Head lice products can be easier to understand when you look at them together. The chart below includes some of the more common products available in most stores that have been approved by the FDA. This side-by-side listing is designed to help you make an informed decision regarding some of the most popular treatments.
![]() Ulesfia™ (benzyl alcohol) Lotion | ![]() Ovide® (malathion) Lotion 0.5% | Nix® Crème Rinse, Permethrin (1%) | ![]() RID® Lice Killing Shampoo Piperonyl butoxide (4%) | ![]() Lindane | |
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| Active Ingredient | Benzyl alcohol, 5.0% | malathion lotion 0.5% | Nix® Crème Rinse, Permethrin (1%) | Piperonyl butoxide (4%). Lice treatment, Pyrethrum extract (equivalent to 0.33% pyrethrins). | Lindane shampoo USP, 1% |
| Rx / OTC / Device | Rx | Rx | OTC | OTC | Rx |
| FDA Approval Date | April 2, 2009 | August 2, 1982 | May 2, 2000 | March 7, 2000 | 9/18/1984 |
| Indication | Ulesfia™ Lotion is indicated for the topical treatment of head lice infestation in patients 6 months of age and older | Ovide®(malathion) Lotion, 0.5% is indicated for patients infected with pediculosis humanus capititis (head lice and their ova) for the scalp hair | Use: treats head lice Do not use:
See your doctor | Lice only | Lindane Shampoo is indicated for the treatment of head lice, crab lice, and their ova only in patients who cannot tolerate other approved therapies, or have failed treatment with other approved therapies. Lindane shampoo is mainly for adults and children who weigh at least 110 pounds . Lindane Shampoo should be used in the context of an overall lice management program.
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| IMPORTANT: Consult the Lindane Shampoo Medication Guide which must be given to the patient each time LINDANE Shampoo is dispensed as required by law. See important boxed warning contained in product information.
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| Combing for nits recommended? | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Product Website | http://www.ulesfialotion.com | http://www.ovide4headlice.com/ | http://www.nixlice.com | http://www.ridlice.com | http://www.lindane.com |
| Manufactured For | Sciele™ Pharma, Inc. | TaroPharma®, a division of Taro Pharmaceuticals U.S.A, Inc. | Insight Pharmaceuticals™ | Bayer Healthcare, LLC | Morton Grove Pharmaceuticals, Inc |
The information presented in this table is a summary and is provided only to familiarize visitors with some of the options available for the treatment of head lice. It is not intended to be a substitute for the advice of a healthcare professional or as a recommendation of any treatment method. The table is not intended to, not does it, provide complete information about any of the products listed. Visitors may consult the product websites and labeling information for the products to obtain complete information about the appropriate use of these products, including applicable warnings and precautions. Advice from a qualified healthcare provider should be sought for any questions about a medical condition or how to properly treat it.
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Please visit individual websites or contact the respective manufacturers for complete product and safety information.