Nix Cream Rinse: Permethrin 1%.
Nix Lice Control Spray: Permethrin 0.25% (for use on furniture).
Nix Ultra Solution: Contains mineral oil and dimethicone.
For the treatment of head lice (Pediculus humanus capitis) with Nix cream rinse:
1. Wash hair with regular shampoo, rinse with water and towel dry.
3. Apply a sufficient quantity of Nix to saturate the hair and scalp, especially behind the ears and the nape of the neck. Leave on hair for 10 minutes but no longer.
5. Remove nits (eggs) with the nit comb provided.
Pharmacology:
Permethrin is a pediculicide that acts on the nervous system of the lice to cause paralysis and death. It is active on lice and their unhatched eggs. Permethrin stays on the hair and scalp and provides pediculicide activity for 14 days. Nix Ultra Solution contains mineral oil and allows easy removal with a professional nit comb (included).
Evaluation:
Lice are small parasites that infect hairy parts of the human body, especially the scalp. Although they can be seen with the naked eye, diagnosis is usually by visualization of the eggs (nits) they lay. The eggs are white and are connected to a hair shaft close to the skin. As the hair grows, the egg moves away from the skin. They usually hatch in 5-10 days. The easiest area to observe the lice and eggs is behind the ear and on the back of the neck. Lice bite the host and feed off of their blood. A louse bite may cause a local reaction including itching.
Contraindications/Precautions:
For external use only - do not use near the eyes of mucous membranes. If contact with the eyes occurs, immediately flush with water. Do not use on infants less than 2 months of age.
Adverse Effects:
Itching, redness, or swelling of the skin may occur. Rare hypersensitivity reactions have occurred including bronchospasm.
Follow application direction closely.
If infestation of the eyebrows occurs, apply petrolatum ophthalmic ointment to the eyebrows for 8 days and remove nits during treatment. If this fails, consult a physician.
Lice can live on clothes and linen. Disinfect clothing and linen including bed sheets by dry cleaning or washing in hot water and dry in a clothes’ drier. Disinfect combs by soaking in hot water for 10 minutes. Pediculicides sprays are available for carpet and furniture.