Malathion

About malathion

Malathion is an insecticide which means it works by killing the lice or mites causing the problem.

Before using malathion

Before using malathion make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:

• If you are pregnant or breast-feeding.
• If you suffer from asthma or eczema.
• If you have ever had an allergic reaction to this or any other medicine.

• This preparation is not to be used on children less than 6 months old unless you have been told otherwise by a doctor.

How to use malathion

• Before beginning treatment, read the manufacturer's printed information leaflet.
• Use this preparation exactly as you have been directed by your doctor or pharmacist.

• To treat scabies:
  Apply the lotion 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 using a nail brush. Do not allow it to come into contact with the eyes, mouth, vagina, inside of the nose, or broken or infected skin. Wash the lotion off 24 hours later. If you need to wash your hands within the 24 hours, reapply the lotion to the hands. Repeat the treatment after 7 days.

• To treat head lice:
  Rub the lotion onto your scalp and dry hair until the hair is thoroughly wetted. Allow the lotion to dry naturally and then after 12 hours shampoo it off. Comb through the hair while it is still wet, preferably using a 'nit comb'. Repeat the treatment after 7 days.
  If you are using malathion shampoo, wet your hair and then apply the shampoo and work up a good lather. Make sure the whole scalp is covered and then leave the hair for at least five minutes before rinsing off the shampoo. Repeat this process, and then comb through the hair while it still wet, preferably using a 'nit comb' (available from most pharmacies). Repeat the treatment twice more leaving a 3-day interval between each treatment.

• To treat crab (pubic) lice:
  Apply the lotion to the whole body including the scalp, neck, ears and face, but do not allow it to come into contact with the eyes, mouth, vagina, inside of the nose, or broken or infected skin. Make sure you apply it to the eyebrows, and any moustache or beard. Allow the lotion to dry naturally and then wash it off after 12 hours. Repeat the treatment after 7 days.

Getting the most from your treatment

• The itching associated with scabies can continue for some weeks after the skin mites have been killed. Ask your pharmacist to recommend a suitable anti-irritant cream if this is a problem. If the itching continues several weeks after treatment, speak with your doctor or pharmacist.
• Do not use malathion more than once in a week and it must not be used for more than 3 consecutive weeks.
• If you are being treated for scabies, it is important that the whole family is treated with malathion at the same time to prevent transferring the mite between the family.

Can malathion cause problems?

Malathion occasionally causes skin irritation. This should soon disappear, but if it doesn't or if it becomes severe, stop using the malathion and ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice.

If you experience any other symptoms which you think may be due to this medicine, speak with your doctor or pharmacist.

How to store malathion

• Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.
• Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.

Important information about all medicines