Uses
Benzyl alcohol topical lotion is used to treat head lice (small insects that attach themselves to the skin) in adults and children 6 months of age and older. It should not be used in children less than 6 months of age. Benzyl alcohol topical is in a class of medications called pediculicides. It works by killing the lice. Benzyl alcohol lotion will not kill lice eggs, so the medication must be used a second time to kill the lice that may hatch from these eggs.
Side Effects Of Benzyl Alcohol Topical
Benzyl alcohol topical lotion may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:
- itching of the scalp area
- redness of the scalp area
- numbness or pain in the scalp area
Some side effects can be serious. If you experience any of these symptoms, call your doctor immediately:
- irritation of the scalp area
- infected or pus-filled areas of skin in the scalp area
Benzyl alcohol topical lotion may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while using this medication.
Warnings & Precautions
Before using benzyl alcohol topical lotion:
- tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to benzyl alcohol, any other medications, or any of the ingredients in benzyl alcohol lotion. Ask your pharmacist for a list of the ingredients.
- tell your doctor and pharmacist what other prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking or plan to take.
- tell your doctor if you have or have ever had any skin or other medical conditions.
- tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while using benzyl alcohol lotion, call your doctor.
Dosage Of Benzyl Alcohol Topical
Topical benzyl alcohol comes as a lotion to apply to the scalp and hair. It is usually applied to the scalp and hair in two or three treatments. The second treatment of benzyl alcohol lotion must be applied about one week after the first one. Sometimes a third treatment of benzyl alcohol lotion may be necessary. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Use benzyl alcohol lotion exactly as directed. Do not use more or less of it or use it more often than prescribed by your doctor.
Your doctor will prescribe a specific amount of benzyl alcohol topical lotion based on your hair length. Be sure to use enough lotion to cover all of your scalp area and hair.
Ask your pharmacist or doctor for a copy of the manufacturer’s information for the patient. Read these instructions carefully.
Benzyl alcohol lotion should only be used on the hair and scalp. Avoid getting benzyl alcohol lotion in your eyes.
If benzyl alcohol topical lotion gets in your eyes, flush them with water right away. If your eyes are still irritated after flushing with water, call your doctor or get medical help right away.
To use benzyl alcohol topical lotion, follow these steps:
- Use a towel to cover your face and eyes. Be sure to keep your eyes closed during this treatment. You may need to have an adult help you apply the lotion.
- Apply benzyl alcohol lotion to dry hair and scalp area. You will also need to apply the lotion in the scalp areas behind your ears and at the back of your neck. Be sure to use enough lotion to cover the entire scalp area and all of the hair on your head.
- Keep the benzyl alcohol topical lotion on your hair and scalp for 10 minutes after you finish applying the lotion. You should use a timer or clock to track the time.
- After 10 minutes, rinse the lotion from your scalp and hair with water in a sink. You should not use a shower or bathtub to rinse the lotion away because you do not want to get the lotion over the rest of your body.
- You and anyone who helped you apply the lotion should wash your hands carefully after the application and rinsing steps.
- You may shampoo your hair after rinsing the lotion from your scalp and hair.
- A lice comb may also be used to remove the dead lice and nits (empty eggshells) after this treatment. You may also need to have an adult help you to do this.
- You will need to repeat this entire process in one week to kill the lice that hatch from eggs.
- After using benzyl alcohol topical lotion, sanitize all the clothing, underwear, pajamas, hats, sheets, pillowcases, and towels you have used recently. These items should be washed in very hot water or dry-cleaned. You should also wash combs, brushes, hairs clips and other personal care items in hot water.
Other
Keep all appointments with your doctor.
Do not let anyone else use your benzyl alcohol topical lotion. Your prescription is probably not refillable. If you feel you need additional treatment, call your doctor.
Lice are generally spread by close head-to-head contact or from items that come in contact with your head. Do not share combs, brushes, towels, pillows, hats, scarves, or hair accessories. Be sure to check everyone in your immediate family for head lice if another family member is being treated for lice
It is important for you to keep a written list of all of the prescription and nonprescription (over-the-counter) medicines you are taking, as well as any products such as vitamins, minerals, or other dietary supplements. You should bring this list with you each time you visit a doctor or if you are admitted to a hospital. It is also important information to carry with you in case of emergencies.
Source
All information has been provided courtesy of MedLinePlus from the National Library of Medicine and from the FDA.
