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Derbac-M Liquid for Head Lice - 150ml

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Product Summary

Derbac M Liquid is a liquid emulsion containing the active ingredient malathion.

It is used to eradicate head lice, pubic lice and their eggs; and for the treatment of scabies in adults, the elderly and children aged 6 months and over.

As Derbac-M does not contain alcohol, it may be more suitable for those with asthma or eczema.

Directions

Adults, the elderly and children aged 6 months and over:

For the treatment of head lice:

  • Apply sufficient liquid to dry hair, ensuring that no part of the scalp is left uncovered.
  • Work into the hair, spreading the liquid evenly from root to tip.
  • Leave the hair to dry naturally in a warm but well-ventilated room.
  • After 12 hours, or the next day if preferred, shampoo hair in the normal way.
  • Rinse the hair and comb while wet to remove dead lice and eggs (nits) using a nit comb.

The treatment should be repeated after 7 days.

For treatment of crab (pubic) lice:

  • Apply to the entire skin surface.
  • Pay particular attention to all hairy areas, including beards and moustaches.
  • Avoid any other areas above the neck.
  • Leave on for at least 1 hour before washing, but preferably leave on overnight.
  • Wash off in the usual manner.
  • Repeat the treatment after 7 days.

For the treatment of scabies:

  • Apply to the entire skin surface.
  • For adults, it may not be necessary to apply above the neck.
  • If used on children under the age of 2 years, apply a thin film of the liquid to the scalp, face and ears, avoiding the eyes and mouth.
  • Do not wash off or bathe for 24 hours.
  • If hands or any other parts must be washed during this period, reapply the treatment to those areas immediately.
  • Repeat the treatment after 7 days.

Ingredients

Malathion 0.5% w/w, methyl hydroxybenzoate, propyl hydroxybenzoate, Lanette wax SX, potassium citrate, citric acid, perfume HT 52, Water

Warnings and Restrictions

  • Avoid prolonged or repeated use of this product.
  • Do not use this product more than once a week.
  • Do not use this product for more than 3 consecutive weeks.
  • If you are a healthcare professional treating a large number of patients, wear protective plastic or rubber gloves.
  • Avoid contact with the eyes.
  • Use this medicine only on your skin.
  • Do not use on broken or secondarily infected skin.
  • This product should not be swallowed. If ingested, contact a doctor or hospital immediately.
  • This product contains methyl hydroxybenzoate (E218) and propyl hydroxybenzoate (E216), which may cause allergic reactions (possibly delayed).
  • If you have sensitive skin, test a small area before use.

If you suffer from asthma, consult a doctor or pharmacist before use.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, think you may be pregnant or are planning to have a baby, ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice before using this product.

Children under 6 months:

Do not use on children under 6 months unless your doctor tells you to.

Do not use Derbac M liquid:

  • If you are allergic to malathion or any of the other ingredients of this medicine listed in Section 6 of the information leaflet.
  • Do not use on infants less than 6 months old unless your doctor tells you to.

Taking other medication

This product is unlikely to interact with other medication. However, please speak to your pharmacist or doctor if you use any other skin condition medication.

Pharmacist FAQs Answered

Can I use Derbac M more than once a week?

No, you shouldn't use Derbac M more than once a week. If you use it too frequently, it can irritate your skin and increase side effects. It's also not necessary — the product is designed to work if used once, with a repeat application 7 days later to catch up on any surviving lice or eggs. If symptoms continue after this, see your pharmacist or doctor for advice.

Does Derbac M kill both lice and their eggs (nits)?

Yes. Derbac M contains malathion, an ingredient that kills lice and their eggs. However, some eggs (nits) may remain stuck to the hair even after successful treatment. That’s why it’s essential to use a nit comb after washing your hair, while it’s still wet, to remove any dead lice and eggs. Repeating the treatment after 7 days ensures any newly hatched lice are also treated before they can lay more eggs.

Can I treat babies or young children with Derbac M?

Derbac M can be applied to children aged 6 months and above. It should not be used to babies younger than 6 months unless a doctor advises. If children younger than 2 years undergo scabies treatment, the product should be applied to the ears, face, and scalp with utmost caution, avoiding the eyes and mouth. If you are treating a child, read the instructions carefully or consult a pharmacist if you are unsure.

Is Derbac M safe to use on individuals with eczema or asthma?

Yes, in the majority of cases — but with caution. Derbac M has no alcohol in it, so it is less likely to cause irritation on sensitive skin or trigger breathing problems in asthma sufferers. However, if you have eczema, asthma, or sensitive skin, it is advisable to consult your local doctor or pharmacist beforehand. You may be advised to conduct a patch test on a small area initially to check if there is no skin reaction.

Can I use Derbac M if I am pregnant or breastfeeding?

If you are pregnant, expecting, or breastfeeding, you should talk to your doctor or pharmacist before treating yourself with Derbac M. Limited information exists on the safety of malathion during pregnancy and breastfeeding, so a health professional will be able to advise you if it is appropriate or provide an alternative treatment.

Do I wash bedding and clothing following Derbac M treatment?

Yes, especially when treating head lice, scabies, or pubic lice. All clothing, bedding, towels, and other personal items that may have been exposed to contact with lice or mites should be washed at the highest temperature possible (at least 60°C) following treatment to prevent re-infestation. Washable items that are impossible to clean can be sealed in a plastic bag for 72 hours to suffocate any remaining viable lice or eggs.

Can I use Derbac M with other skin preparations or medicines?

Yes, generally, but be careful. Derbac M won't usually interact with other medicines. But if you're applying other creams, ointments, or medicated treatments to your skin, especially for eczema, psoriasis, or even scalp psoriasis, it's worth speaking to a pharmacist. Mixing products can weaken the effect or irritate the skin more.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use Derbac M more than once a week?
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No, you shouldn't use Derbac M more than once a week. If you use it too frequently, it can irritate your skin and increase side effects. It's also not necessary — the product is designed to work if used once, with a repeat application 7 days later to catch up on any surviving lice or eggs. If symptoms continue after this, see your pharmacist or doctor for advice.

Does Derbac M kill both lice and their eggs (nits)?
arrow

Yes. Derbac M contains malathion, an ingredient that kills lice and their eggs. However, some eggs (nits) may remain stuck to the hair even after successful treatment. That’s why it’s essential to use a nit comb after washing your hair, while it’s still wet, to remove any dead lice and eggs. Repeating the treatment after 7 days ensures any newly hatched lice are also treated before they can lay more eggs.

Can I treat babies or young children with Derbac M?
arrow

Derbac M can be applied to children aged 6 months and above. It should not be used to babies younger than 6 months unless a doctor advises. If children younger than 2 years undergo scabies treatment, the product should be applied to the ears, face, and scalp with utmost caution, avoiding the eyes and mouth. If you are treating a child, read the instructions carefully or consult a pharmacist if you are unsure.

Is Derbac M safe to use on individuals with eczema or asthma?
arrow

Yes, in the majority of cases — but with caution. Derbac M has no alcohol in it, so it is less likely to cause irritation on sensitive skin or trigger breathing problems in asthma sufferers. However, if you have eczema, asthma, or sensitive skin, it is advisable to consult your local doctor or pharmacist beforehand. You may be advised to conduct a patch test on a small area initially to check if there is no skin reaction.

Can I use Derbac M if I am pregnant or breastfeeding?
arrow

If you are pregnant, expecting, or breastfeeding, you should talk to your doctor or pharmacist before treating yourself with Derbac M. Limited information exists on the safety of malathion during pregnancy and breastfeeding, so a health professional will be able to advise you if it is appropriate or provide an alternative treatment.

Do I wash bedding and clothing following Derbac M treatment?
arrow

Yes, especially when treating head lice, scabies, or pubic lice. All clothing, bedding, towels, and other personal items that may have been exposed to contact with lice or mites should be washed at the highest temperature possible (at least 60°C) following treatment to prevent re-infestation. Washable items that are impossible to clean can be sealed in a plastic bag for 72 hours to suffocate any remaining viable lice or eggs.

Can I use Derbac M with other skin preparations or medicines?
arrow

Yes, generally, but be careful. Derbac M won't usually interact with other medicines. But if you're applying other creams, ointments, or medicated treatments to your skin, especially for eczema, psoriasis, or even scalp psoriasis, it's worth speaking to a pharmacist. Mixing products can weaken the effect or irritate the skin more.

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