Lindane

Introduction To Lindane

Lindane is an anti-parasite medicine. It is used to treat scabies, a condition where tiny insects infest and irritate your skin. It works by killing the mites and their eggs.

Your doctor or pharmacist will explain how to use Lindane and how much you need. Read the instructions that come with the medicine to make sure you use it correctly. It is for external use only and always use gloves while using it, especially when applying to another person. You should apply it on dry and clean skin and do not cover the affected area with clothes. You should not use it if you have an open wound on the skin. In case of accidental contact with the eyes, mouth, or nose, wash it off immediately with plenty of water.

It may cause side effects such as itching, numbness, tingling or pricking sensation, headache, and dry skin, etc. Some people also experience hair loss and drowsiness. If any of these effects bother you then it is better to consult the doctor.

Before using it, you should inform the doctor if you are suffering from seizures or fits. Pregnant or breastfeeding women should avoid using this medicine.

Uses of Lindane

  • Scabies

Benefits of Lindane

Scabies
Scabies is a condition caused by tiny insects called mites that infest and irritate your skin. Lindane is an anti-parasite medicine. It works by paralyzing and killing the mites and their eggs. Generally, the cream should be applied to the whole body except the face but follow your doctor’s advice. It should be thoroughly washed off after 8-12 hours. Often one application is enough to treat the condition completely but sometimes a second one may be required a week later. This will get rid of the itching, swelling, and redness caused by mites. However, dead mites may still make you itch for some time.

Side effects of Lindane

Most side effects do not require any medical attention and disappear as your body adjusts to the medicine. Consult your doctor if they persist or if you’re worried about them

Common side effects of Scaboma

  • Hair loss
  • Rash
  • Erythematous rash
  • Drowsiness
  • Headache
  • Dizziness
  • Convulsion
  • Itching
  • Dry skin
  • Paresthesia (tingling or pricking sensation)
  • Numbness
  • Tremors

How to use Lindane

This medicine is for external use only. Use this medicine in the dose and duration as advised by your doctor. Shake it well and apply to the area evenly.

How Lindane works

Lindane is an antiparasitic medicines. It works by killing the tiny insects (mites) and their eggs, which cause scabies.

Quick tips

  • Lindane is used for the treatment of scabies.
  • While applying the solution, make sure your hands are clean and dry.
  • Always use gloves while applying the lotion, especially when applying to another person.
  • Avoid contact with another person, especially babies after applying the lotion to your body.
  • Do not cover the affected area of the skin with dressing or a bandage after applying Lindane.
  • Do not use this lotion within 1 hour of bathing or wet skin.
  • Do not apply Lindane near your eyes or on broken and wounded skin. In case of contact with the eyes, immediately wash with water and if needed consult your doctor.
  • Do not apply more than the recommended amount of Lindane as it may be harmful.

Safety Advice

sdsPregnancyCONSULT YOUR DOCTOR

Can I take Lindane if I’m pregnant?

Lindane may be unsafe to use during pregnancy. Although there are limited studies in humans, animal studies have shown harmful effects on the developing baby. Your doctor will weigh the benefits and any potential risks before prescribing it to you. Please consult your doctor.

sdsBreastfeedingSAFE IF PRESCRIBED

Can I take Lindane if I’m breastfeeding?

Lindane is probably safe to use during breastfeeding. Limited human data suggests that the drug does not represent any significant risk to the baby.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. Is Lindane lotion available over-the-counter?

No. Lindane is not available over-the-counter. It is sold only upon the prescription by a registered medical practitioner

Q. Does Lindane kill scabies, lice eggs, and nits?

Yes. Lindane does kill scabies, lice eggs and nits. However, if you do not see any effects, do not use Lindane more than once and consult the doctor

Q. Is Lindane lotion safe?

Lindane is safe when used at prescribed dose and duration as recommended doctor.

Q. What is Lindane used for?

Lindane is used to treat scabies and to relieve itching and skin irritation associated with sunburn, dry eczema (type of itchy skin rash), dermatitis (red and itchy skin), allergic rashes, hives, nettle rash, chickenpox, heat rashes, personal itching, insect bites and stings.

Q. How should Lindane be applied?

You should remove all of the make-up. Wash your hands and the affected area and gently dry. Put a thin layer of Lindane cream on the affected skin, using your fingertips. Apply it to the entire area affected by acne, not just each spot. Remember, it is important to wash your hands before and after applying Lindane.

Q. Should Lindane be left on overnight?

At the beginning of the treatment, Lindane is usually used once daily in the evening. The area should not be washed after applying Lindane. Leave it overnight unless you experience irritation. However, if you experience irritation, consult your doctor.

Q. What should prompt me to discontinue Lindane?

If you experience severe local irritation, which means severe redness, dryness and itching and stinging/burning sensation, discontinue the medicine and consult the doctor.

Q. What precautions should be followed while applying Lindane?

Use Lindane only on your skin. Keep it away from your eyes, eyelids, lips, mouth and inside of the nose. If the medicine comes in contact with any of these areas, wash the affected area with water immediately. Avoid using Lindane on scratched or eroded skin and open wounds. Take care when using Lindane on sensitive areas of skin such as your neck. This is because Lindane can make your skin more sensitive to the harmful effects of the sunlight. So, avoid the use of sunbeds/lamps and minimize the time you spend in the sun. You should use sunscreen and wear protective clothing while using Lindane. Avoid contact with hair as Lindane has strong bleaching properties. Consult your doctor for any other query related to Lindane.

Q. How often should I apply Lindane?

The initial dose is preferably once daily in the evening. Later, the doctor will gradually increase the dose to twice daily (most probably morning and evening) depending upon the requirement.

Q. How long does Lindane take to show its effects?

You may see an improvement after 4-6 weeks of treatment. You may need to use this treatment for a longer duration to gain maximum benefit. Do not worry, this is normal for acne treatments. If your acne does not get better after 1 month or if it gets worse, talk to your doctor immediately.

Q. When can I apply moisturizer, before or after Lindane?

You may apply moisturizer an hour after applying Lindane. Consult your doctor in case of any doubt or concern.

References

Written By:

Dr Advikka Ridhy

Dr Advikka Ridhy

MBBS

RMO, Aster MIMS

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