Kwell Uses

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What is Kwell?

Kwell, formerly known as gamma benzene hexachloride, is an insecticide and is used to treat scabies and lice infestations.

Kwell cream and lotion are usually used to treat only scabies infestation. Kwell shampoo is used to treat only lice infestations.

Kwell is available only with your doctor's prescription.

Kwell indications

An indication is a term used for the list of condition or symptom or illness for which the medicine is prescribed or used by the patient. For example, acetaminophen or paracetamol is used for fever by the patient, or the doctor prescribes it for a headache or body pains. Now fever, headache and body pains are the indications of paracetamol. A patient should be aware of the indications of medications used for common conditions because they can be taken over the counter in the pharmacy meaning without prescription by the Physician.
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Kwell Shampoo is indicated for the treatment of head lice (infestations of Pediculosis humanis capitis), crab lice (infestations of Pthirus pubis), and their ova only in patients who

  1. cannot tolerate other approved therapies, or
  2. have failed treatment with other approved therapies.

Kwell Shampoo should be used in the context of an overall lice management program that includes:

Caregivers applying this product to patients should wear gloves less permeable to Kwell such as nitrile, latex with neoprene or sheer vinyl, and thoroughly clean hands after application. Natural latex gloves should be avoided because they are more permeable to Kwell.

Kwell Shampoo does not prevent infestation or reinfestation and should not be used to ward off a possible infestation.

How should I use Kwell?

Use Kwell lotion as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions.

Ask your health care provider any questions you may have about how to use Kwell lotion.

Uses of Kwell in details

There are specific as well as general uses of a drug or medicine. A medicine can be used to prevent a disease, treat a disease over a period or cure a disease. It can also be used to treat the particular symptom of the disease. The drug use depends on the form the patient takes it. It may be more useful in injection form or sometimes in tablet form. The drug can be used for a single troubling symptom or a life-threatening condition. While some medications can be stopped after few days, some drugs need to be continued for prolonged period to get the benefit from it.
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This medication is used to treat scabies only after safer medications (such as Kwell or crotamiton) have failed or caused side effects. It works by killing the tiny insects (mites) and their eggs, which cause scabies. An infection with scabies is also called an infestation. This drug should not be used to prevent scabies infestation or re-infestation.

How to use Kwell topical

Read the Medication Guide provided by your pharmacist before you start using Kwell. If you have any questions, consult your doctor or pharmacist.

This drug can be poisonous if used incorrectly. Do not take this drug by mouth, and avoid contact with your eyes, nose, or mouth. If Kwell gets in these areas, rinse with water right away and seek immediate medical attention if a burning feeling remains. Do not use if there is skin irritation (e.g., open wounds, rash, cuts, or sores) on the area to be treated unless directed to do so by your doctor.

Trim your nails short and clean your skin well with warm (not hot) water before using, but wait at least 1 hour after bathing/showering before use. Wet or warm skin can increase the absorption of Kwell into your bloodstream. An average-sized adult requires only 1 ounce (30 milliliters), but larger persons should use no more than 2 ounces (60 milliliters).

Make sure your skin is clean and does not have other lotions, creams, ointments, or oils on it. These products can increase the absorption of Kwell through your skin and into your bloodstream, which increases the risk of serious side effects. If you are currently using any of these products, they must be washed off before you apply Kwell.

Shake the bottle well before use. Apply a very thin layer of lotion once over your entire body from the neck down to the bottoms of your feet or as directed by your doctor. Use a toothbrush to apply Kwell under your nails (scabies mites prefer this area). Do not use this toothbrush in your mouth afterward. Wrap the toothbrush and throw it in the trash with the closed bottle of any unused Kwell out of the reach of children and pets.

After application, do not cover your skin with fabric that does not breathe (e.g., disposable/plastic diaper, tight clothes, blankets). Avoid skin-to-skin contact with anyone while Kwell is on your body.

Leave the medication on the skin for 8-12 hours. Leaving it on overnight is usually enough. Do not leave it on the skin more than 12 hours. Leaving it on longer will not kill any more scabies mites/eggs, but your risk of serious (possibly fatal) seizures will be increased. Remove Kwell lotion by washing very well in a shower or bath, using warm (not hot) water.

If an infant or young child is prescribed Kwell, watch the child carefully after applying the lotion to make sure the child does not put their hands/feet into their mouth while the medication is on their skin.

If you are applying Kwell on another person, wear disposable gloves (made of nitrile, latex with neoprene, or sheer vinyl) to decrease the risk of contacting this drug and possible side effects. Do not use natural latex gloves because more Kwell can penetrate that type of glove. Wash your hand well afterwards.

Symptoms of scabies include an intense itching which is generally worse at bedtime. You may also see small, fine, wavy lines on the skin with a tiny insect at the end (a burrow). Burrows are usually found on finger/toe webs, wrists, elbows, armpits, belt line, lower buttocks, female nipples, or male genitals. Even if Kwell kills all the scabies, the dead mites can still make you itch for a long time after treatment. Ask your doctor about other medications that may be used to soothe the itching. Inform your doctor if your condition persists or worsens 2-3 weeks after treatment.

Kwell description

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An organochlorine insecticide that has been used as a pediculicide and a scabicide. Kwell has been banned in California, United Kingdom, Australia, and many western countries due to concerns about neurotoxicity and adverse effects on the environment. In Canada, Kwell is not recommmended as a first-line therapy due to reports of resistance, neurotoxicity, and bone marrow suppression, but has been approved by the FDA as a second-line therapy for topical treatment of pediculosis capitis (head lice), pediculosis pubis (pubic lice), or scabies in patients greater than two years of age who cannot tolerate or have failed first-line treatment. Kwell is still allowed for pharmaceutical use until 2015.

Kwell dosage

Apply a thin layer of Kwell Lotion over all skin from the neck down. One ounce is sufficient for an average adult. Do not prescribe more than 2 ounces for larger adults. Apply only once. Wash off in 8 to 12 hours. Do not retreat.

Patients should be provided specific information on use of product. Patients should be instructed on proper use of Kwell Lotion, especially the amount to apply, how long to leave on and the need to avoid retreatment. Patients should be informed that itching occurs after the successful killing of scabies (lice) and continued itching is not necessarily an indication for retreatment with Kwell Lotion.

A Kwell Lotion Medication Guide must be given to the patient each time Kwell Lotion is dispensed, as required by law. The Kwell Lotion Medication Guide is an important part of the risk management program for the patient.

How supplied

Kwell Lotion, USP 1% is supplied in patient-size 2 fl oz (60 mL) bottles. SHAKE WELL BEFORE USING

Store at controlled room temperature, 15 ° - 30 °C (59 ° - 86 °F).

Manufactured By: Morton Grove Pharmaceuticals, Inc. Morton Grove, IL 60053. REV. 06-05. Distributed By: Alliant Pharmaceuticals, Inc. Alpharetta, GA 30004. FDA Rev date: 10/9/2001

Kwell interactions

See also:
What other drugs will affect Kwell?

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Oils may enhance absorption of Kwell, therefore, patients and caregivers applying the shampoo to others should avoid using oil treatments, or oil-based hair dressings or conditioners immediately before and after applying Kwell Shampoo.

In addition, there are many drugs that may lower the seizure threshold, and Kwell Shampoo should be prescribed with caution in patients taking these medications. Drugs that may lower the seizure threshold include, but are not limited to the following:

Kwell side effects

See also:
What are the possible side effects of Kwell?

Applies to Kwell topical: topical cream, topical lotion, topical shampoo

In addition to its needed effects, some unwanted effects may be caused by Kwell topical. In the event that any of these side effects do occur, they may require medical attention.

Severity: Moderate

If any of the following side effects occur while taking Kwell topical, check with your doctor or nurse as soon as possible:

Rare

Side Effects: Post Treatment

After you stop taking this drug, it is possible that you may still experience side effects that need medical attention. If you notice any of the following side effects check with your doctor immediately:

Serious side effects have resulted in patients using Kwell. Sometime it has occurred even when used according to the labeled directions. Serious side effects have been reported following Kwell use with repeat or prolonged use, but also in rare cases following a single application. You should discuss these possible effects with your doctor.

Kwell contraindications

See also:
What is the most important information I should know about Kwell?

Do not apply this medication to the face, eyes, nose, or mouth. Flush with water if you get medication in any of these areas. Seek medical attention if Kwell topical is ingested or if irritation is persistent.

Do not use more of this medication than is recommended. Using more than the prescribed amount of Kwell topical may cause seizures or other dangerous side effects.

Treat sexual and other close contacts who are also infected. Do not use Kwell topical to treat contacts who are not infected in an attempt to prevent infection from occurring.

To prevent reinfection, wash all clothing, hats, bed clothes, bed linens, hair brushes, and combs in hot water with a strong cleanser.

Talk to your doctor before using a second dose of Kwell topical. Using Kwell topical too soon after the first dose may cause seizures and/or death.

Active ingredient matches for Kwell:

Lindane in Argentina, Philippines.

Permethrin in Philippines.


Unit description / dosage (Manufacturer)Price, USD
Cream; Topical; Lindane 1%
Lotion; Topical; Lindane 1%
Shampoo; Topical; Lindane 1%
Kwell lotion 50 mg/mL 60 mL x 1's (Aspen)$ 4.53
Kwell shampoo 10 mg/mL 10 mL x 1's (Aspen)$ 0.74
Kwell shampoo 10 mg/mL 30 mL x 1's (Aspen)$ 2.43
Kwell shampoo 10 mg/mL 60 mL x 1's (Aspen)$ 4.71

List of Kwell substitutes (brand and generic names):

Kwell Reformulated 10 mg/1 mL x 10 mL (Gsk)$ 0.44
Kwell Reformulated 10 mg/1 mL x 30 mL (Gsk)$ 2.33
Kwell Reformulated 10 mg/1 mL x 60 mL (Gsk)$ 4.33
Kwell Reformulated 50 mg/1 mL x 60 mL (Gsk)$ 4.11
Lotion; Topical; Lindane 1% (Ali)
Shampoo; Topical; Lindane 1% (Ali)
Kwellada Lotion 1% lotion 1 % (Reed & Carnrick, Division Of Block Drug Company (Canada) Ltd.)
Liquid; Topical; Permethrin 1%
Kwellada-P CRème Rinse liquid 1.0 % (Medtech Products Inc (Canada))
Lotion; Topical; Permethrin 5%
Kwellada-P Lotion lotion 5 % (Medtech Products Inc (Canada))
Le-scab - TAB / 10
Lescab - LOTION / 60ml
Lexilice 5%w/w CREAM / 30gm
Lexilice - SOAP / 75gm
Licenil 5%w/v CREAM / 10gm (Shinto Biotec)
Licenil 5% SOAP / 75gm (Shinto Biotec)
LICENIL soap 5 % x 75g (Shinto Biotec)$ 1.05
LICENIL lotion 5 % x 60ml (Shinto Biotec)$ 1.27

References

  1. DailyMed. "PERMETHRIN: DailyMed provides trustworthy information about marketed drugs in the United States. DailyMed is the official provider of FDA label information (package inserts).". https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailyme... (accessed September 17, 2018).
  2. DailyMed. "LINDANE: DailyMed provides trustworthy information about marketed drugs in the United States. DailyMed is the official provider of FDA label information (package inserts).". https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailyme... (accessed September 17, 2018).
  3. PubChem. "lindane". https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/com... (accessed September 17, 2018).

Reviews

The results of a survey conducted on ndrugs.com for Kwell are given in detail below. The results of the survey conducted are based on the impressions and views of the website users and consumers taking Kwell. We implore you to kindly base your medical condition or therapeutic choices on the result or test conducted by a physician or licensed medical practitioners.

User reports

Consumer reported useful

No survey data has been collected yet


1 consumer reported price estimates

Was the price you paid to purchase the drug reasonable? Did you feel it was expensive?
The below mentioned numbers have been reported by ndrugs.com website users about whether the Kwell drug is expensive or inexpensive. There is a mixed opinion among users. The rating about the cost of the drug depends on factors like which brand drug the patient purchased, how effective it was for the price paid, the country or place the drug is marketed, and the economic condition of the patient. The users who feel the drug is expensive can look for an alternative brand drug or a generic drug to save the cost.
Users%
Expensive1
100.0%


2 consumers reported time for results

To what extent do I have to use Kwell before I begin to see changes in my health conditions?
As part of the reports released by ndrugs.com website users, it takes 1 week and a few days before you notice an improvement in your health conditions.
Please note, it doesn't mean you will start to notice such health improvement in the same time frame as other users. There are many factors to consider, and we implore you to visit your doctor to know how long before you can see improvements in your health while taking Kwell. To get the time effectiveness of using Kwell drug by other patients, please click here.
Users%
1 week1
50.0%
2 days1
50.0%


7 consumers reported age

Users%
16-292
28.6%
30-452
28.6%
6-152
28.6%
46-601
14.3%


Consumer reviews


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Information checked by Dr. Sachin Kumar, MD Pharmacology

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