Pyrethrin and Piperonyl Butoxide
Why this is used
Pyrethrin with piperonyl butoxide kills parasites and their eggs. It is used to treat scabies (a skin infestation) and lice infestations of the head, body, and pubic area ('crabs'). Pyrethrin with piperonyl butoxide does not prevent these infestations.
How to take it
The pyrethrin and piperonyl butoxide combination comes in liquid, gel, and shampoo form. Usually, one application of pyrethrin with piperonyl butoxide is effective. However, the treatment may need to be repeated after 1 week; call your doctor if signs of infestation (live parasites) reappear. Follow the directions on the package or on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Use pyrethrin and piperonyl butoxide exactly as directed. Do not use more or less of it or use it more often than directed by your doctor. Wear rubber gloves when applying it if you have open cuts or scratches on your hands. If this medication accidentally gets in your eyes, rinse them thoroughly with water for at least 5 minutes. To use the liquid or gel, follow these steps:
<list list-type='ordered' numbering='arabic'>
<li>
Use enough medication to cover the affected hairy area and adjacent areas. Ask your pharmacist or doctor any questions you have about where to apply the medication.</li>
<li>
Leave the medication on for exactly 10 minutes.</li>
<li>
Thoroughly wash the area with warm water and soap or regular shampoo.</li>
<li>
Dry with a clean towel.</li>
<li>
Wash your hands to remove the medication.</li>
<li>
Dress in clean clothes.</li></ul> To use the shampoo, follow these steps:
<list list-type='ordered' numbering='arabic'>
<li>
Shake the shampoo before using it. Then thoroughly cover your dry hair and scalp or skin with shampoo.</li>
<li>
Use a small amount of water to work the shampoo into your hair until a lather forms.</li>
<li>
Leave the shampoo on for exactly 10 minutes.</li>
<li>
Rinse your hair thoroughly with water.</li>
<li>
Dry your hair with a clean towel.</li>
<li>
Comb your hair with a fine tooth comb to remove nits (lice eggs and larvae).</li>
<li>
Wash your hands to remove the medication.</li></ul> If you have head lice, wash combs and brushes with the liquid, gel, or shampoo and rinse them thoroughly with water to remove the drug.
<list list-type='ordered' numbering='arabic'>
<li>
Use enough medication to cover the affected hairy area and adjacent areas. Ask your pharmacist or doctor any questions you have about where to apply the medication.</li>
<li>
Leave the medication on for exactly 10 minutes.</li>
<li>
Thoroughly wash the area with warm water and soap or regular shampoo.</li>
<li>
Dry with a clean towel.</li>
<li>
Wash your hands to remove the medication.</li>
<li>
Dress in clean clothes.</li></ul> To use the shampoo, follow these steps:
<list list-type='ordered' numbering='arabic'>
<li>
Shake the shampoo before using it. Then thoroughly cover your dry hair and scalp or skin with shampoo.</li>
<li>
Use a small amount of water to work the shampoo into your hair until a lather forms.</li>
<li>
Leave the shampoo on for exactly 10 minutes.</li>
<li>
Rinse your hair thoroughly with water.</li>
<li>
Dry your hair with a clean towel.</li>
<li>
Comb your hair with a fine tooth comb to remove nits (lice eggs and larvae).</li>
<li>
Wash your hands to remove the medication.</li></ul> If you have head lice, wash combs and brushes with the liquid, gel, or shampoo and rinse them thoroughly with water to remove the drug.
Side effects
<p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p>Pyrethrin and piperonyl butoxide may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:
<ul>
<li>
skin irritation</li>
<li>
rash</li>
<li>
redness</li>
<li>
swelling</li></ul></p> <p></p> <p></p>
<ul>
<li>
skin irritation</li>
<li>
rash</li>
<li>
redness</li>
<li>
swelling</li></ul></p> <p></p> <p></p>
Precautions
Before using pyrethrin and piperonyl butoxide, tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to pyrethrin, piperonyl butoxide, ragweed, petroleum products, or any other drugs. tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications you are taking, including vitamins.
Educational reference only — talk to a pharmacist or prescriber about Pyrethrin and Piperonyl Butoxide.