Mix-ups Involving Lindane (Oct. 2005)

In 2003, FDA issued an advisory on the potential neurologic toxicity of lindane, a topical second-line treatment for scabies and lice. The advisory noted the importance of limiting the use of lindane to just one application and specified that lindane must be dispensed only in single-use containers of one or two ounces. This was intended to reduce the possibility that patients would apply an excess amount of the product, or that they'd re-apply it.

A recent article in MMWR cautions about a different problem related to lindane. The article reported on 870 cases of illness from 1998 to 2003 that were caused by the unintentional ingestion of lindane. In a number of these cases, lindane was mistaken for a liquid oral medication, such as cough syrup.

The article notes that before the changes in 2003, bottles of bulk lindane were sometimes repackaged by pharmacies into smaller bottles that looked like those used for oral medications such as cough syrup, and that could have contributed to many unintentional ingestions. And because bottles of bulk lindane already in use weren't recalled from pharmacies after the 2003 advisory, some repackaging might still be occurring, even today. Also, some consumers might still have repackaged lindane in their homes. So, although the use of lindane appears to be declining, cases of accidental ingestion are continuing to occur.

The article points out several important reminders about the appropriate use and packaging of the product. First, lindane is a second-line therapy for scabies and lice, and should be used only if other treatments have failed or are intolerable. It shouldn't be used in children and small adults who weigh less than 110 pounds. Because of the risk of toxicity, lindane treatment should not be repeated.

Pharmacists should not transfer lindane to other containers. And they should dispense lindane only in the 1- or 2-ounce single use containers provided by the manufacturer.

Category:

News & Politics

Tags:

• Mix-ups
• Lindane
• FDA
• Potential
• Neurologic
• Toxicity
• Scabies
• Lice
• Unintentional
• Ingestion
• Patient
• Safety

[prunar]

Isn't it better to let natural selection occur, for the betterment of future generations of humans?

[datzfast]

ask your pharmist if oral lindane is right for you