Ohio
State University Extension Bulletin

Head Lice

Bulletin 893-01

Non-Prescription Insecticidal Treatments

Trade Name
(Company) Active
Ingredient
and Percent
Concentration Type of
Product Awareness Issues "Claims"^a and
Additional Package
Contents

Nix^®
(Warner-Lambert)
Nix
Permethrin 1% Creme rinse

May not kill nits (eggs).
Resistance has developed in many regions of the world.

Labeling on box indicates "prevents re-infestation," whereas bottle indicates "protects against" "head lice re-infestation for 14 days."
Requires "usually only one application."
Kit includes a short-toothed, plastic nit comb.^b

Clear^®
(Care
Technologies, Inc.)
Clear
Pyrethrum extract 0.33%^c Shampoo

May not kill nits (eggs).
Use with caution on persons allergic to ragweed; contact a physician before using if allergic to chrysanthumums and pyrethrin-containing compounds.^d

Treatment followed with nit removal is required to ensure complete effectiveness.
Use in conjunction with Clear^® gel "to help prevent re-infestation."
A second treatment must be done in 7-10 days to kill any newly hatched lice.

Pronto^®
(Del Pharmaceuticals Inc.)
Pronto
Pyrethrum extract 0.33%^c Shampoo plus conditioner

May not kill nits (eggs).
Use with caution on persons allergic to ragweed; contact a physician before using if allergic to chrysanthumums and pyrethrin-containing compounds.^d

Kit includes a "100% effective" short-toothed plastic lice comb,^b crème rinse packet, plastic magnifier, and 4 hair strand separators.
A second treatment must be done in 7-10 days to kill any newly hatched lice.

R & C^® Lice Treatment
(Block Drug Co., Inc.)
R and C
Pyrethrum extract 0.33%^c Shampoo plusconditioner

May not kill nits (eggs).
Use with caution on persons allergic to ragweed; contact a physician before using if allergic to chrysanthumums and pyrethrin-containing compounds.^d

It is important to remove all of the nits after shampooing.
A second treatment must be done in 7-10 days to kill any newly hatched lice.
Kit includes a short-toothed, plastic nit comb^b

RID^®
(Bayer Consumer
Care Division)
RID
Pyrethrum extract 0.33%^c Shampoo

May not kill nits (eggs).
Use with caution on persons allergic to ragweed; contact a physician before using if allergic to chrysanthumums and pyrethrin-containing compounds.^d

"Kills lice and their eggs."
Kit includes a short-toothed, plastic nit comb^b for "100% effective egg removal."

^aBeware of any false advertising. Carefully read the label and all directions before purchasing a product. It is not necessary or advisable to apply insecticides to clothing, mattresses, or other places in the environment for head lice control.

^bPlastic nit combs typically are not useful because the teeth tend to bend and spread apart and thereby bypass nits and head lice; they also tend to break easily. Short-toothed combs, whether plastic or metal, are ineffective in combing through many types of hair.

^cPiperonyl butoxide included as a synergist to increase insecticidal activity.

^dBe aware of potential for an allergic reaction. Immediately consult a physician if an allergic response is indicated, and avoid future use.

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Trade Name (Company)	Active Ingredient and Percent Concentration	Type of Product	Awareness Issues	"Claims"^a and Additional Package Contents
Nix^® (Warner-Lambert)	Permethrin 1%	Creme rinse	May not kill nits (eggs). Resistance has developed in many regions of the world.	Labeling on box indicates "prevents re-infestation," whereas bottle indicates "protects against" "head lice re-infestation for 14 days." Requires "usually only one application." Kit includes a short-toothed, plastic nit comb.^b
Clear^® (Care Technologies, Inc.)	Pyrethrum extract 0.33%^c	Shampoo	May not kill nits (eggs). Use with caution on persons allergic to ragweed; contact a physician before using if allergic to chrysanthumums and pyrethrin-containing compounds.^d	Treatment followed with nit removal is required to ensure complete effectiveness. Use in conjunction with Clear^® gel "to help prevent re-infestation." A second treatment must be done in 7-10 days to kill any newly hatched lice.
Pronto^® (Del Pharmaceuticals Inc.)	Pyrethrum extract 0.33%^c	Shampoo plus conditioner	May not kill nits (eggs). Use with caution on persons allergic to ragweed; contact a physician before using if allergic to chrysanthumums and pyrethrin-containing compounds.^d	Kit includes a "100% effective" short-toothed plastic lice comb,^b crème rinse packet, plastic magnifier, and 4 hair strand separators. A second treatment must be done in 7-10 days to kill any newly hatched lice.
R & C^® Lice Treatment (Block Drug Co., Inc.)	Pyrethrum extract 0.33%^c	Shampoo plusconditioner	May not kill nits (eggs). Use with caution on persons allergic to ragweed; contact a physician before using if allergic to chrysanthumums and pyrethrin-containing compounds.^d	It is important to remove all of the nits after shampooing. A second treatment must be done in 7-10 days to kill any newly hatched lice. Kit includes a short-toothed, plastic nit comb^b
RID^® (Bayer Consumer Care Division)	Pyrethrum extract 0.33%^c	Shampoo	May not kill nits (eggs). Use with caution on persons allergic to ragweed; contact a physician before using if allergic to chrysanthumums and pyrethrin-containing compounds.^d	"Kills lice and their eggs." Kit includes a short-toothed, plastic nit comb^b for "100% effective egg removal."