lindane

Lindane is an organochlorine insecticide and ectoparasiticide used as a second-line topical treatment for scabies and lice infestations in humans. It is available as a cream or lotion for scabies and as a shampoo for lice. Lindane acts by blocking the Gamma-aminobutyric acid type A receptor (GABA_A receptor)-chloride channel complex in parasites (and humans), leading to neuronal hyperexcitation and death of the parasite. Due to its neurotoxicity risk—including seizures and rare fatalities—lindane is reserved for patients who cannot tolerate or have failed safer first-line therapies such as permethrin. Lindane has been banned or restricted in many countries due to environmental concerns and toxicity but remains FDA-approved in the United States for limited use[1][2][3][4][5][7].

Brand names

KwellThionex

Other names

lindanegamma benzene hexachloridegamma-hexachlorocyclohexaneγ-HCHgammaxeneGammallinbenzene hexachlorideBHC