Efficacy of ivermectin for the treatment of head lice (Pediculosis capitis).
Twenty six male and female patients aged 5 to 17 years who had head lice infestation confirmed by eggs presence and received treatments with a single 200 mu/kg oral dose of ivermectin in open fashion. At day 14 after treatment, 20 responded to the treatment (77%), and 6 patients (23%) presented with a complete disappearance of eggs and all clinical symptoms. At day 28, 7 patients were healed (27%), but 4 patients of the 6 healed at day 14 presented with signs of reinfestation. This study suggests that ivermectin is a promising treatment of head lice, and a second dose at day 10 should be appropriate for a further comparative trial.
Glaziou
P
P
Institut Territorial de Recherches Médicales Louis Malardé, Papeete, Tahiti, French Polynesia.
Nyguyen
L N
LN
Moulia-Pelat
J P
JP
Cartel
J L
JL
Martin
P M
PM
D000293:Adolescent; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007559:Ivermectin / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D010373:Lice Infestations / Q000188:drug therapy*; D008297:Male; D010865:Pilot Projects; D012536:Scalp Dermatoses / Q000188:drug therapy*
D007559:Ivermectin