benzyl alcohol 5 % lotion

Generic name:
Benzyl alcohol lotion - topical

Pronunciation
(BEN-zil AL-ka hol)

Brand name(s)
Ulesfia

This medication is used to treat head lice, tiny insects that live on and irritate your scalp.

This drug is not recommended for use in children younger than 6 months.

Read the Patient Information Leaflet if available from your pharmacist before you start using benzyl alcohol and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

This medication is for use on the hair and scalp only. Use this medication as directed by your doctor, usually for 2 treatments, one week apart. Since this medication does not get rid of the lice eggs, it is important to have the second treatment to treat any lice that might have hatched. To help you remember, mark your calendar with a reminder.

An adult should help you apply this medication. Cover your eyes with a towel and keep your eyes tightly closed while the medication is being applied. The medication should be applied to dry hair and enough medication should be used to cover your entire scalp and hair (including behind the ears and on the back of the neck). Massage the medication into your hair and scalp. Avoid getting the medication in your eyes, mouth, nose, or vagina. If the medicine gets in any of these areas, flush with plenty of water. Leave the medication on your hair as directed by your doctor, usually for 10 minutes, then rinse with water. Wash your hands after using this medication. You can shampoo your hair right after treatment. A fine-tooth comb or lice comb may be used afterward to help remove the treated lice and lice eggs (nits).

Tell your doctor if your condition lasts or gets worse.

Irritation, itching, redness, tingling, or numbness at the application site may occur. Eye irritation may occur if the medication gets into the eyes (see also How to Use section). If any of these effects last or get worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.

Remember that this medication has been prescribed because your doctor has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.

A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including:

• rash
• itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat)
• severe dizziness
• trouble breathing

This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

In the US -

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch.

In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.

Before using benzyl alcohol, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history.

Constant or forceful scratching of the skin/scalp may lead to a bacterial skin infection. Tell your doctor right away if you develop worsening redness or pus.

Children may be more sensitive to the side effects of the drug. If you are treating an infant, make sure to tell the doctor if your infant was born early (premature) so that the doctor can decide if your infant is old enough to use this medication.

During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.

It is unknown if this medication passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.

Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.

This medicine may be harmful if swallowed. If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison control center right away. US residents can call 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call 1-844-764-7669.

Do not share this medication with others.

To avoid spreading lice to other people or getting them again, all recently worn/used (within 2 days before treatment) head wear, scarves, clothing, towels, pillow cases, and bed linens should be machine-washed with hot water and dried in a dryer (at high setting) for at least 20 minutes. For items that cannot be washed, the items may instead be dry cleaned, sealed in a plastic bag for 2 weeks, or sprayed with a disinfectant that kills lice. Brushes, combs, and hair clips should be soaked in hot water (hotter than 130 degrees F/54 degrees C) for 10 minutes, soaked in alcohol for 1 hour, or thrown away. Furniture and floors should be thoroughly vacuumed.

People who are in close contact with the infected person (such as family members in the same household) should also be checked for lice and nits. Treatment may be considered to prevent lice in these people.

It is important to use each dose of this medication as scheduled. If you miss the second dose, ask your doctor or pharmacist right away for further instructions.

Store at room temperature. Do not freeze medication. Keep all medications away from children and pets.

Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company.

HOW TO USE THIS INFORMATION: This is a summary and does NOT have all possible information about this product. This information does not assure that this product is safe, effective, or appropriate for you. This information is not individual medical advice and does not substitute for the advice of your health care professional. Always ask your health care professional for complete information about this product and your specific health needs.