Drug Reference

Piperonyl Butoxide

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OTC

Fact box

Habit forming
No
Availability
Over-the-counter (OTC)

Brand names

HerklinProntoPronto PlusRIDTegrin-LT ShampooVanalice

Available as

40 MG/ML0.035 MG/MG · Topical Gel30 MG/ML30 MG/ML · Topical Solution40 MG/ML · Topical Solution

FDA label sections are from openFDA and may not reflect the most recent labeling — confirm against the current DailyMed label.

Uses
​Uses ​ ​Uses treats head lice, pubic (crab) lice, and body lice
How to use / dosing
​ ​Directions ​Important: Read warnings before use. adults and children 2 years and over: Inspect check each household member with a magnifying glass in bright light for lice/nits (eggs) look for tiny nits near scalp, beginin at back of neck and behind ears examine small sections of hair at a time unlike dandruff which moves when touched, nits stick to the hair if either lice or nits are found, treat with this product ​Treat apply thoroughly to dry hair or other affected area. For head lice, first apply behind ears and to back of neck. allow product to remain for 10 minutes, but no longer use warm water to form a lather, shampoo, then thoroughly rinse for head lice, towel dry hair and comb out tangles. ​Remove lice and their eggs (nits) use a fine-tooth or special lice/nit comb. Remove any remaining nits by hand (using a throw-away glove.) hair should remain slightly damp while removing nits if hair dries during combing dampen slightly with water for head lice, part hair into sections. Do one section at a time starting on top of head. Longer hair may take 1 to 2 hours. life a 1- to 2- inch wide strand of hair. Place comb as close to scalp as possible and comb with a firm, even motion away from scalp. Pin back each strand of hair after combing clean comb often. Wipe nits away with tissue and discard in a plastic bag. Seal bag and discard to prevent lice froom coming back. after combing, thoroughly recheck for lice/nits. Repeat combing if necessary. a second treatment must be done in 7 to 10 days to kill any newly hatched lice If infestation continues, see a doctor for other treatments. ​children under 2 years: ​ aska doctor

Safety advice

Conservative summary derived from FDA labeling — defaults to “consult your doctor” unless the label is explicit. Not a substitute for your clinician’s advice.

PregnancyNo information
No specific information in the FDA label.
BreastfeedingNo information
No specific information in the FDA label. Check LactMed →
AlcoholNo information
No specific information in the FDA label.
DrivingNo information
No specific information in the FDA label.
KidneyNo information
No specific information in the FDA label.
LiverNo information
No specific information in the FDA label.
Warnings & precautions
​Warnings ​ For external use only. Do not use near eyes inside nose, mouth or vagina on lice in eyebrows or eyelashes. See a doctor if lice are present in these areas. Ask a doctor before us if you are allergic to ragweed, May cause breathing difficulty or an asthmatic attack. When using this product keep eyes tightly closed and protect eyes with a washcloth or towel if product gets in eyes, flush with water right away scalp itching or redness may occur. Stop use and ask doctor if breathing difficulty occurs eye irrirtation occurs skin or scalp irritation continues or infection occurs Keep out of reach of children If swallowed, get medical help or contact a Poison Control Center right away.
Current FDA labels (DailyMed)

13 marketed products on record (RxNorm)

Authoritative sources

Reference only — not clinical advice. Verify against current FDA labeling and consult a licensed provider. About half of pediatric drug use is off-label and is not reflected in FDA labels; absence of pediatric information does not mean a medicine is unused or unsafe in children.