Dosing and uses of Ulesfia (benzyl alcohol)
Adult dosage forms and strengths
lotion
- 5% (Ulesfia))
liquid
- 10% (Zilactin)
Lice, Pediculosis
Ulesfia: Apply lotion to dry hair, using enough to completely saturate hair & scalp, rinse off with water after 10 minutes
Repeat treatment in 7 days
Amount of Lotion Needed to Cover Scalp and Hair Completely
- Hair length 0-2 inches: 4-6 ounces
- Hair length 2-4 inches: 6-8 ounces
- Hair length 4-8 inches: 8-12 ounces
- Hair length 8-16 inches: 12-24 ounces
- Hair length 16-22 inches: 24-32 ounces
- Hair length >22 inches: 32-48 ounces
Cold Sores/Fever Blisters
Zilactin: Apply to affected area up to q6hr
Pediatric dosage forms and strengths
lotion
- 5% (8oz)
Lice, Pediculosis
<6 months: Do not use
>6 months (Ulesfia): Apply lotion to dry hair, using enough to completely saturate hair & scalp, rinse off with water after 10 minutes; repeat treatment in 7 days
Amount of Lotion Needed to Cover Scalp and Hair Completely
- Hair length 0-2 inches: 4-6 ounces
- Hair length 2-4 inches: 6-8 ounces
- Hair length 4-8 inches: 8-12 ounces
- Hair length 8-16 inches: 12-24 ounces
- Hair length 16-22 inches: 24-32 ounces
- Hair length >22 inches: 32-48 ounces
Cold Sores/Fever Blisters
< 2 years
- Safety & efficacy not established
> 2 years
- Zilactin: Apply to affected area up to q6hr
Ulesfia (benzyl alcohol) adverse (side) effects
Frequency not defined
Application site irritation
Pruritus
Erythema
Application site anesthesia and hypoesthesia
Ocular irritation
Pain
Rash
Dermatitis
Dandruff
Exfoliation
Dryness
Rash
Thermal burn
Warnings
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
Pregnancy and lactation
Pregnancy category: B
Lactation: Excretion in milk unknown; use with caution
Pregnancy categories
A: Generally acceptable. Controlled studies in pregnant women show no evidence of fetal risk.
B: May be acceptable. Either animal studies show no risk but human studies not available or animal studies showed minor risks and human studies done and showed no risk.
C: Use with caution if benefits outweigh risks. Animal studies show risk and human studies not available or neither animal nor human studies done.
D: Use in LIFE-THREATENING emergencies when no safer drug available. Positive evidence of human fetal risk.
X: Do not use in pregnancy. Risks involved outweigh potential benefits. Safer alternatives exist.
NA: Information not available.
Pharmacology of Ulesfia (benzyl alcohol)
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)
