Phenylmethanol

Uses

Benzyl alcohol lotion is used for the topical treatment of head lice infestation in patients 6 months of age and older. Benzyl alcohol Lotion does not have ovicidal activity.

Phenylmethanol is also used to associated treatment for these conditions: Cold Sore, Fever blister, Head Lice Infestation, Insect Bites, Orofacial Pain, Skin Irritation, Sunburn, Abrasions, Minor burns, Superficial Wounds

How Phenylmethanol works

Benzyl alcohol inhibits lice from closing their respiratory spiracles, allowing the vehicle to obstruct the spiracles and causing the lice to asphyxiate.

Dosage

Phenylmethanol dosage

Adult:Apply lotion to dry hair, using enough to completely saturate hair & scalp, rinse off with water after 10 minutes. Repeat treatment in 7 days.

Amount of Lotion Needed to Cover Scalp and Hair Completely

• Hair length 0-2 inches: 4-6 ounces
• Hair length 2-4 inches: 6-8 ounces
• Hair length 4-8 inches: 8-12 ounces
• Hair length 8-16 inches: 12-24 ounces
• Hair length 16-22 inches: 24-32 ounces
• Hair length >22 inches: 32-48 ounces

Child:

• <6 months: Do not use
• >6 months: Apply lotion to dry hair, using enough to completely saturate hair & scalp, rinse off with water after 10 minutes; repeat treatment in 7 days

Side Effects

Generally well tolerated. However, a few allergic reactions may be seen. Irritation, itching, redness, tingling, or numbness at the application site may occur. However, seek immediate medical attention if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.

Toxicity

1250 mg/kg (rat, oral) LD50 400 mg/kg IPR-RAT LD50 2000 mg/kg SKN-RBT LD50 53 mg/kg IVN-RAT LD50 2500 mg/kg ORL-GPG LD50

Precaution

Constant or forceful scratching of the skin/scalp may lead to a bacterial skin infection.

Interaction

No formal drug interaction studies to date.

Food Interaction

Pregnancy & Breastfeeding use

Pregnancy Category B. Animal reproduction studies have failed to demonstrate a risk to the fetus and there are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women OR Animal studies have shown an adverse effect, but adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women have failed to demonstrate a risk to the fetus in any trimester.

Lactation: Excretion in milk unknown; use with caution

Contraindication

Hypersensitivity to any of the active ingredients.

Innovators Monograph

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