Summers 5% L.A.

Summers 5% L.A. (Summers Non-Pesticide Lice Asphyxiator) is a topical lotion containing 5% benzyl alcohol as its active ingredient, developed by Summers Laboratories for the treatment of head lice infestation (pediculosis humanus capitis) in patients 6 months of age or older. Unlike traditional pediculicides, it is a non-pesticide, non-neurotoxic formulation that works through a mechanical mechanism of action. It prevents head lice from closing their respiratory spiracles, allowing the lotion vehicle to obstruct the airways and cause death by asphyxiation. The drug was evaluated in Phase 3, randomized, vehicle-controlled, double-blind clinical trials (NCT00301327, NCT00479310). It was subsequently approved by the FDA on April 9, 2009, under the brand name Ulesfia (commercialized by Sciele Pharma, a subsidiary of Shionogi), making it the first FDA-approved non-neurotoxic treatment for head lice.

Brand names

Ulesfia

Other names

Summers 5% L.A.Summers Non-Pesticide Lice Asphyxiatorbenzyl alcohol 5% lotionbenzyl alcohol lotion, 5%