Malathion

About Malathion

This belongs to the group of medicines known as parasiticidal preparations.

Malathion is available in alcoholic based lotion, water based liquid and shampoo form.

It is also sometimes known as: Derbac-M; Prioderm; Quellada-M; Suleo-M. You may notice the use of any of these names on the packaging of your medicine.

Before using Malathion

Before using any of this preparation make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:

• if you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breast-feeding
• if you suffer from asthma or eczema
• if you have ever had an allergic reaction to this or any other medicine
• if you are using any other preparations, including those available to buy without a prescription, herbal and complementary medicines

How to use Malathion

• Use malathion exactly as directed by your doctor.
• Always read the manufacturer's information leaflet, if possible, before beginning treatment.
• To treat scabies: Apply this preparation over the whole body, paying particular attention to the webs of the fingers and toes and brushing the lotion under the ends of the nails. Wash off 24 hours later. If you need to wash your hands within the 24 hours, reapply the lotion to the hands. Repeat the treament after an interval of one week.
• To treat head lice: If you have been given malathion shampoo - apply to wet hair, leave for five minutes before rinsing, repeat process and comb through while the hair is still wet, preferably using a 'nit comb' (available from most pharmacies). Repeat the treatment twice more at intervals of three days. If you have been prescribed malathion lotion - apply to dry hair and scalp, allow hair to dry naturally and shampoo after 12 hours. Comb through while the hair is still wet, preferably using a 'nit comb'. Repeat after an interval of one week.
• To treat crab lice: Apply to the whole body, allow to dry naturally and wash off after 12 hours. Repeat after an interval of one week.
• Do not use the alcoholic based lotion if you suffer from asthma or eczema or to treat crab lice.

Getting the most from your treatment

• The itching associated with scabies can continue for some weeks after the skin mites are destroyed.
• Do not allow malathion to come into contact with the eyes or mucous membranes (e.g. mouth, vagina, inside of nose etc.), broken or infected skin.
• Clothing and bed-linen will need to be washed to kill any lice or mites.

Can Malathion cause problems?

Malathion occasionally causes skin irritation such as rashes or a burning sensation. This should soon disappear. If it doesn't or if it becomes severe, stop using malathion and ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice.

If you experience any other worrying symptoms, which you think may be due to this preparation, consult your doctor or pharmacist.

How to store Malathion

• Keep out of reach of children.
• Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct light and heat.
• Never keep out of date or unwanted medicines. Discard them safely out of the reach of children or take them to your local pharmacist who will dispose of unwanted medicines for you.

© EMIS and Cegedim Pharmacy Services Ltd 2005   Updated: 17/07/2003