Benzyl Alcohol Lotion

Available by prescription only, benzyl alcohol lotion is designed to treat head lice. This medication comes in the form of a lotion and is applied to the hair and scalp in two treatments (seven days apart). Although most people tolerate this product well, side effects may still occur and can include skin irritation and decreased sensation at the application site.

What Is Benzyl Alcohol Lotion?

Benzyl alcohol lotion (Ulesfia®) is a prescription medication approved for treating head lice. It can be used to treat children as young as six months of age.
 
(Click What Is Benzyl Alcohol Lotion Used For? for more information on what the medication is used for, including possible off-label uses.)
 

Are There Side Effects?

Just like any medicine, benzyl alcohol lotion can cause side effects. However, not everyone who uses the medicine will have problems. Most people tolerate it quite well.
 
Some of the most common side effects of benzyl alcohol lotion include but are not limited to:
 
  • Skin irritation at the application site
  • Numbness or decreased sensation at the application site.
     
If reactions do occur, in most cases, they are minor and either require no treatment or are treated easily by you or your healthcare provider. Serious side effects are less common.
 
(Click Side Effects of Benzyl Alcohol Lotion to learn more, including potentially serious side effects that you should report immediately to your healthcare provider.)
 
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD
 
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