A 49-year-old member asked:
What is the difference between prescription and over-the-counter lice treatment?
1 doctor answer • 1 doctor weighed in

Dr. Melissa Gowansanswered
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)
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
3.1k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
Last updated Mar 7, 2015
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