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Spinosad Drug Information
Available by prescription only, spinosad (Natroba®) is a medication used to treat head lice. It works by causing the lice to become hyperactive, after which they become paralyzed and die. It comes in brand-name form only and should not be used in children under the age of four.
The most common side effects seen with spinosad include:
- Skin redness or irritation at the application site
- Eye redness.
The medicine is usually applied one or two times, with seven days in between applications. The second application is needed only if live lice are still seen a week after the first treatment.
Spinosad is generally well tolerated, but it's not always the best choice for every situation. To make sure this drug is right for you, your healthcare provider will need information on any allergies or skin conditions you may have.
(To learn more, click Spinosad. This article offers more in-depth information on this drug, including how long to leave it on the hair, clinical effectiveness, and safety issues to keep in mind during treatment.)
Written by/reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD



