Prioderm lotion contains the active ingredient malathion, which is an organophosphorous insecticide that kills parasites such as head lice, pubic lice and scabies mites.
Malathion works by blocking the action of an enzyme in the parasite called cholinesterase. This enzyme is essential for the growth and survival of the parasite. By inactivating it, malathion disrupts vital metabolic processes in the parasites and ultimately leads to their death. Prioderm lotion kills head lice and their eggs.
To treat head lice, the lotion should be applied to the scalp and rubbed into dry hair from the roots to the tips until all the hair is moistened. The best way to do this,particularly with long hair, is to make a small parting and apply a few drops of the lotion along the hair, then spread this evenly along the length of the hair. Repeat the process with numerous other small sections until the whole scalp has been covered. Leave the hair to dry naturally in a warm but well ventilated room (don't use a hairdryer). Don't cover the head until the lotion is dry. After 10 to 12 hours, shampoo the hair in the normal way. Rinse the hair and comb it using a fine toothed metal nit comb while the hair is still wet to remove the dead lice and eggs.
Warning!
This medicine is for external use only.
Avoid contact of this medicine with the eyes. If it does enter the eyes, rinse immediately with plenty of water.
This medicine contains flammable alcohol. Avoid naked flames, lit objects such as cigarettes, gas and electric fires, and the use of artificial heat, eg hairdryers.
This preparation may affect permed, coloured or bleached hair.
It is recommended that rubber gloves be worn by people giving repeated applications or treating large numbers of people with this medicine, for example clinic or school nurses.
