Derbac M Liquid

Derbac M Liquid for Head Lice, Pubic Lice and Scabies

What is Derbac M Liquid used for?

Derbac M Liquid is a treatment for parasitic skin infestations, including head lice, pubic lice and scabies. It contains the active ingredient malathion, an insecticide that disrupts the nervous system of lice and scabies mites, killing them on contact. It’s suitable for adults and children over 6 months of age, as well as the elderly.

Head lice are tiny insects that live close to the scalp and feed on blood. Head lice treatment usually needs more than one application to clear both the lice and their eggs. Head lice are common, especially among school-age children and spread easily through head-to-head contact.

Scabies is an itchy skin condition caused by microscopic mites burrowing into the skin, often between the fingers and toes. Prolonged skin-to-skin contact is the most common way of catching scabies.

For head lice, apply the liquid to the hair and scalp to kill live lice and their eggs. For pubic lice, sometimes called crab lice, it’s applied to the affected hairy areas of the body. For scabies, the liquid is applied directly to the entire skin surface to clear the parasite.

Who can use Derbac M Liquid?

Derbac M Liquid is suitable for adults, the elderly and children aged 6 months and over.

Don’t use Derbac M Liquid if you:

• Are allergic to malathion or any of the other ingredients
• Are treating a child under 6 months old, unless your doctor has told you to

Speak to your GP or pharmacist before use if you:

• Have asthma
• Have sensitive skin
• Are pregnant, breastfeeding or think you may be pregnant

How To Use Derbac M Liquid

Always use Derbac M Liquid exactly as described here or as advised by your doctor or pharmacist. Head lice, pubic lice and scabies each need a slightly different application method, so follow the steps for the condition you’re treating. If other people in your household have lice or scabies, check them for signs of infestation too and treat if necessary.

As a treatment for head lice:

1. Apply enough liquid to dry hair, spreading the liquid evenly from root to tip to cover the whole scalp.
2. Leave the hair to dry naturally in a warm, well-ventilated room.
3. After 12 hours or the next day if you prefer, shampoo your hair as normal.
4. Rinse your hair and use a nit comb while it’s still wet to remove dead lice and eggs.
5. Repeat the treatment after 7 days.

As a treatment for pubic lice:

1. The liquid should be applied to the entire skin surface, paying particular attention to all hairy areas, including beards and moustaches, but avoiding any other areas above the neck.
2. Leave it on for at least 1 hour before washing off, though leaving it on overnight works best.
3. Wash off in the usual way.
4. Repeat the treatment after 7 days.

As a treatment for scabies:

1. Apply the liquid to the entire skin surface. In adults, it may not be necessary to apply above the neck.
2. In children under the age of 2, apply a thin layer to the scalp, face and ears, avoiding the eyes and mouth.
3. Don’t wash off or bathe for 24 hours. If you wash your hands during this time, reapply the liquid to your hands and any other washed area straight away.
4. Repeat the treatment after 7 days.

Ordinary laundering or dry cleaning with a hot iron is enough for clothing and bedding, so no special sterilisation is needed.

It’s normal for itching and rash to continue for up to 7 days after treatment, even once the infestation has cleared. An anti-irritant cream can help with this if needed.

Only use Derbac M Liquid on your skin and avoid contact with your eyes. If it does get in your eyes, rinse with plenty of water.

Side Effects of Derbac M Liquid

Like all medicines, Derbac M Liquid can cause side effects, though not everyone gets them, including:

• Skin irritation
• Allergic reactions, including itching, redness or a rash
• Chemical burns

Stop using Derbac M Liquid and seek medical help straight away if you notice signs of a severe allergic reaction, such as difficulty breathing, dizziness or swelling of the face, throat or eyes.

If you experience any side effects not listed here, tell your doctor or pharmacist. You can also report side effects directly through the Yellow Card Scheme.

Derbac M Liquid Ingredients

Active ingredient: Malathion 0.5%

Other ingredients: methylhydroxybenzoate (E218), propylhydroxybenzoate (E216), emulsifying wax, potassium citrate, citric acid, perfume HT52 and water

Warnings and Precautions

• Avoid prolonged or repeated use of this product
• Don’t use more than once a week or for more than 3 consecutive weeks
• Avoid contact with your eyes when applying the treatment
• Derbac M Liquid may irritate broken or infected skin, so only use it on healthy, unbroken skin
• Don’t swallow this medicine. If it’s swallowed, contact a doctor or hospital immediately
• Contains methylhydroxybenzoate (E218) and propylhydroxybenzoate (E216), which may cause allergic reactions, including delayed reactions
• If you have sensitive skin, test a small area before wider use
• If you’re a healthcare professional treating a large number of patients, wear protective plastic or rubber gloves
• Keep out of sight and reach of children
• Don’t use after the expiry date shown on the label and carton
• Don’t store above 25°C and protect from light
• Store in the original container
• Don’t dispose of this medicine via wastewater. Ask your pharmacist how to dispose of medicines you no longer need