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

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

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

Hypersensitivity to any of the active ingredients.

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.

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

Pregnancy & Lactation

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