Monograph: |
Lindane
Lindane
Gamma Benzene Hexachloride; Gamma-BHC
A white or almost white crystalline powder with a slight musty odour. Practically insoluble in water; freely soluble in acetone and in chloroform; soluble in dehydrated alcohol; slightly soluble in ethylene glycol. Protect from light.
Adverse Effects and Treatment
As for Chlorinated Insecticides. There has been some concern over the application of higher than normal concentrations of lindane to the skin in the treatment of scabies and pediculosis; children are considered to be particularly at risk. Resistance has limited its use in pediculosis, so children with that infection tend not to be exposed to it anyway. However, use has continued in scabies and here treatment should be avoided in young children and in women who are breast feeding or, are pregnant. Lindane should also be avoided in patients with a history of epilepsy or who have a low body-weight.
Seizures have been reported following the topical use of lindane. In reply, one of the manufacturers stated that up to the end of 1983 they were aware of 21 cases of convulsive disorders apparently associated with the use of inferior product; it had been used by over 40 million people. Of the 21 cases the seizures were definitely or probably caused by the product in 11 but in 9 of them the seizures were associated with ingestion or excessive use.
Isolated reports of adverse effects associated with lindane include disseminated intravascular coagulation and subsequent death after oral ingestion and aplastic anaemia after prolonged topical exposure (twice daily application for three weeks).
Uses and Administration
Lindane is a chlorinated insecticide. It has been used topically in a concentration of 1% for scabies in selected patients and has also been used in pediculosis but use for head lice is restricted by resistance. Lindane has been used for the control of disease vectors including mosquitoes, lice, and fleas but resistance has developed. It has also been used as an agricultural and a horticultural insecticide, but its use is prohibited or restricted in many countries.
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