How does this medication work? What will it do for me?
Dimeticone belongs to the class of medications called pediculicides, which kill head lice. Dimeticone works by getting into the breathing system of lice, nymphs, and nits (eggs), causing suffocation. Dimeticone can be used by adults and children at least 2 years old. This product should get rid of head lice infestation after one application, but must be repeated after 8 to 10 days to ensure complete removal of head lice.
Your doctor may have suggested this medication for conditions other than those listed in these drug information articles. If you have not discussed this with your doctor or are not sure why you are using this medication, speak to your doctor. Do not stop taking this medication without consulting your doctor.
Do not give this medication to anyone else, even if they have the same symptoms as you do. It can be harmful for people to use this medication if their doctor or pharmacist has not recommended it.
What form(s) does this medication come in?
Each mL of solution contains dimeticone 100 cSt 50% w/w. Non-medicinal ingredients: alpha-terpineol, Corymbia citriodora (boabo oil), Jojoba wax, low viscosity dimeticone, and triglycerides.
How should I use this medication?
Dimeticone should be applied to dry hair. Before using this product, inspect hair using a lice comb. Make sure hair is brushed and dry to make it easier to spray on the product. Cover shoulders with a towel to protect clothing.
Spray the solution carefully over the whole head and massage it into the hair until the hair is completely wet (you can use your lice comb to do this). Make sure to cover the scalp and behind the ears carefully, since that is where most lice and nits are found. The amount of solution needed depends on how thick and long your hair is. Follow the recommended amounts on the product packaging.
Leave the medication on for 30 minutes, then use your lice comb to comb out the suffocated lice and nits. Do not wash your hair after combing. Leave your hair to dry for at least 8 hours (e.g., overnight), and then wash it with normal shampoo.
Repeat the treatment in 8 to 10 days.
Since lice infestations are spread through contact, you should make sure that your family members and sexual partner(s) are examined for lice infestation. If they are infested, they should speak to their doctor or pharmacist immediately about using this product. Also notify your child's school, daycare, or other people who have been in close contact.
To prevent reinfestation, contaminated items such as bedding, clothing, towels, and hats should be washed in hot water and dried in the dryer using the hot cycle for at least 20 minutes. If items cannot be washed and dried this way, dry-clean or seal them in a plastic bag for 2 weeks and wash normally. Combs and brushes should be soaked in hot water above 54°C for 5 to 10 minutes and rinsed with hot water.
If your doctor or pharmacist has recommended a dose different from the ones listed here, do not change the way that you are using the medication without consulting your doctor. It is important that this medication be used exactly as recommended by your doctor or pharmacist.
Store this medication at room temperature and keep it out of the reach of children.
Do not dispose of medications in wastewater (e.g. down the sink or in the toilet) or in household garbage. Ask your pharmacist how to dispose of medications that are no longer needed or have expired.
Who should NOT take this medication?
Do not use dimeticone if you are allergic to dimeticone or any ingredients of the medication.
What side effects are possible with this medication?
Many medications can cause side effects. A side effect is an unwanted response to a medication when it is used in normal doses. Side effects can be mild or severe, temporary or permanent.
The side effects listed below are not experienced by everyone who uses this medication. If you are concerned about side effects, discuss the risks and benefits of this medication with your doctor.
The following side effects have been reported by at least 1 % of people using this medication. Many of these side effects can be managed, and some may go away on their own over time.
Contact your doctor if you experience these side effects and they are severe or bothersome. Your pharmacist may be able to advise you on managing side effects.
- irritation
- eye irritation (if dimeticone comes in contact with eyes)
Some people may experience side effects other than those listed. Check with your doctor if you notice any symptom that worries you while you are taking this medication.
Are there any other precautions or warnings for this medication?
Before you begin using a medication, be sure to inform your doctor of any medical conditions or allergies you may have, any medications you are taking, whether you are pregnant or breast-feeding, and any other significant facts about your health. These factors may affect how you should use this medication.
External use only: This product is for external use only. Make sure the product does not come into contact with your eyes, nose, or throat. Avoid inhaling or swallowing dimeticone.
Eye irritation: If product gets into your eyes, wash with water immediately for 10 to 15 minutes.
Hair products: Some hair products or hair tinting products may interact with dimeticone.
Pregnancy: This medication should not be used during pregnancy unless the benefits outweigh the risks. If you become pregnant while taking this medication, contact your doctor immediately.
Breast-feeding: It is not known if dimeticone passes into breast milk. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about whether you should continue breast-feeding.
Children: The safety and effectiveness of using this medication have not been established for children less than 2 years of age.
What other drugs could interact with this medication?
Tell your doctor or prescriber about all prescription, over-the-counter (non-prescription), and herbal medications that you are taking. Also tell them about any supplements you take. Since caffeine, alcohol, the nicotine from cigarettes, or street drugs can affect the action of many medications, you should let your prescriber know if you use them. Depending on your specific circumstances, your doctor may want you to:
- stop taking one of the medications,
- change one of the medications to another,
- change how you are taking one or both of the medications, or
- leave everything as is.
An interaction between two medications does not always mean that you must stop taking one of them. In many cases, interactions are intended or are managed by close monitoring. Speak to your doctor about how any drug interactions are being managed or should be managed.
All material copyright MediResource Inc. 1996 – 2024. Terms and conditions of use. The contents herein are for informational purposes only. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Source: www.medbroadcast.com/drug/getdrug/Nyda
