New Options for Eradicating Resistant Head Lice
New Options for Eradicating Resistant Head Lice
Since 2009, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved three new prescription-only treatments for eradication of Pediculosis capitis. While over-the-counter agents such as permethrin or pyrethins remain the recommendation for first-line therapy, these new pediculosides are often more effective and may be particularly useful in difficult-to-eradicate cases or in patients with permethrin-resistant lice. In addition to their efficacy, these agents produce limited systemic exposure and have few adverse effects, making them safer than malathion.
On April 10, 2009, the FDA approved benzyl alcohol 5% lotion for treatment of head lice in patients 6 months of age and older. The following year, on January 18, 2010, spinosad 0.9% topical suspension was approved for adults and children 4 years of age and older. The newest of the lice treatment, ivermectin 0.5% lotion, was approved on February 7, 2012 for use in patients 6 months of age and older. These three new products represent three different mechanisms for eradicating lice and broaden the number of options for the management of affected children.
Abstract and Introduction
Introduction
Since 2009, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved three new prescription-only treatments for eradication of Pediculosis capitis. While over-the-counter agents such as permethrin or pyrethins remain the recommendation for first-line therapy, these new pediculosides are often more effective and may be particularly useful in difficult-to-eradicate cases or in patients with permethrin-resistant lice. In addition to their efficacy, these agents produce limited systemic exposure and have few adverse effects, making them safer than malathion.
On April 10, 2009, the FDA approved benzyl alcohol 5% lotion for treatment of head lice in patients 6 months of age and older. The following year, on January 18, 2010, spinosad 0.9% topical suspension was approved for adults and children 4 years of age and older. The newest of the lice treatment, ivermectin 0.5% lotion, was approved on February 7, 2012 for use in patients 6 months of age and older. These three new products represent three different mechanisms for eradicating lice and broaden the number of options for the management of affected children.
