What is malathion (topical)?
Malathion is a pediculicide. It affects the nervous system of parasites (lice).
Malathion is used to treat head lice.
Malathion may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking malathion (topical)?
Do not use this medication if you have ever had an allergic reaction to it.
Malathion is in the FDA pregnancy category B. This means that it is unlikely to harm an
unborn baby. Do not use malathion without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant.
It is not known whether malathion passes into breast milk. Do not use this medication
without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
Do not use malathion to treat an infant. The scalp of an infant is thin and may absorb more
malathion, which could be dangerous. Malathion is not approved for use by children younger than 6
years of age. Malathion should only be used to treat a child under the direct supervision of an adult,
when prescribed by a doctor.
How should I take malathion (topical)?
Use malathion exactly as directed by your doctor, or follow the directions that accompany the
package. If you do not understand these directions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain
them to you.
Close the eyes tightly while applying malathion. Apply enough malathion lotion to dry hair to
thoroughly wet the hair and scalp. Pay particular attention to the back of the head and neck when
applying the lotion. Allow the hair to dry naturally and keep it uncovered. Shampoo the hair after 8 to
12 hours, again paying attention to the back of the head and neck while shampooing. Rinse the hair and
use a fine-toothed (nit) comb to remove dead lice eggs. If live lice are still present after 7 to 9 days,
repeat this process with a second application of malathion.
Malathion lotion is flammable. Do not expose the lotion or wet hair to open flames or
electric heat sources including hair dryers, curling irons, and electric curlers. Do not smoke while
applying the lotion or while the hair is wet. Warn children to stay away from open flames, lighted
cigarettes, and electric heat sources while the hair is wet.
Slight stinging may occur with the use of malathion. If excessive skin irritation occurs, wash the
scalp and hair immediately. If the irritation clears, reapply malathion. If the irritation reoccurs, talk to
your doctor.
To prevent reinfection, wash all clothing, hats, bed clothes, bed linens, hair brushes, and combs
in hot water with a strong cleanser. Also, other family members may require treatment.
Avoid contact with the eyes. If contact occurs, flush the eye immediately with water.
Use malathion on scalp hair only.
Do not take this medication by mouth.
Store malathion at room temperature. Malathion is flammable. Keep it away from open
flame and heat sources.
What happens if I miss a dose of malathion (topical)?
Malathion is only applied once, so you are not likely to miss a dose.
Where can I get more information about malathion (topical)?
Your pharmacist has information about malathion (topical) written for health professionals that you may read.
What are the possible side effects of malathion (topical)?
Serious side effects are not likely to occur. Stop using malathion and seek emergency
medical attention if you experience an allergic reaction (shortness of breath; closing of your throat;
swelling of your lips, face, or tongue; or hives).
Notify your doctor if your condition worsens, or if prolonged or excessive skin or scalp
irritation occurs.
Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side
effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
What is the most important information I should know about malathion (topical)?
Do not take this medication by mouth.
Do not use malathion to treat an infant. The scalp of an infant is thin and may absorb more
malathion, which could be dangerous. Malathion is not approved for use by children younger than 6
years of age. Malathion should only be used to treat a child under the direct supervision of an adult,
when prescribed by a doctor.
Malathion lotion is flammable. Do not expose the lotion or wet hair to open flames or
electric heat sources including hair dryers, curling irons, and electric curlers. Do not smoke while
applying the lotion or while the hair is wet. Warn children to stay away from open flames, lighted
cigarettes, and electric heat sources while the hair is wet.
Avoid contact with the eyes. If contact occurs, flush the eye immediately with water.
To prevent reinfection, wash all clothing, hats, bed clothes, bed linens, hair brushes, and combs
in hot water with a strong cleanser. Also, other family members may require treatment.
What should I avoid while taking malathion (topical)?
Malathion lotion is flammable. Do not expose the lotion or wet hair to open flames or
electric heat sources including hair dryers, curling irons, and electric curlers. Do not smoke while
applying the lotion or while the hair is wet. Warn children to stay away from open flames, lighted
cigarettes, and electric heat sources while the hair is wet.
Use malathion on scalp hair only.
To prevent reinfection, wash all clothing, hats, bed clothes, bed linens, hair brushes, and combs
in hot water with a strong cleanser. Also, other family members may require treatment.
What other drugs will affect malathion (topical)?
Do not apply other topical preparations to the hair and scalp during treatment with malathion,
unless otherwise directed by your doctor.
Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with malathion. Talk to your doctor and
pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines.
What happens if I have an overdose of malathion (topical)?
