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Drug Notebook

FDA Alerts

  • Use only in patients who have not responded to or cannot tolerate other recommended therapies.

    CNS Toxicity
  • Seizures and deaths have been reported following repeated or prolonged topical application; however, rare cases reported after a single application. (See CNS Effects under Cautions.)
  • Increased risk of serious neurotoxicity in infants, children, geriatric patients, patients weighing <50 kg, and patients with certain other skin conditions.

  • Contraindicated in premature neonates and patients with uncontrollable seizure disorders.

    Proper Use
  • Instruct patients or their caregivers on the proper use of shampoo or lotion, including the amount to apply, how soon to wash the drug off, and the importance of avoiding repeated application.
  • Inform patients that pruritus may persist after successful treatment and is not an indication for further treatment.

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lindane topical
(LIN dane)

What is this medicine?
LINDANE (LIN dane) is a treatment for scabies. This medicine kills the parasites and their eggs, but it does not prevent infestations. This medicine is a poison if it is not used properly. Ask your doctor, health care professional or pharmacist to explain any information you do not understand.

This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

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What is the price of this medication and similar alternatives?

This pricing information is subject to change at the sole discretion of DS Pharmacy. This pricing information was updated 09/2009. For the most current and up-to-date pricing information, please visit www.drugstore.com. Actual costs to patients will vary depending on the use of specific retail or mail-order locations and health insurance copays.

Lindane 1% Lotion MORTON GROVE PHARMACEUTICALS60/$129.99 or 180/$369.97
Lindane 1% Shampoo MORTON GROVE PHARMACEUTICALS60/$125.99 or 180/$359.96

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What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?
Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

  • dizziness
  • heart palpitations
  • nausea, vomiting
  • restlessness, nervousness, irritability
  • seizures
  • skin rash or itching that was not there before treatment
  • unusual sleepiness

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

  • dry skin or scalp
  • itching (this can continue for 1 or more weeks after use)

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

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How should I use this medicine?
This medicine is for external use only. It is poisonous if taken by mouth. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Make sure you know how to properly use the lotion. Do not get this medicine in your eyes. If you do, rinse out with plenty of cool tap water. Seek medical help if the eyes are hurting. Do not use more medicine than prescribed.

A special MedGuide will be given to you by the pharmacist with each prescription and refill. Be sure to read this information carefully each time.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. While this drug may be prescribed for selected conditions, precautions do apply.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.
NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

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What if I miss a dose?
This does not apply as this medicine is applied as a single dose. Do not repeat the treatment.

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What may interact with this medicine?

  • chloroquine, pyrimethamine
  • cyclosporine, mycophenolate mofetil, tacrolimus capsules
  • isoniazid
  • medicines for depression, anxiety, or psychotic disturbances
  • medicines to treat alzheimer's disease or myasthenia gravis
  • meperidine
  • methocarbamol
  • radiopaque contrast agents
  • some antibiotics like penicillins, imipenem and quinolones such as ciprofloxacin, levofloxacin, gatifloxacin
  • theophylline

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

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Who should NOT use this medication?

Premature neonates.

Uncontrollable seizure disorders.

Norwegian scabies (crusted scabies) and in those with other skin disorders (e.g., atopic dermatitis, psoriasis).

Known sensitivity to lindane or any ingredient in the formulations.

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What should I watch for while using this medicine?
Let your doctor or health care professional know if scabies is still present after 1 week. Do not use this medicine more than 1 time to treat lice. Using more medicine than directed may increase your risk of serious side effects including seizures. If you or a family member are using this medicine and experience a seizure, get emergency help right away.

Do not use this medicine on damaged skin. It can penetrate through skin that is burned, cut, scraped, or covered in a rash, and cause serious side effects.

If you are applying this medicine to another person, wear plastic or disposable gloves to protect yourself from scabies and exposure to this medicine.

All recently worn clothing, underwear, pajamas, used sheets, pillowcases, and towels should be washed in very hot water or dry-cleaned. Close personal contact can also spread the infestation. Family members and sexual contacts may require treatment for scabies.

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What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

  • brain or spinal tumor
  • burns, wounds or other damaged skin
  • eczema or atopic dermatitis
  • frequently drink alcoholic beverages
  • head trauma
  • HIV infection
  • liver disease
  • psoriasis
  • seizures
  • skin rash
  • an unusual or allergic reaction to lindane, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
  • pregnant or trying to get pregnant
  • breast-feeding

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Can I stop taking the medication if I feel better?
As a general rule, you should always take your medications exactly as prescribed and do not change the dosage or stop taking the medication without first discussing it with your healthcare provider.

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I am on so many medications; do I have to take them all?
This is called polypharmacy—many different medications being used at the same time by one person. Sometimes, being on multiple medications is acceptable and appropriate but at other times it may be problematic. If you are receiving your medications from multiple physicians you need to ensure that they all know what medications you are taking. The best way to do this is to make a list of all the medications you are currently using, including all nutritional supplements, homeopathic remedies, vitamins and over-the-counter drugs (if possible, also include all the diseases you have been diagnosed with). Give a copy to every doctor who takes care of you so they have it on file, this way they can avoid duplicating medications and perhaps even try to consolidate some. After every doctor's visit remember to update the list accordingly. Also, as much as you possibly can, try to use the same pharmacy to fill all your prescriptions, this way any potential drug interactions can be caught and averted.

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Where can I get more information?
More Information

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