Brand names Carylderm, Clinicide, Derbac C, Suleo-C
Used in the following combined preparations None
GENERAL INFORMATION
Carbaryl is an insecticide that is used in the treatment of head and crab lice.
It kills the lice by interfering with the functioning of their nervous system, causing paralysis and death.
The drug is applied topically either as a shampoo or a lotion. Lotion is more convenient to use than shampoo requiring, only a single application, but it may be considered unsuitable for small children and asthmatics, who may be affected by the alcoholic fumes. The lotion is also unsuitable for treating crab lice because it causes genital irritation.
INFORMATION FOR USERS
Your drug prescription is tailored for you. Do not alter dosage without checking with your doctor.
How taken
Shampoo, lotion.
Frequency and timing of doses
Once only (lotion); once every 3 days for 9 days (shampoo).
Adult dosage range
As directed.
Onset of effect
Lotions should be left on for 12 hours before being washed off; shampoos should be left on for 5 minutes before being rinsed off.
Because lice develop resistance to insecticides, carbaryl is normally used as
part of a rotational treatment policy. A substitute product is recommended, once
resistance begins to develop, in order to prevent the emergence of strains of
lice resistant to all available treatments. Therefore, if you go to the pharmacy
to buy a medication to treat lice, ask the pharmacist for advice regarding which
preparation is currently in use in your area. You may need to obtain a
prescription for carbaryl.
Duration of action
Until washed off.
Diet advice
None.
Storage
Keep in closed container in a cool, dry place out of the reach of children.
Protect from light.
Missed dose
When a repeat application of the shampoo has been missed, it should be carried
out as soon as practicable.
Stopping the drug
Carbaryl should be applied as a single application or as a short course of
treatment.
Exceeding the dose
An occasional unintentional extra application is unlikely to be a cause for
concern. Take emergency action if accidentally swallowed.
POSSIBLE ADVERSE EFFECTS
Used correctly, carbaryl preparations are unlikely to produce adverse effects, although the alcoholic fumes given off by some lotions may cause wheezing in asthmatics.
INTERACTIONS
None.
QUICK REFERENCE
Drug group Drugs to treat skin parasites
Overdose danger rating Low
Dependence rating Low
Prescription needed Yes
Available as generic No
SPECIAL PRECAUTIONS
Be sure to tell your doctor or pharmacist if:
You have asthma.
Pregnancy
No evidence of risk. It is unlikely that enough carbaryl would be absorbed after occasional application to affect the developing fetus.
Breast-feeding
No evidence of risk. It is unlikely that enough carbaryl would be absorbed after occasional application to affect the baby.
Infants and children
No special problems.
Over 60
No special problems.
Driving and hazardous work
No special problems.
Alcohol
No special problems.
PROLONGED USE
Carbaryl is intended for intermittent use only. It should not be used for prolonged periods.
