1 May 2026Drugs for external use and antiseptics
Dimeticone, lotion
Dimeticone lotion guidance for head lice, with contact-time instructions and repeat treatment after 7 days.
This guide page is for structured reference only and does not replace a clinician, pharmacist, or emergency review. Dose choice, route choice, interactions, and safety decisions still need professional judgment.
Therapeutic action
Pediculicide by physical mode of action.
Indications
Head pediculosis (lice).
Forms and strengths
4% lotion.
Use
Child 6 months and over and adult: apply lotion to scalp and entire length of the hair shaft, paying particular attention to the areas behind the ears and around the nape of the neck.
Leave on hair for 8 hours (e.g. overnight), then rinse thoroughly with water.
Repeat the application after 7 days.
Contra-indications, adverse effects, precautions
- May cause scalp and eye irritation.
- Keep away from flames and/or heat sources during application and until rinsing (risk of ignition).
- Avoid contact with eyes. In case of accidental contact, flush immediately with plenty of water.
- Pregnancy: no contra-indication.
- Breast-feeding: no contra-indication.
- Examine contacts and only treat those who have live lice or nits. Preventive treatment is ineffective.
- Wash combs, headwear, and bedding used by the patient.
Source
MSF Essential drugs practical guidelines (January 2026)
This page reproduces the structured reference information for this batch while leaving out the Storage and Remarks sections.
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