dimeticone at a glance
Medicine class
Physical pediculicide
Usual use
Eradication of confirmed head-lice infestation
Administration
Applied externally to dry hair and scalp, then washed out as directed in the leaflet
Fire safety
Treated hair is combustible and must be kept away from flames, cigarettes and other ignition sources
What is dimeticone used for?
The selected product is licensed for:
Eradication of head-lice infestation in adults and children within its licensed age range
How does dimeticone work?
Dimeticone physically coats lice and interferes with their ability to control and excrete water. It does not target their nervous system and has limited activity against eggs.
How to take dimeticone
Use only on the hair and scalp and follow the pack leaflet carefully.
Apply to dry hair, covering the scalp and hair evenly from roots to tips.
Let the hair dry naturally and wash the product out with ordinary shampoo as directed.
Avoid the eyes. Rinse thoroughly with water after accidental eye contact.
Keep treated hair away from naked flames, cigarettes and other ignition sources until washed.
Clean spills carefully because the solution may make smooth floors slippery.
dimeticone side effects
Common or expected effects
- Skin or scalp irritation
- Itchy or flaky scalp
- Irritation around the eyes
- Hair loss has been reported in isolated cases
Get urgent medical advice
- Allergic reaction with rash, hives or widespread itching
- Breathing difficulty
- Serious burns if treated hair ignites
dimeticone in pregnancy
The selected product’s SmPC does not identify a reason it cannot be used during pregnancy. Physical head-lice treatments such as dimeticone are not expected to enter the bloodstream in amounts that would harm the baby. Ask a pharmacist, midwife or doctor if uncertain.
dimeticone while breastfeeding
Dimeticone is a preferred head-lice treatment during breastfeeding because skin absorption and transfer into milk are not expected. No specific infant monitoring is normally required; prevent the infant from sucking treated hair.
dimeticone interactions
Dimeticone is not known to interact with other medicines.
Common questions about dimeticone
Answers are fully visible for fast scanning and source review.
How do I know whether treatment is needed?
Treatment is appropriate when live head lice have been found with a detection comb; nits alone do not prove active infestation.
Does dimeticone kill head-lice eggs?
Its activity against eggs is limited.
Can children use dimeticone?
Sources
These sources were used to prepare and review this medicine page.
Prepared and reviewed by the iatroX editorial team.