Benzyl Alcohol
Benzyl Alcohol is a topical medication primarily used to treat head lice infestations (pediculosis). It works as a pediculicide, killing lice by suffocation after penetrating their exoskeleton. This medication is approved for use in adults and children as young as 6 months old.
Topical treatment for head lice infestations that works by suffocating the parasites.
Key facts at a glance
- ATC
- P03AX11
- RxNorm
- 1363
- Generic
- Benzyl Alcohol
- Class
- atc-p03
- Brands
- Shing-Releev, Ivy Dry Super Continuous Spray, Itch-X, Ivy-Dry Cream, Zilactin-L Cold Sore Liquid, Ulesfia, Zilactin Cold Sore
- Availability
- otc
- Pregnancy
- B
- Lactation
- caution
- Half-life (h)
- 0
- Onset (min)
- 5
- Duration (h)
- 2
- Routes
- topical, oral
- Forms
- lotion, cream, spray, liquid, gel
- Regions
- United States, Canada, Europe, Australia
- Monitoring
- application site irritation, presence of live lice after treatment
This page is for informational purposes only.
Do not use this information to diagnose yourself or to replace a physician's advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency, call your local emergency number immediately.
Dosage and administration
- Usual dose
- 5-10% concentration applied to affected area
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- 2-3 times daily as needed
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 5% concentration applied to affected area
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- 2-3 times daily as needed
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 5-10% concentration applied to affected area
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- 2-3 times daily as needed
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
Overdose information
Special Populations
10 groupspregnancy
first trimesteravoid extensive use
use only on small areas of intact skin if benefits outweigh risks
regular prenatal checkups
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pregnancy
third trimesterminimize use
avoid large area application or prolonged use
fetal monitoring as appropriate
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
lactation
breastfeedingavoid application to breast area
do not apply to breasts before breastfeeding; wash thoroughly if used elsewhere
monitor infant for unusual symptoms
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pediatric_age
neonatesabsolute contraindication
do not use in premature infants or newborns; risk of gasping syndrome
none due to contraindication
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
pediatric_age
infants and childrenuse smallest effective amount
avoid use on broken skin or large body areas in children under 2 years
observe for signs of irritation or systemic absorption
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
geriatric
elderlyno adjustment needed
standard topical use is appropriate
monitor for skin irritation
renal_impairment
mild to moderateno adjustment for topical use
standard topical application is generally safe
none specific
renal_impairment
severeuse with caution
avoid extensive or occlusive dressings over treated areas
monitor renal function
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
hepatic_impairment
mild to moderateuse sparingly
avoid large area application
monitor for signs of accumulation
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
hepatic_impairment
severeavoid extensive use
use only on small areas of intact skin
liver function monitoring
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
Statistics and clinical data
Commonly prescribed since
General prescribing information for topical benzyl alcohol preparations
Drug class
Classification as a topical anesthetic agent
Common uses
Common therapeutic uses in topical preparations
Route of administration
Method of application for benzyl alcohol products
Treatment of head lice (Pediculus humanus capitis) infestations. May also have preservative properties in various pharmaceutical formulations.
Acts as a topical ectoparasiticide; penetrates the lice exoskeleton and suffocates them by blocking their respiratory system. The exact mechanism is not fully specified but is believed to involve physical suffocation rather than neurotoxic effects.
For external use only on scalp hair and scalp. Should not be ingested or applied to broken skin. May cause mild skin irritation. Safety in children under 6 months has not been established. A second treatment may be needed after 7 days to kill newly hatched lice. Avoid contact with eyes.
Contraindications
Conditions and patient states where this medication should be avoided or used with caution.
Do not use (1)
Known allergy to this medication or its components
Use caution (1)
Consult healthcare provider for benefits vs risks assessment
Official drug label
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This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 25, 2026. · Read our editorial policy