The problem of lindane

The human clinical use of 1% lindane formulations has become somewhat controversial during the past five years. This review is an in-depth report of the efficacy and safety of 1 % lindane compared with the agents that have been preferred as alternative. Almost all of the suspected adverse drug reactions (ADR) from 1% lindane have involved substantial misuse. The number of suspected ADRs remains small, especially when compared with the magnitude of human clinical use of 1% lindane preparations in the United States (50 million ounces during the past five years). One percent lindane should continue to remain the preparation of choice for nearly all patients with scabies and lice, but dermatologists should appreciate that these views are not necessarily shared by all health professionals. Consequently, it is most appropriate to explain the possible side effects from misuse of lindane to each patient. This brief period of patient education is time well spent—it will help maintain proper compliance and allay the upset that many of your patients may have if they encounter negative opinions about lindane in the lay and medical press or from other health professionals.