Malathion: functions, dosage, side effects, how to use

What Medicine Malathion?

What is malathion for?

Malathion is a drug used to kill head lice, which are small insects that live on the human scalp. In the medical world, lice infested with hair is known as pediculosis capsule.

These insects will suck blood so they can survive and reproduce more. The way head lice suck blood is practically the same as the way mosquitoes bite our skin. This bite is what causes a severe itching sensation on the scalp, especially at night.

People with lice often experience a tingling sensation or have something running through their hair. The size of the lice that live on the head varies. However, the average size is about 3 millimeters or the same as sesame seeds.

So that there are not more lice living on the skin, using malathion medication might be a solution. Malathion is a drug that is included in the organophosphate drug class, which is an insecticide to kill pests such as insects, fungi, or weeds.

When used according to regulations, this drug is effective in paralyzing and at the same time killing the lice and their eggs (nits) on the scalp.

How to use malathion?

Use this medication as directed by your doctor or listed on the product packaging. Listen carefully to the information provided. If you don't really understand how to use it, don't hesitate to ask directly to a doctor or pharmacist.

This medicine is for external use only. It is not recommended that you swallow it. Be careful when using this medicine because if it is used improperly or not according to the rules it can cause poisoning or even dangerous side effects.

Make sure the medicine does not get into the nose, ears, mouth, vagina, or eyes. Use only on the scalp only. So that the medicinal liquid does not get into the eyes, close both eyes tightly and protect them with a cloth or towel.

If the medication accidentally gets into the eyes, wash them with water to reduce irritation. If irritation persists or vision changes, seek medical attention immediately.

When using this medication, make sure your hair and scalp are dry. To prevent irritation, we recommend using plastic gloves or other protection.

Pour enough medicine in the palms of the hands, then spread it all over the hair and scalp. Make sure your hands reach all the way to the back of the head, which is the ideal breeding ground for fleas.

After that, let your hair dry on its own without being covered with a cloth or towel. When finished, wash your hands thoroughly with soap and running water.

Leave the malathion on the hair and scalp for 8-12 hours, then wash it with shampoo and rinse thoroughly. Trim wet hair with a fine toothed comb (a special lice comb) to remove dead lice and lice nits. Ask other people to help remove the lice and eggs from your hair.

This medication may cause a slight tingling feeling on the scalp the first time it is used. No need to worry, because this is a normal reaction. Even so, if this discomfort continues after using the drug and you experience irritation, stop using it and go to a doctor.

How to store malathion?

Malathion is a drug that should be stored at room temperature. Keep away from direct light and damp places. Don't keep it in the bathroom. Don't freeze it.

Other brands of this drug may have different storage rules. Observe the storage instructions on the product package or ask your pharmacist. Keep all medicines away from children and pets.

Do not flush medicines down the toilet or down the drain unless instructed to do so. Discard this product when it has expired or when it is no longer needed.

Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company about how to safely dispose of your product.

Malathion dosage

The information provided is not a substitute for medical advice. ALWAYS consult your doctor or pharmacist before starting treatment.

What is the malathion dosage for adults?

Pour enough medicine in a bottle over the palms of the hands, then spread it all over the scalp. Massage gently and slowly so that the drug is fully absorbed and works more optimally. Let your hair dry on its own without being covered in a cloth or towel.

Wait about 8 to 12 hours, or according to the rules recommended by the doctor and printed on the packaging. Then wash your hair with shampoo and rinse thoroughly.

Be sure to always consult a doctor or pharmacist before using any type of medication. This is to make sure that you are taking the medicine according to the recommended dosage.

What is the dosage of malathion for children?

There is no definite dosage requirement for children. The dosage of drugs for children is usually adjusted according to their weight, health condition, and their response to treatment.

This drug can be dangerous for children if used improperly. Therefore, consult your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

In what dosage is malathion available?

This drug is available in lotion form.

Malathion side effects

What side effects can be experienced due to malathion?

Just like other types of drugs, this drug also has the potential for side effects from mild to severe. Some of the most common and frequently complained of side effects when using malathion drugs are:

• Warm and stinging feeling on the scalp
• Dry hair
• Dandruff appears

Attention!Although it is very rare, some people can experience severe side effects and even drug poisoning. Usually, symptoms of drug poisoning will appear within 6-12 hours after use.

If someone is poisoned, usually they will experience initial symptoms such as:

• Rash
• Skin irritation
• Nausea / feeling full in the stomach
• Gag
• Limp body
• Dizzy
• Headache
• Visual disturbances

While further symptoms that may occur include excessive salivation, heavy sweating, chronic diarrhea, shortness of breath, muscle weakness, body weakness, loss of consciousness (fainting).

There may be some side effects not listed above. If you want to know about certain side effects, consult your doctor or pharmacist.

Malathion Drug Warnings and Cautions

What should be known before using malathion?

Before using malathion lotion, tell your doctor and pharmacist if you:

• Have an allergy to malathion medication, any ingredient in malathion lotion, or any other flea medication. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for a constituent list of drugs before you use them.
• Are or plan to use prescription and nonprescription drugs, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products.
• Have sensitive skin or have a history of certain skin diseases.
• Are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding. We recommend that you consult your doctor first if you become pregnant while using malathion lotion.

Malathion is a drug that contains flammable ingredients. Therefore, avoid smoking, being in the vicinity of open fires (for example, fireplaces, stoves, campfires), or electric heat sources such as heaters, hair dryers, and curling irons.

It is also important to note that this medicine should not be used for babies. Store the medicine in a place that is not easily accessible to children. Don't forget, cover the medicine tightly so it doesn't spill easily.

Is malathion safe for pregnant and lactating women?

There are no adequate studies regarding the risks of using this drug in pregnant or breastfeeding women. Always consult your doctor to weigh the potential benefits and risks before using this medication.

This drug is included in the risk of pregnancy category B according to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in the United States, or the equivalent of the Food and Drug Administration (BPOM) in Indonesia. The following references to pregnancy risk categories according to the FDA:

• A = Not at risk
• B = No risk in several studies
• C = Maybe risky
• D = There is positive evidence of risk
• X = Contraindicated
• N = Unknown

Meanwhile, for breastfeeding mothers, there is no clear evidence whether this drug harms the baby or not. To avoid various negative possibilities, do not take this medicine carelessly or without the doctor's permission.

Malathion Drug Interactions

What medicines may interact with malathion?

Drug interactions may change how medications work or increase the risk of serious side effects. This article 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 your dose without your doctor's approval.

Can food or alcohol interact with malathion?

Certain drugs cannot be used with meals or when eating certain foods because drug interactions can occur. Consuming alcohol or tobacco with certain drugs can also cause interactions to occur.

Discuss with a healthcare professional about using drugs with food, alcohol, or cigarettes.

What health conditions can interact with malathion?

The presence of other drug problems may affect the use of this drug. Make sure you tell your doctor if you have any other medical problems, especially:

• Anemia
• Brain surgery
• Skin disease
• Liver disease
• Malnutrition
• Asthma
• Epilepsy or other seizure disorder
• Heart disease
• Myasthenia gravis or other nerve-muscle disease
• Parkinson's disease
• Stomach ulcers or other stomach or intestinal problems

Malathion overdose

What should I do in an emergency or overdose?

In case of an emergency or overdose, contact the local emergency services provider (119) or immediately to the nearest hospital emergency department. Bring a medicine box, container, or label with you when you go to the hospital to help the doctor with any necessary information.

When someone has an overdose, various symptoms that may arise are:

• Too low blood pressure (hypotension) which makes the head dizzy
• Fainting
• Fast and irregular heartbeat
• Slower than normal heart rate

What should I do if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your dosing schedule. Do not use extra doses to make up for a missed dose.

If you continue to miss doses, consider setting an alarm or asking a family member to remind you.

Please consult your doctor to discuss changes in your dosing schedule or a new schedule to make up for a missed dose, if you have missed too many doses recently.

Hello Health Group does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.