On this page · 9 sections

Natroba

Generic name: spinosad topical

Last updated September 10, 2026 0 views Reviewed by Philip Thornton, DipPharm
Share

What is Natroba?

Natroba is an anti-parasite medicine.

Natroba topical suspension is used to treat head lice in adults and children who are at least 6 months old. It is also used to treat scabies in adults and children who are at least 4 years old.

Natroba may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

How should I use Natroba?

Use Natroba topical suspension exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Follow all directions on your prescription label. Do not use this medicine in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.

Do not take this medicine by mouth. It is for use only on the skin, hair, and scalp.

Shake the bottle well just before you use the medicine.

For head lice, use Natroba topical suspension on scalp hair only. Apply this medicine to dry hair only. Use a towel to cover your face and eyes. Keep your eyes tightly closed during application.

Do not wet your hair or scalp before using Natroba topical suspension. Do not apply Natroba to sunburned, irritated, or broken skin.

Apply enough Natroba to completely cover your scalp and hair. Apply the medicine to the scalp first and then onto the hair from roots to ends.

For scabies, apply enough Natroba to completely cover your body from your neck to the soles of your feet, including folds of skin, between fingers and toes, and under finger and toenails. If you are balding, also apply to the scalp, hairline, temples, and forehead.

Remove the medicine from your hands with soap and water after you apply Natroba.

For head lice, leave the medicine in your hair for 10 minutes, keeping your eyes closed and covered during this time. Then rinse the medicine out thoroughly with warm water. For scabies, allow the medicine to soak into the skin and dry for 10 minutes before getting dressed, and leave it on the skin for at least 6 hours before showering or bathing.

You may also use a nit comb to remove lice eggs from the damp hair. Work on only one section of hair at a time, combing through 1- to 2-inch strands from the scalp to the ends. Rinse the nit comb often during use. Place removed nits into a sealed plastic bag and throw it into the trash to prevent re-infestation.

Check your scalp again daily to make sure all nits have been removed.

Use a second application of Natroba if lice are still seen 7 days after your first treatment.

For the most complete treatment of head lice and to prevent reinfection, you must treat your environment at the same time you treat your scalp.

Wash all clothing, hats, bed clothes, bed linens, and towels in hot water and dry in high heat. Dry-clean any non-washable clothing. Hair brushes, combs, and hair accessories should be soaked in hot water for at least 10 minutes. Vacuum all rugs and carpets and throw away the vacuum cleaner bag.

Store Natroba at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

Warnings

Do not use this medication on a child or infant without medical advice. Natroba contains an ingredient that can cause serious side effects or death in very young infants or premature babies. Do not allow an older child to use Natroba without supervision of an adult.

Spinosad is not systemically absorbed after topical application, so breastfeeding is not expected to expose the infant. The benzyl alcohol in Natroba is also unlikely to be absorbed in clinically relevant amounts. Wash the breast area with soap and water to remove Natroba before breastfeeding to avoid exposure to your baby. Talk to your healthcare provider about the best way to feed your baby during treatment with Natroba. Weigh breastfeeding benefits against maternal clinical need. Do not take this medication by mouth. Do not apply Natroba to sunburned, irritated, or broken skin.

For head lice, use Natroba topical suspension on scalp hair only. Apply this medication to dry hair or skin only. Do not wet your hair or skin before using this medicine.

Avoid getting Natroba in your eyes, mouth, or vagina. If this does happen, rinse with water. For the most complete treatment of head lice and to prevent reinfection, you must treat your environment at the same time you treat your scalp. To prevent reinfection wash all clothing, hats, bed clothes, bed linens, and towels in hot water and dry in high heat. Dry-clean any non-washable clothing. Hair brushes, combs, and hair accessories should be soaked in hot water for at least 10 minutes.

Avoid intimate contact with others until your lice infection has cleared up. Avoid sharing hair brushes, combs, hair accessories, hats, pillows, bedding, clothing, and other articles of personal use. Lice infections are highly contagious.

Before taking this medicine

You should not use Natroba if you are allergic to spinosad.

To make sure you can safely use Natroba, tell your doctor if you have any conditions that make your skin sensitive.

This medicine is not expected to harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.

Spinosad is not absorbed after topical application, so it is not expected to pass into breast milk. Wash the breast area with soap and water to remove Natroba before breastfeeding to avoid exposure to your baby. Talk to your healthcare provider about the best way to feed your baby during treatment with Natroba.

Do not use this medicine on an infant without medical advice. Natroba topical suspension contains an ingredient that can cause serious side effects or death in very young infants or premature babies. Do not allow an older child to use Natroba without supervision of an adult.

Natroba side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction to Natroba: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Rinse off the medicine and call your doctor at once if you have severe burning, stinging, or irritation after applying Natroba.

Common Natroba side effects may include:

  • scalp redness or irritation; or
  • eye redness or irritation.
  • dry skin or application site irritation (including pain and burning).

This is not a complete list of side effects, and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Dosing information

Usual Adult and Pediatric (6 months +) Dose for Lice:

Apply enough topical suspension to cover the dry scalp, then apply to dry hair; leave on for 10 minutes, then thoroughly rinse off the drug with warm water.Comments:-Depending on hair length, up to 120 mL may be used to sufficiently cover scalp and hair.-A second treatment should be applied if live lice are seen 7 days after the first treatment.Use: For the topical treatment of head lice infestation

Usual Adult and Pediatric Dose for Scabies:

Shake bottle well.

Apply a sufficient amount of Natroba to the skin to completely cover the body from the neck to the toes (including the soles of the feet).

For patients with a balding scalp, also apply product to the scalp, hairline, temples, and forehead.

Allow to absorb into the skin and dry for 10 minutes before getting dressed.

Leave on the skin for at least 6 hours before showering or bathing.

Apply Natroba on children only under direct supervision of an adult.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Since Natroba is usually needed only once, it does not have a daily dosing schedule. Wait at least 7 days before using a second application.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222 if anyone has accidentally swallowed the medication.

Avoid getting this medication in your eyes, mouth, or vagina. If this does happen, rinse with water.

Avoid intimate contact with others until your lice infection has cleared up. Avoid sharing hair brushes, combs, hair accessories, hats, pillows, bedding, clothing, and other articles of personal use. Lice infections are highly contagious.

Do not use other medicated scalp products unless your doctor tells you to.

What other drugs will affect Natroba?

It is not likely that other drugs you take orally or inject will have an effect on topically applied spinosad. But many drugs can interact with each other. Tell your doctor about all medications you use. This includes prescription, over-the-counter, vitamin, and herbal products. Do not start a new medication without telling your doctor.

Related medicines

Before you take this medicine: the information on this page is general and may not cover your personal circumstances. Read the label supplied with your medicine and ask a pharmacist or doctor if you are unsure, especially if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, taking other medicines or managing a long-term condition.
General medicine information Consumer-friendly language Source: Drugs.com

Content is provided for education and is not medical advice. See our medical disclaimer. Source page medically reviewed by Philip Thornton, DipPharm on September 10, 2026.