Pyrethrins Plus, Topical

What are other names for this medicine?

Type of medicine: scabicide; anti-lice treatment

Generic and brand names: pyrethrins plus, topical; A-200 Shampoo; Barc Liquid; Blue Gel; Control-L Liquid; End Lice Liquid; Lice Enz Foam Kit Shampoo; Pronto Shampoo; Pyrinex Pediculicide Shampoo; Pyrinyl II Liquid; Pyrinyl Liquid; Pyrinyl Plus Shampoo; R & C Shampoo; RID Shampoo; Tisit Blue Gel; Tisit Liquid; Tisit Shampoo; Triple X Kit Liquid

What is this medicine used for?

This medicine is used on the skin and hair to get rid of head lice, body lice, and pubic (crab) lice. It comes as a liquid, gel, or shampoo. You can buy this medicine without a prescription.

What should my health care provider know before I take this medicine?

Do not use this medicine if you are allergic to ragweed.

Tell your health care provider if you are allergic to any medicine.

Females of childbearing age: Tell your health care provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. Do not breast-feed while taking this medicine without your health care provider's approval.

How do I use it?

Use this medicine only on your skin, hair, and scalp. Usually this medicine is applied to the affected areas and allowed to remain for at least 10 minutes. Read and follow the directions on the package or the instruction sheet exactly. If you do not understand the directions, ask your health care provider or pharmacist to explain.

Do not get any of this medicine in your nose, mouth, or eyes. If you do, rinse with plenty of cool water. Call your health care provider or a poison control center if you accidentally swallow any of this medicine.

Wash the affected areas before applying the medicine, unless you are using the shampoo form. Use this medicine 1 time. Tell your health care provider if your condition does not improve within 7 to 10 days.

What should I watch out for?

Do not use this medicine on your eyelashes or eyebrows.

Stop using the medicine and contact your health care provider if you have any irritation or infection (redness or pus) on your skin or scalp.

To prevent the lice from coming back, wash all clothes, bed clothing, washcloths, towels, hats, scarves, combs, and brushes in hot water. This should kill eggs that have not yet hatched. You may need to use the medicine one more time after 7 to 10 days if any eggs survive. Discuss this with your health care provider.

What are the possible side effects?

Along with its needed effects, your medicine may cause some unwanted side effects. Some side effects may be very serious. Some side effects may go away as your body adjusts to the medicine. Tell your health care provider if you have any side effects that continue or get worse.

Serious (report these to your health care provider right away): Infection, serious irritation.

Other: Minor irritation; itching; dry, peeling skin.

What products might interact with this medicine?

No significant drug interactions have been reported. However, do not use any strong or abrasive soaps or products containing alcohol on your skin while you are using this medicine.

Keep a list of all your medicines (prescription, nonprescription, supplements, natural remedies, and vitamins) with you. Be sure that you tell all health care providers who treat you about all the products you are taking.

How should I store this medicine?

Store this medicine at room temperature. Store this medicine away from medicines you take by mouth to avoid accidentally swallowing it. Keep the container tightly closed. Protect it from heat, high humidity, and bright light.

This advisory includes selected information only and may not include all side effects of this medicine or interactions with other medicines. Ask your health care provider or pharmacist for more information or if you have any questions.

Ask your pharmacist for the best way to dispose of outdated medicine or medicine you have not used. Do not throw medicine in the trash.

Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.

Do not share medicines with other people.