Ovide (Malathion) Patient Information: How Should I Take the Drug at RxList

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May 27, 2012

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Head Lice Infestation (Pediculosis) »

What are head lice?

Head lice are parasites that can be found on the heads of people. Infection with head lice is called pediculosis.

(The head louse, Pediculus humanus capitis, is different from the lice that cause body and pubic-hair infections.)

How common is head lice infestation?

Head lice infection is very common. It has been estimated that up to one in every 10 children in school acquires head lice at some time. In one study, the estimated annual cost of head lice infestations in the United States was nearly $1 billion dollars.

Who is at risk for getting head lice?

Anyone who comes in close contact with someone who already has head lice, or even their contaminated clothing and other belongings, is at risk for acquiring head lice. Preschool and elementary school children (3-10 years of age) and their families are infected most often. Girls contract head lice m...

Read the Head Lice Infestation (Pediculosis) article »

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Ovide Patient Information including How Should I Take

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before using malathion (Ovide)?

Do not use this medication if you have ever had an allergic reaction to it.

Malathion is in the FDA pregnancy category B. This means that it is unlikely to harm an unborn baby. Do not use malathion without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant.

It is not known whether malathion passes into breast milk. Do not use this medication without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

Do not use malathion to treat an infant. The scalp of an infant is thin and may absorb more malathion, which could be dangerous. Malathion is not approved for use by children younger than 6 years of age. Malathion should only be used to treat a child under the direct supervision of an adult, when prescribed by a doctor.

How should I use malathion (Ovide)?

Use malathion exactly as directed by your doctor, or follow the directions that accompany the package. If you do not understand these directions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.

Close the eyes tightly while applying malathion. Apply enough malathion lotion to dry hair to thoroughly wet the hair and scalp. Pay particular attention to the back of the head and neck when applying the lotion. Allow the hair to dry naturally and keep it uncovered. Shampoo the hair after 8 to 12 hours, again paying attention to the back of the head and neck while shampooing. Rinse the hair and use a fine-toothed (nit) comb to remove dead lice eggs. If live lice are still present after 7 to 9 days, repeat this process with a second application of malathion.

Malathion lotion is flammable. Do not expose the lotion or wet hair to open flames or electric heat sources including hair dryers, curling irons, and electric curlers. Do not smoke while applying the lotion or while the hair is wet. Warn children to stay away from open flames, lighted cigarettes, and electric heat sources while the hair is wet.

Slight stinging may occur with the use of malathion. If excessive skin irritation occurs, wash the scalp and hair immediately. If the irritation clears, reapply malathion. If the irritation reoccurs, talk to your doctor.

To prevent reinfection, wash all clothing, hats, bed clothes, bed linens, hair brushes, and combs in hot water with a strong cleanser. Also, other family members may require treatment.

Avoid contact with the eyes. If contact occurs, flush the eye immediately with water.

Use malathion on scalp hair only.

Do not take this medication by mouth.

Store malathion at room temperature. Malathion is flammable. Keep it away from open flame and heat sources.

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