Gamma Benzene Hexachloride
About
Gamma Benzene Hexachloride belongs to a class of medications called ‘antiparasitic drugs’ used to treat scabies and pediculosis. Scabies is a skin infection caused by mites. Pediculosis is the infestation of lice in the hairy parts of the body, especially the scalp. These conditions are contagious and spread from one person to another with direct contact. Symptoms include rashes and persistent itching in the infected area, which worsens in the night-time.
Gamma Benzene Hexachloride contains ‘Gamma benzene hexachloride’ (also called Lindane). It is an antiparasite and acts by killing mites and lice and their eggs by penetrating the skin. It is recommended to use only if you have scabies and pediculosis. Gamma Benzene Hexachloride doesn't help to prevent these conditions.
Gamma Benzene Hexachloride is only for external use. You should use Gamma Benzene Hexachloride exactly as prescribed by the doctor. Gamma Benzene Hexachloride may cause side effects such as dryness, rash, itching, or burning sensation in the treated area. Most of these side effects of Gamma Benzene Hexachloride do not require medical attention and gradually resolve over time. However, if the side effects persist or get worse, please consult your doctor immediately.
It is not recommended to use Gamma Benzene Hexachloride if you are allergic to any of its contents. Gamma Benzene Hexachloride should not be used for people who have had any seizure episodes (fits). Inform your doctor if you have. Before taking Gamma Benzene Hexachloride, inform your doctor if you have AIDS/HIV or liver cirrhosis, alcoholism, history of head injury, spinal cord, or brain tumor. It is not recommended for premature babies, pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers, and elderly people. It is not known whether the Gamma Benzene Hexachloride can interact with alcohol. So, please consult your doctor. Gamma Benzene Hexachloride may not affect your ability to drive.
Uses of Gamma Benzene Hexachloride
Medicinal Benefits
Gamma Benzene Hexachloride is an antiparasitic drug used to treat scabies (a skin infection) and pediculosis (lice infestation). Gamma Benzene Hexachloride kills scabies mites and their eggs by going through the skin. Gamma Benzene Hexachloride in shampoo form is used to treat head lice. Gamma Benzene Hexachloride is used to treat scabies and pediculosis in patients for whom other medicines did not work or cannot be given other safer medicines.
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of Gamma Benzene Hexachloride
- Dry skin
- Skin rash
- Itching
- Burning sensation of skin
In-Depth Precautions and Warning
Drug Warnings
Do not use Gamma Benzene Hexachloride in premature infants due to the increased risk of skin permeability. If you have uncontrolled fits, inform your doctor before using Gamma Benzene Hexachloride. It may be absorbed by the whole body and cause central nervous system toxicity resulting in disorientation, dizziness, and fits. You are advised to wash Gamma Benzene Hexachloride from the body completely after 8-12 hours using warm water as leaving it on the skin for a prolonged time may lead to fatal effects. There may be skin itching for a few weeks even after using Gamma Benzene Hexachloride. However, if the itching worsens, please consult a doctor. Do not use Gamma Benzene Hexachloride to treat the second attack of scabies that comes immediately after the first episode as using it more than one time can lead to fatal effects.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interactions: Gamma Benzene Hexachloride may interact with antipsychotics (haloperidol), bronchodilators (theophylline), antibiotics (imipenem, penicillins), and quinolone antibiotics (ciprofloxacin, ofloxacin, and norfloxacin, etc.), an antidepressant (bupropion), immunosuppressants (cyclosporine, tacrolimus, and mycophenolate mofetil), antimalarial drugs (pyrimethamine and chloroquine), antituberculosis agent (isoniazid), pain killer (meperidine), muscle relaxant (methocarbamol), and radiographic contrast agents (iopamidol, iohexol).
Drug-Food Interactions: No interactions found.
Drug-Disease Interactions: Gamma Benzene Hexachloride should not be used in patients with uncontrolled seizures (fits) disorder as it may cause worsen the condition. It should be used with caution in patients with liver cirrhosis, eczema, psoriasis, or crusted scabies.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
cautionThe interaction of alcohol with Gamma Benzene Hexachloride is unknown. Please consult a doctor before consuming alcohol while using Gamma Benzene Hexachloride.
Pregnancy
unsafeGamma Benzene Hexachloride is a Category C pregnancy drug and is considered unsafe for pregnant women due to the increased risk of adverse effects to the unborn baby or fetus.
Breast Feeding
unsafeGamma Benzene Hexachloride is not recommended for breastfeeding mothers as it may be excreted in breast milk and cause adverse effects in the nursing baby.
Driving
safe if prescribedGamma Benzene Hexachloride usually does not affect your ability to drive or operate machinery.
Liver
cautionIf you have any concerns regarding the use of Gamma Benzene Hexachloride in patients with liver problems, please consult a doctor.
Kidney
cautionIf you have any concerns regarding the use of Gamma Benzene Hexachloride in patients with kidney problems, please consult a doctor.
Children
cautionGamma Benzene Hexachloride is not recommended for use in premature babies. Please consult a child specialist before using Gamma Benzene Hexachloride in children.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Limit dairy intake such as milk, curd, and cheese as they may trigger skin irritation.
- Avoid hot showers or hot water to bathe to prevent worsening of the condition.
- Wash the clothes and bedsheets with soap and hot water or dry clean them after every use.
- Avoid sharing personal belongings such as combs, towels, razors, clothes, or bedding with others as it may increase the risk of transmission.
- Do not have close physical contact or sex until the treatment is completed.
Special Advise
- Avoid contact of Gamma Benzene Hexachloride with eyes. In case of accidental contact, rinse with water thoroughly.
- Do not apply Gamma Benzene Hexachloride on lots of broken skin, crusted (scabby), or open sores on the skin.
- Wear gloves that are least permeable to Gamma Benzene Hexachloride such as sheer vinyl, nitrile, or latex with neoprene to avoid Gamma Benzene Hexachloride getting on hands while applying to someone else. Avoid natural latex gloves as they are more permeable to Gamma Benzene Hexachloride and thoroughly wash your hands after application.
- Do not cover the treated area with unbreathable things like tight or plastic clothes, plastic lining, blankets, or diapers.
- Avoid contact with other people’s skin after applying Gamma Benzene Hexachloride, and especially you should not touch a baby or small child.
- Avoid scratching the skin as it may worsen the infection.
- Avoid direct skin-to-skin contact. Seek medical help if your sexual partner also develops scabies.
- Avoid using any oil on hair or skin just before or after applying Gamma Benzene Hexachloride as oils may increase the absorption of Gamma Benzene Hexachloride and cause adverse effects. Oils include moisturizers, skin lotions, oil-based conditioners, and hair products.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Scabies: It is a skin condition caused by mites known as Sarcoptes scabiei. It causes an itchy skin rash and is contagious (spreads from one person to another person). These tiny mites crawl under the skin and live on the skin for months laying eggs, and causing severe itching. Scabies spreads easily throughout the body except for the head. Hence, it should be treated quickly. The most commonly seen symptom is an intensely itchy rash that worsens at night. People who live in nursing homes, university halls of residence, or nurseries are at more risk of spreading scabies from person to person due to close contact.
Pediculosis: It is the infection caused by the parasite, Pediculus humanus. It is an ectoparasite and feeds on blood. It infects the hairy parts of the body, such as the scalp and pubic area. In this condition, lice attach to the scalp and lay eggs at the base of the hair. It can be easily transmitted from one person to another through direct contact. The symptom includes intense itching or scratching at the affected area.
FAQs
Gamma Benzene Hexachloride is an antiparasitic drug used to treat scabies (a skin infection) and pediculosis (lice infestation). Gamma Benzene Hexachloride kills scabies mites and their eggs by going through the skin. Gamma Benzene Hexachloride is used to treat scabies and pediculosis in patients for whom other medicines did not work or cannot be given other safer medicines.
No, Gamma Benzene Hexachloride is not recommended for patients with uncontrolled fits as it may worsen the condition. Therefore, inform your doctor if you have a history of fits before using Gamma Benzene Hexachloride.
No, Gamma Benzene Hexachloride should not be applied immediately after bathing as warm or wet skin helps Gamma Benzene Hexachloride penetrate through the skin quickly and may increase the risk of fits. Therefore, you are advised to wait for a minimum of 1 hour after taking a shower or bath.
Gamma Benzene Hexachloride does not prevent scabies or reinfestation (recurring scabies). Gamma Benzene Hexachloride kills the mites and is only used in the treatment of scabies that has already started.
Scabies is a contagious skin condition that spreads from one person to another through physical contact. Therefore, it is recommended to avoid close physical contact until the treatment for scabies is completed.
