Formulary
Malathion: Indications, Dosing, Side Effects and Interactions
Malathion clinical drug profile including indications, dosing, side effects, cautions and interactions.
MedNext Academy | 3 min read
Malathion: Indications, Dosing, Side Effects and Interactions
Malathion clinical drug profile including indications, dosing, side effects, cautions and interactions.
Indications and dose
**Head lice**
- **Child** (To The Skin): Apply once weekly for 2 doses, rub preparation into dry hair and scalp, allow to dry naturally, remove by washing after 12 hours.
- **Adult** (To The Skin): Apply once weekly for 2 doses, rub preparation into dry hair and scalp, allow to dry naturally, remove by washing after 12 hours.
**Crab lice**
- **Child** (To The Skin): Apply once weekly for 2 doses, apply preparation over whole body, allow to dry naturally, wash off after 12 hours or overnight.
- **Adult** (To The Skin): Apply once weekly for 2 doses, apply preparation over whole body, allow to dry naturally, wash off after 12 hours or overnight.
**Scabies**
- **Child** (To The Skin): Apply once weekly for 2 doses, apply preparation over whole body, and wash off after 24 hours, if hands are washed with soap within 24 hours, they should be retreated.
- **Adult** (To The Skin): Apply once weekly for 2 doses, apply preparation over whole body, and wash off after 24 hours, if hands are washed with soap within 24 hours, they should be retreated.
**Head lice for malathion**
- **Child** (To the skin): Apply once weekly for 2 doses, rub preparation into dry hair and scalp, allow to dry naturally, remove by washing after 12 hours.
**Crab lice for malathion**
- **Child** (To the skin): Apply once weekly for 2 doses, apply preparation over whole body, allow to dry naturally, wash off after 12 hours or overnight.
**Scabies for malathion**
- **Child** (To the skin): Apply once weekly for 2 doses, apply preparation over whole body, and wash off after 24 hours, if hands are washed with soap within 24 hours, they should be retreated.
Cautions
Alcoholic lotions not recommended for head lice in children with severe eczema or asthma, or for scabies or crab lice; avoid contact with eyes; children under 6 months, medical supervision required; do not use lotion more than once a week for 3 consecutive weeks; do not use on broken or secondarily infected skin
Side effects
Frequency not known Angioedema; eye swelling; hypersensitivity; skin reactions
Medicinal forms
Clinical governance
**Author:** MedNext Clinical Team. **Clinical reviewer:** Dr Shameer Deen, MBBS, MS, MRCS. **Sources:** BNF, Indian Pharmacopoeia, CIMS India. **Correction:** Report errors at support@mednext.academy.
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