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Printable Version Ovide

Active Ingredients: Malathion Lotion
Other Names: Ovide
Drug Class: Pediculicides
Rx Status: Available by prescription only
Generic Available: No
Product Images & Descriptions:

What is/are Ovide?
What should I tell my health care providers before I take this medicine?
How should I use this medicine?
What if I miss a dose?
What may interact with this medicine?
What side effects may I notice from this medicine?
What should I watch for while using this medicine?
Where should I keep this medicine?

What is/are Ovide? (Back to top)
MALATHION skin lotion is used to treat lice of the hair and scalp. It acts by destroying the lice and their eggs. This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.


What should I tell my health care providers before I take this medicine? (Back to top)
They need to know if you have any of the following conditions:

  • asthma
  • rashes or open sores on the skin
  • an unusual or allergic reaction to malathion, alcohol, pine or pine scented products, veterinary or household insecticides, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
  • breast feeding
  • pregnant or trying to get pregnant

How should I use this medicine? (Back to top)
This medicine is for external use only. It is a poison if it is swallowed. Do not take by mouth. Follow the directions on the prescription label. If you are applying this medicine to another person, wear disposable gloves to protect yourself from lice infestation. Shake well. Apply to dry hair. Leave on for 8 to 12 hours, rinse, and wash with a non-medicated shampoo to remove dead lice. Keep this lotion away from your eyes. If you accidentally get some in your eyes, rinse your eyes with cool water right away. Seek medical help if the eyes are hurting. Allow hair to dry naturally. This medicine contains alcohol which is flammable. Do not use hair dryers or curling irons. Do not smoke or go near open flames or electric heat sources. Keep hair uncovered. Comb each small section of hair with a clean, fine toothed comb to remove any leftover nits (eggs) or nit shells. Do not use this medicine more often than directed.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed. While this medicine may be prescribed for children as young as 6 years for selected conditions, precautions do apply.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

Note: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.


What if I miss a dose? (Back to top)
This does not apply. This medicine is normally used as a single dose.


What may interact with this medicine? (Back to top)
Interactions are not expected. Do not use any other skin products on the affected area without asking your doctor or health care professional.

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care providers a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.


What side effects may I notice from this medicine? (Back to top)
Side effects that you should report to your doctor or other health care professional as soon as possible:

  • rash
  • redness or irritation of the eyes
  • shortness of breath, difficulty breathing, or cough

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
  • itching that continues beyond 7 days
  • redness or mild swelling of the scalp
  • stinging or burning of the scalp
  • tingling sensation

This list may not describe all possible side effects.


What should I watch for while using this medicine? (Back to top)
This medicine is used as a single application treatment. Itching may occur for several days after treatment. This does not mean that the treatment has failed. If live lice are observed in 7 to 9 days after initial application, a second treatment may be needed. Contact your doctor before applying a second treatment.

If skin irritation occurs, wash scalp and hair immediately. If the irritation clears, the lotion may be reapplied. If irritation recurs or continues, consult your doctor or health care professional. Slight stinging sensations may occur while using this lotion.

All recently worn clothing, underwear, pajamas, used sheets, pillowcases, and towels should be washed in very hot water or dry-cleaned. Close personal contact can spread the infestation. Family members and sexual contacts may also require treatment for lice.


Where should I keep this medicine? (Back to top)
Keep out of the reach of children and pets. Malathion is a poison if swallowed. Contact a poison control center immediately and seek medical attention should this medicine be swallowed.

Store at room temperature between 20 and 25 degrees C (68 and 77 degrees F). Do not freeze. This medicine is flammable. Avoid exposure to heat, fire, flame, and smoking. After treatment, throw away any unused medicine in a container that cannot be reached by children or pets.

NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.


Last Updated:June 12, 2006

COPYRIGHT© Gold Standard, An Elsevier Company


Note: The above information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist, or other healthcare professional. It should not be construed to indicate that the use of the product is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. Consult your healthcare professional before taking the product.

  Additional Information

  Check Drug Interactions with Ovide

  Learn how Ovide is/are used to treat:
  • Lice

      Test Yourself! If you currently take Ovide, do you know everything that you need to know?

      Make your own printable Medication / Emergency Contact Card



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