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Topical pediculicide (silicone-based)

Dimeticone

Brand names: Hedrin, Lyclear, Full Marks Solution

Dimeticone is a topical silicone-based preparation used to treat head lice and is also used as a barrier and emollient ingredient on the skin.

Dosing — being independently re-sourced

ClinCalc Pro is rebuilding its dose data from primary open sources — the manufacturer SmPC (eMC), the WHO Model Formulary and other official references — under clinician review. This drug's structured dose is not yet published here. Confirm all doses against the product SmPC and your local formulary before prescribing.

Clinical monograph

How it works

When used for head lice it acts physically rather than chemically, coating the lice and disrupting their ability to manage water and function, leading to their death.

Prescribing in practice

  • Because it works by a physical mechanism it avoids neurotoxic insecticide resistance, but a second application is usually needed to kill lice that hatch after the first treatment.
  • Some formulations are flammable, so keep treated hair away from naked flames and sources of ignition while wet.
  • It is well tolerated and suitable across a wide range of patients, with local scalp irritation being the main adverse effect.

Monitoring

Monitoring is clinical, confirming clearance of live lice after treatment and checking for scalp irritation.

Counselling the patient

  • Follow the application instructions and repeat the treatment after the recommended interval to catch newly hatched lice.
  • Keep treated hair away from flames, cigarettes and hairdryers while it is wet, as some products are flammable.
  • Detection combing helps confirm the lice have gone; report any scalp irritation.

Evidence & guidelines

Physical insecticides such as dimeticone are recommended options for head lice in current prescribing references and NICE guidance, avoiding chemical resistance.

Reference: NICE CKS Head Lice; PHE/UKHSA head lice guidance; Drug verified in RxNorm (NLM); confirm dosing against the manufacturer SPC (eMC). Verify against your local formulary and current prescribing references before prescribing. Monograph status: clinician-reviewed (2026-07-04).

Related

Curated clinical cross-links plus same-class fallbacks.

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