Phenothrin

About Phenothrin

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

Phenothrin is available in liquid, lotion and mousse form.

It is also sometimes known as: Full Marks. You may notice the use of any of these names on the packaging of your medicine.

Before using Phenothrin

Before using phenothrin make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:

• if you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breast-feeding
• if you suffer from asthma or severe 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 Phenothrin

• Use phenothrin exactly as directed by your doctor.
• Always read the manufacturer's information leaflet, if possible, before beginning treatment.
• To treat head lice: If you have been given phenothrin alcoholic lotion - apply to dry hair, leave for at least two hours (but preferably 12 hours), shampoo well, comb through while the hair is still wet, preferably using a 'nit comb' (available from most pharmacies). Repeat after an interval of one week.
• If you have been given phenothrin aqueous 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.
• If you have been given phenothrin mousse - apply to dry hair and scalp, allow hair to dry naturally and shampoo after 30 minutes. 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 2-12 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

• Do not allow phenothrin 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.
• Before using any 'over-the-counter' medicines, check with your pharmacist which medicines are safe for you to use alongside phenothrin.

Can Phenothrin cause problems?

Phenothrin occasionally causes skin irritation such as itching, rashes, stinging or puffiness. This should soon disappear. If it doesn't or if it becomes severe, stop using phenothrin 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 Phenothrin

• 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