Derbac M Liquid (Head Lice Treatment)

Overview

Derbac M Liquid (Head Lice Treatment) is a liquid emulsion medication that contains the active ingredient, Malathion. This medication is used to eradicate head lice, pubic lice and their eggs and for scabies treatment in adults, the elderly and children aged six months and over. Derbac M Liquid (Head Lice Treatment) does not contain alcohol, meaning that it may be more suitable for people with asthma or eczema.

Directions

You should always follow the instructions of your doctor or pharmacist when taking any medication. Check with them if you are unsure. If a member of your family needs treatment for lice you should check other members of your family with a detector comb and treat them too if necessary.

For adults, the elderly and children over the age of six months, the following describes how to treat head lice, pubic lice and scabies:

Head lice:

• apply sufficient Derbac M Liquid (Head Lice Treatment) to dry hair to ensure that the scalp is completely covered. Work the liquid into the hair, spreading it evenly from root to tip.
• Let the hair dry naturally in a warm, well-ventilated room.
• After 12 hours have passed, or the next day if you prefer, shampoo hair in the normal way.
• Rinse the hair and use a nit comb while the hair is still wet to remove any dead lice and eggs (nits).
• Repeat this process after 7 days.

Pubic lice

• Apply Derbac M Liquid (Head Lice Treatment) to the entire skin surface.
• Pay attention to all hairy areas (beards and moustaches), whilst avoiding any other areas above the neck.
• Leave the liquid on for at least an hour before washing off, however it is preferable to leave it on overnight. Wash the liquid off as you would normally.
• Repeat this process again after 7 days.

Scabies

• Apply Derbac M Liquid (Head Lice Treatment) to the entire skin surface.
• For adults, it may not be necessary to apply the liquid above the neck. If used on children under the age of 2, a thin film of Derbac M Liquid (Head Lice Treatment) should be applied to the scalp, ears and face, whilst being careful to avoid the mouth.
• Do not wash off the liquid or bathe for the next 24 hours. If for any reason you must wash the liquid off during this period, then the liquid should be reapplied afterwards immediately.
• Repeat this treatment process after 7 days.

This treatment should not be used on children under the age of 6 months. For more detail on the usage of Derbac M Liquid (Head Lice Treatment), check the patient information leaflet.

Side Effects

As with all medications, side effects can occur. However, they do not affect everyone. Possible side effects of Derbac M Liquid (Head Lice Treatment) include skin irritation and allergic reactions, including severe allergic reactions which cause difficulty when breathing or dizziness, or swelling of the throat, face and eyes.

If you experience any of these side effects when using this medicine or experience any others that have not been listed here, you should seek medical advice immediately.

How it works

Derbac M Liquid is a head lice treatment that contains malathion, an insecticide that kills head lice and their eggs (nits). It works by poisoning the lice’s nervous system, which stops them from moving or feeding. You apply it to dry hair, leave it on for a set time (usually overnight or as directed), then rinse it out.

Delivery

e-Pharmacy uses Royal Mail for delivery with services of Royal Mail Tracked 48, Royal Mail Tracked 24, and Royal Mail Special Delivery by 1pm. NHS prescription items are sent to you free of charge using Royal Mail Tracked 48 service, however for expediated delivery, please use Tracked 24 (further information on e-Pharmacy delivery).

Your medication will be delivered in fully recyclable packaging at a delivery address of your choice.

Ingredients

The active substance of Derbac M Liquid is Malathion. It contains 0.5% by weight.

The other ingredients in Derbac M Liquid are methylhydroxybenzoate (E218), propylhydroxybenzoate (E216), emulsifying wax, potassium citrate, citric acid, perfume HT52 and water.

Warnings

You should not use Derbac M Liquid if you are allergic to malathion or any of the other ingredients of this medicine.