Benzyl Alcohol

Contraindications

None listed by manufacturer

Cautions

Not ovicidal

May cause contact dermatitis

Avoid in neonates

Avoid eye exposure

Use in children must be done under adult supervision

Safety of lotion not established in patients > 60 years

Gasping syndrome reported when used in neonates

If condition does not improve within 7 days or swelling or rash develops notify healthcare provider

Mechanism of Action

Asphyxiates lice by obstructing respiratory spiracles

Pharmacokinetics

Absorption: Prolonged exposure (>30 min) may result in minimal absorption of the product (<3 mcg/mL)

Benzyl alcohol may be found in some form under the following brand names:

• Ulesfia

People using benzyl alcohol may have skin or eye:

• itching,
• redness,
• irritation. If skin or eye irritation happens, rinse with water right away, then call your healthcare provider or go to the emergency department.

Tell your healthcare provider if you have any side effect that bothers you or that does not go away.

These are not all the side effects of benzyl alcohol. For more information, ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Storage

Topical

20–25°C (may be exposed to 15–30°C); do not freeze.1

Keep out of reach of children.1 (See Pediatric Use under Cautions.)

• Used as a pediculicide; lacks ovicidal activity.1

• In vitro studies indicate benzyl alcohol inhibits closure of louse respiratory spiracles, which allows the lotion vehicle to obstruct the spiracles and cause louse asphyxiation and death.1

• Because of the mechanism of action, resistance to benzyl alcohol not expected to develop in lice.2 5

Excipients in commercially available drug preparations may have clinically important effects in some individuals; consult specific product labeling for details.

Please refer to the ASHP Drug Shortages Resource Center for information on shortages of one or more of these preparations.

Consult your pharmacist.

How to use Benzyl Alcohol Liquid

Consult your pharmacist.

Consult your pharmacist.

Keep a list of all your medications with you, and share the list with your doctor and pharmacist.