Ovide

Malathion is used to treat head lice.

Malathion may also be used for other reasons that are not mentioned in this medication guide.

Use only as directed. Inform your doctor if you are taking other medicines or have other medical conditions or allergies.

You should not use malathion if you are allergic to it.

It is not approved for use by anyone younger than 6 years old. Malathion should not be used in newborns and infants.

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

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

Call your doctor right away if you have severe stinging, burning, or irritation of your scalp that does not go away.

Less serious side effects may include mild stinging or irritation of the scalp.

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

Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Use the medicine exactly as directed.

Do not take by mouth. Ovide is for use only on your scalp.

Read and follow all Instructions for Use. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you need help.

Wash your hands after applying the medication.

Do not wet your hair or scalp before applying malathion. Apply enough lotion to completely soak your scalp, including the back of your head and your neck.

Wash off the medicine right away if it causes severe scalp irritation. Reapply at a later time, and call your doctor if irritation occurs again.

Do not use a curling iron, hair dryer, or other heat styler on treated hair. Warn children to stay away from open flames, lighted cigarettes, and electric heat sources while the hair is wet.

Shampoo your hair after 8 to 12 hours. Rinse hair thoroughly. Use a nit comb to remove lice eggs from the hair. Rinse the nit comb often during use.

Do not allow a child to use Ovide without help from an adult.

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.

Use this medicine again if you still see lice after 7 to 9 days.

Malathion lotion is flammable. Do not use near high heat or open flame. Do not smoke while applying this medicine. Avoid being near a lighted cigarette while your hair is still wet with malathion.

Store malathion at room temperature away from high heat, open flame, or electric heat sources.

Malathion is used as a single dose and does not require taking it every day. Call your doctor if your symptoms do not get better after using this medicine.

Seek emergency medical help or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222 if someone has accidentally swallowed Ovide.

Avoid getting this medicine in your eyes or on any skin other than your scalp. Rinse with water if this occurs. Call your doctor immediately if you experience severe stinging, itching, or irritation of the eyes or skin after rinsing.

To prevent spreading lice, avoid head-to-head contact with others until your lice infection is completely cleared. Do not share hair brushes, combs, hair accessories, hats, scarves, and pillows. Lice infections are highly contagious.

Medicine applied to the skin is not likely to be influenced by other medications you take, but many drugs can interact. Inform your doctor about all the medicines you are currently using, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.