increase in dandruff

Serious

• Signs of an allergic reaction such as hives, trouble breathing, or swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
• Severe stinging, burning, or scalp irritation that does not go away
• Chemical burns, including second-degree burns
• Mild conjunctivitis (eye irritation) from accidental contact with the eyes

Warnings and precautions

• This medicine should only be used during pregnancy if your doctor says it is clearly needed. If you are pregnant and applying this medicine to someone else, handle it carefully. Talk to your doctor before using it if you are pregnant.
• It is not known if this medicine passes into breast milk. Because many medicines do pass into breast milk, caution is advised and you should talk to your doctor before breastfeeding.
• For external use only and only on the scalp and hair. Highly flammable: keep the lotion and wet hair away from open flames, cigarettes, hair dryers, electric curlers, and other heat sources. Allow hair to dry naturally and remain uncovered.
• Avoid contact with the eyes. If it gets into the eyes, rinse immediately with water. Seek medical advice if irritation persists or vision changes occur.
• Children should use this medicine only under the direct supervision of an adult. Do not use in newborns or infants; malathion absorption may be higher through their more permeable scalp.
• May cause scalp irritation, burning, stinging, or chemical burns, including second-degree burns in some cases. If significant skin irritation develops, wash the scalp and hair immediately and stop use until the irritation clears. Do not apply more than the recommended amount or leave it on longer than directed.
• Do not swallow. Seek medical attention immediately if accidentally ingested. Wash hands thoroughly after application. If pregnant or breastfeeding, consult a healthcare professional before use. Keep out of reach of children.
• This lotion is flammable. Do not expose the lotion or wet hair to open flames or electric heat sources like hair dryers or curling irons. Do not smoke while applying it or while your hair is wet.
• This medicine should only be used on children with an adult directly supervising.
• If it gets in your eyes, rinse immediately with water and see a doctor if irritation does not go away.
• If skin irritation happens, stop using the product until it clears up. You can try again later, but see a doctor if the irritation comes back.
• Chemical burns, including second-degree burns, and stinging can happen with this medicine.
• This medicine should not be used on newborns or infants because their scalps absorb it more easily. It should not be used by anyone who is allergic to malathion or any other ingredient in the lotion.
• This product has not been shown to be safe and effective in children younger than 6 years old in well-controlled studies.

Storage

• Store at 20° to 25°C (68° to 77°F) [see USP Controlled Room Temperature]
• Flammable. Keep away from heat and open flame.

When to see a doctor

• Get emergency help right away if you have signs of an allergic reaction, such as hives, difficulty breathing, or swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
• Call your doctor right away if you have severe stinging, burning, or scalp irritation that will not go away.
• If this medicine is swallowed by accident, get medical help right away.
• If you accidentally swallow this medicine, seek emergency medical attention right away.
• Call your doctor right away if you have severe stinging, itching, or irritation of the eyes or skin even after rinsing.

Alternatives

• Soolantra (ivermectin)
• Elimite
• Natroba (spinosad)
• Lindane topical
• Spinosad topical
• Acetic acid topical
• Permethrin topical
• Ivermectin topical