The FDA has approved Benzyl Alcohol Lotion 5% (Sciele
Pharma) as a treatment for children aged 6 months or older who have active head
lice infestation.
More than 75% of 628 people participating in a study to
evaluate the drug’s safety and effectiveness were free of lice 14 days
following the second of two 10-minute treatments with the lotion.
“This drug is an effective treatment to eliminate
lice infestation and minimize disruption in the daily routines of
families,” Janet Woodcock, MD, director of the FDA’s Center
for Drug Evaluation and Research, said in a press release.
Benzyl Alcohol Lotion 5% is intended for use on the hair
and scalp only. This medication is not approved for use in children younger
than 6 months. Skin, scalp and eye irritation were among frequently reported
side effects, as well as numbness at the site of application.