Cetrimide+lindane
About
Cetrimide+lindane belongs to the group of topical medications used to treat scabies. It is also used to kill head lice. Scabies is a contagious and itchy skin condition caused by tiny mites that form burrows in the skin and produce severe itching.
Cetrimide+lindane is composed of Lindane and Cetrimide. Cetrimide+lindane is an insecticide mixture that helps in killing the pathogens that cause scabies and is also used to kill head/pubic lice and their eggs by causing paralysis of causative micro-organisms.
Use Cetrimide+lindane as recommended. In some cases, Cetrimide+lindane may cause certain very occasional side effects such as itching, temporary stinging or redness and dry skin. Most of these side effects do not require medical attention and will resolve gradually over time. However, you are advised to talk to your physician if you experience these side effects consistently.
Inform the physician if you are allergic to any of its components. Inform your doctor of any history or presence of crusted scabies, psoriasis and atopic dermatitis. Consult your doctor before using Cetrimide+lindane if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Uses of Cetrimide+lindane
Medicinal Benefits
Cetrimide+lindane is a skin medicine that has antiparasitic properties. It contains Lindane and Cetrimide. Cetrimide+lindane is used to relieve the pain, discomfort and itchiness caused by skin infections such as scabies. Lindane shows insecticidal (insect-killing) properties. It exerts a neurotoxic effect on the nerve cells of the causative organism and causes paralysis and death of the insect and its eggs. Cetrimide functions as an antiseptic by virtue of its bacteria and insect-killing nature. It also shows detergent and emulsifying qualities that helps its surface action, thereby relieving itching, redness, inflammation and irritation of the skin. Cetrimide+lindane is hence used to treat surface-level itches and superficial infections.
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of Cetrimide+lindane
- Stinging
- Redness
- Irritation
- Dry skin
In-Depth Precautions and Warning
Drug Warnings
Cetrimide+lindane should not be used in case of any known allergy to either of the components. Discuss your entire medical history with your treating physician and inform them of any history of seizures, epilepsy, alcoholism, psoriasis, atopic dermatitis, crusted scabies, liver disease or HIV. Inform the physician about your weight and also your previous history of use of Cetrimide+lindane. Cetrimide+lindane should be used with caution in those weighing less than 50 kg. Avoid using Cetrimide+lindane during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interactions: Cetrimide+lindane may interact with an anti-depressant (bupropion), antipsychotics (risperidone, olanzapine, prochlorperazine), analgesic (methocarbamol), Alzheimer’s drug (donepezil), immunosuppressants (cyclosporine, tacrolimus), antibiotic (ampicillin, ciprofloxacin, imipenem), anti-TB drug (isoniazid) and theophylline.
Drug-Food Interactions: Cetrimide+lindane may interact with Vitamin-E and Vitamin-E rich foods such as nuts.
Drug-Disease Interactions: Cetrimide+lindane should be used with caution in patients with a known hypersensitivity disorder, liver disease, epilepsy, seizure disorder, cancer, HIV/AIDS, crusted scabies, psoriasis and atopic dermatitis.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
cautionIt is not known if alcohol interacts with Cetrimide+lindane, but it is best avoided. Please consult a physician in case of any concerns.
Pregnancy
cautionCetrimide+lindane is not recommended for use during pregnancy. Please consult your physician for alternative medicine and to address any other concerns.
Breast Feeding
cautionCetrimide+lindane is not recommended for use during breastfeeding. Please consult your physician for alternative medicine and to address any other concerns.
Driving
not applicableCetrimide+lindane is unlikely to affect your ability to drive.
Liver
cautionExercise caution before using Cetrimide+lindane in case of a history of liver disorder/disease. Please consult your physician in case of any concerns.
Kidney
consult your doctorCetrimide+lindane is mostly safe on the kidneys. Please consult your physician in case of any concerns.
Children
cautionNot enough information is available on whether Cetrimide+lindane is safe for use in children below 12 years of age. Exercise caution and consult your physician before use.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- All recently used underwear, clothing and bedding should be washed thoroughly with hot water or dry-cleaned.
- Anything that cannot be washed (like furniture) should be thoroughly vacuum-cleaned or kept locked away in plastic for at least a week. The mites cannot survive beyond a week.
- Neem leaves and essential oils such as tea tree, clove; turmeric, white vinegar and aloe vera can be very effective in treating scabies when applied topically.
- Yoghurt is rich in essential nutrients such as calcium, vitamin b2, vitamin b12 and magnesium. Load up on yoghurt and fish in your diet as a means of relief from all the itchiness.
- To prevent head lice, avoid bumping heads or any head-to-head activities. Do not share towels and brushes.
- Do not share any personal items or bedding that have come into contact with the affected person.
- Avoid holding hands with the affected person.
Special Advise
- Do not allow anyone to touch you while you have Cetrimide+lindane. Do not touch anyone especially any baby or child while having Cetrimide+lindane on.
- If you have a sexual partner, make sure to get them checked as scabies is highly contagious.
- Do not use any cosmetic products or oils just before or just after applying Cetrimide+lindane.
- Avoid getting Cetrimide+lindane in your eyes, nostrils or mouth. Rinse with water thoroughly if contact occurs.
- Avoid wearing tight and dark coloured clothing on the affected area after applying Cetrimide+lindane.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Scabies: Scabies is a skin disorder caused by the Sarcoptes scabeii mite. It produces burrows in the skin and causes severe itching that worsens at night. It is a highly contagious disease that spreads through close contact. The affected skin starts showing white lines, redness and bumps. Common areas where scabies is most pronounced are the wrist, finger webs, armpit, nipple, penis and buttocks.
Lice: Lice are external parasites that generally inhabit the skin of the scalp and the pubes. They feed on human blood. Discomfort, itching and redness are some of the main symptoms of lice. Head lice feed on blood through the scalp, whereas pubic lice are seen amidst pubic hair.
FAQs
Cetrimide+lindane works by exerting an antiseptic and antiparasitic effect, killing mites and lice and thereby relieving the affected skin of any pain, discomfort or itch.
Cetrimide+lindane is suitable for all skin types if warranted and recommended. If your concern is Cetrimide+lindane making the skin drier, please speak to your doctor.
If you have epilepsy or any seizure disorder, be cautious about using Cetrimide+lindane as there may be an interaction. For any concerns, consult your treating physician.
It is not advisable to cover the skin with any tight clothing after applying Cetrimide+lindane. Try it keep it bare for some time at least.
