Derbac M Liquid 150ml (Malathion 0.5% w/w)

Description

What Derbac M is

Derbac M Liquid is a pharmacy-only medicine containing malathion 0.5% w/w, an insecticide. It is licensed for the treatment of severe head lice infestation in adults and children from 6 months, and for crab (pubic) lice and scabies, which have different directions. This creamy, alcohol-free liquid works in a different way to the physical treatments in our range, which coat lice and dry them out.

When it is used

HSE guidance lists physical treatments as the first choice for head lice and insecticides such as malathion as a second choice, so Derbac M may be an option when other treatments have not worked. First rule out a missed second application, too little product, or someone at home who still has lice. Only treat when you find a live louse, never to prevent lice. See our head lice guide.

How to use Derbac M for head lice

1. Wear gloves and cover the eyes with a towel.
2. Apply enough to dry hair so that no part of the scalp is left uncovered, and work it in evenly from root to tip.
3. Let the hair dry naturally in a warm, well ventilated room.
4. After 12 hours, or the next day, shampoo as normal.
5. Rinse, then comb the wet hair with a nit comb to remove dead lice and eggs.
6. Repeat after 7 days.

Do not use it more than once a week, or for more than 3 weeks in a row. Check everyone at home with a detection comb and treat anyone with live lice on the same day. If you do not feel better, or feel worse, after 3 weeks, talk to a doctor. Follow the full directions in the leaflet on the label.

Who can use it and who should not

• Age: adults and children from 6 months. Under 6 months, only on a doctor’s advice.
• Pregnancy and breastfeeding: ask a doctor or pharmacist before use.
• Asthma or eczema: it contains no alcohol, so it may be more suitable for people with asthma or eczema, but if you have asthma, ask a pharmacist or doctor first.
• Skin and allergies: do not use on broken or infected skin, or if you are allergic to malathion or any of the other ingredients. It contains parabens (E218, E216), which may cause allergic reactions, possibly delayed. If you have sensitive skin, test a small area first.
• Eyes: keep it away from the eyes, mouth and the inside of the ears. If it gets in the eyes, rinse with plenty of water.

It is poisonous if swallowed: contact a doctor or hospital straight away. Keep it out of the sight and reach of children. Side effects can include skin irritation and allergic reactions, including severe reactions that cause difficulty breathing, dizziness, or swelling of the face, throat or eyes. Chemical burns have also been reported. If you react badly in any way, get medical advice straight away. Store below 25°C, away from light.

How we check your order

When you add Derbac M to your basket, you answer a few short Questions from our Pharmacist about age, what it is for, live lice, recent treatments, skin, allergies, other medicines, asthma, pregnancy and breastfeeding. Our pharmacist reviews every order before we post it and may contact you first. We send one pack per order. One bottle may not cover both applications for long or thick hair, or for more than one person, so tell us in your answers and our pharmacist will contact you about how much you need. Delivery is €6 anywhere in the Republic of Ireland, Monday to Saturday.

Common questions about Derbac M

What is the strongest head lice treatment?

There is no single strongest head lice treatment. Treatments work in different ways, and the right one depends on what you have already tried. HSE guidance lists physical treatments, which coat the lice, as the first choice, and insecticides such as malathion as a second choice. Derbac M is a pharmacy-only insecticide medicine licensed for the treatment of severe head lice infestation. Because it works in a different way, it may be an option if a physical treatment used properly has not worked. Our pharmacist reviews every order. Always read the label.

Is Derbac M a last resort?

No. HSE guidance lists malathion as a second choice, after physical treatments. If you have used different types of treatment properly, including an insecticide such as Derbac M, and still find live lice, talk to your GP or our pharmacist.

Do I need a prescription for Derbac M?

No. It is a pharmacy-only medicine, so we supply it after our pharmacist reviews your answers.

How long do you leave Derbac M on?

Leave it on for 12 hours, or until the next day if you prefer, then shampoo as normal. Repeat after 7 days. Do not use it more than once a week, or for more than 3 weeks in a row.

Does Derbac M kill lice eggs?

The leaflet says it is used to get rid of head lice and their eggs. Still do the second application after 7 days, and keep wet combing.

Derbac M Liquid 0.5% w/w cutaneous emulsion contains malathion. It is a pharmacy-only medicine for the treatment of severe head lice infestation, crab lice and scabies. Always read the label.