FDA Approves Ivermectin Lotion to Treat Head Lice

The FDA has approved ivermectin 0.5% (Sklice; Arbor Pharmaceuticals) lotion for OTC use for the treatment of head lice. Ivermectin 0.5% was initially approved in February 2012 for prescription use in patients 6 months and older.

Every year, approximately 6 million to 12 million cases of head lice occur in children aged 3 to 11 years in the United States.

Head lice are most common among preschool children in childcare, elementary school children, and members of a household in which children have lice.

Ivermectin 0.5% is for external use only and should be used on dry hair or the scalp in accordance with label instructions. The FDA has not approved the lotion for any other use.

The lotion will be marketed as a nonprescription drug and will no longer require
a prescription.

According to the FDA, those using a prescription version of the product should consult their health care professionals.

REFERENCE

FDA Approves Lotion for Nonprescription Use to Treat Head Lice [News Release] October 27, 2020; White Oak, MD. https://www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/fda-approves-lotion-nonprescription-use-treat-head-lice?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery. Accessed October 28, 2020