Drugmaker Sanofi said that it received U.S. approval for a
prescription-strength shampoo to treat head lice in children six months
old and up.
The company's anti-lice Lotion uses a parasite-killing drug called
ivermectin, which has long been used in pill-form to treat various worm
infestations. Sanofi said in a statement that antilice was developed to
"meet the demand for an effective, convenient head lice treatment that
works differently and is well-tolerated in children."
The Food and Drug Administration approved the drug based studies in
over 780 patients, in which a majority of those using the lotion were
lice-free. After two weeks most patients did not require daily combing
to remove nits, or lice eggs.
The most common side effects reported with anti lice shampoo include eye infection, eye irritation, dandruff and dry skin.
Lice are tiny grayish-white bugs that infest a scalp, sucking tiny
amounts of blood every few hours. Itching results from the saliva they
inject as an anticlotting chemical. They can be spread from head-to-head
contact or sharing brushes, hats and pillows.
Both the American Academy of Pediatrics and the National Association of
School Nurses have long recommended that students with lice eggs, and
most recently students with live head lice, be allowed to stay in class.
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