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A 49-year-old member asked:

What is the difference between prescription and over-the-counter lice treatment?

1 doctor answer1 doctor weighed in
Dr. Melissa Gowans
Pediatrics 17 years experience
Active ingredients: The differences between prescription and OTC lice treatments are the active ingredients, treatment protocols (some require more than one application), and side-effect and safety profiles. OTC: 1. Permethrin (NIX) 2. Pyrethrins and piperonyl butoxide (Rid) Rx: 1. Benzyl alcohol 5% (Ulesfia) 2. Malathion lotion (Ovide)
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Last updated Mar 7, 2015

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