Dimethicone
Dimethicone is a silicone-based ectoparasiticide used primarily to treat head lice infestations. It works by coating lice and their eggs, physically suffocating them and making them easier to remove from the hair. This medication is suitable for use in both children and adults as a topical treatment option.
Dimethicone is a topical medication used to treat head lice by physically coating and suffocating the parasites.
Key facts at a glance
- ATC
- D02AX
- RxNorm
- 3361
- Generic
- Dimethicone
- Class
- atc-p03
- Brands
- Aloe Vesta Skin Conditioner, NeutrapHor, Cool bottoms, Baza-Protect, Baza Cleanse and Protect, Comfort Shield, Rash Relief Antibacterial, Rash Relief Antifungal, Rash Relief Clear, Rash Relief with Zinc Oxide, A+D Diaper Rash, Monistat Soothing Care, Moisturel Therapeutic, Neutraphorus Rex Skin Protectant, Normlshield
- Availability
- otc
- Pregnancy
- N
- Lactation
- safe
- Half-life (h)
- 0
- Onset (min)
- 0
- Duration (h)
- 0
- Routes
- topical
- Forms
- cream, ointment, lotion, paste, spray
- Regions
- United States, Canada, United Kingdom, European Union, Australia
- Monitoring
- —
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
- 500mg twice daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- every 12 hours
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 250mg twice daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- every 12 hours
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 400mg daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- once daily
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
Overdose information
Special Populations
9 groupspregnancy
first trimesterno adjustment needed
dimethicone is a topical skin protectant with minimal systemic absorption and is generally considered safe for use during pregnancy
no specific monitoring required
pregnancy
second trimesterno adjustment needed
continue use as directed for skin protection
no specific monitoring required
pregnancy
third trimesterno adjustment needed
safe for use including perineal area
no specific monitoring required
lactation
breastfeedingno adjustment needed
safe for use on breasts avoiding nipple area if breastfeeding
no specific monitoring required
pediatric_age
infants 0 2 yearsno adjustment needed
commonly used in diaper rash creams for infants
monitor for skin irritation or allergic reactions
pediatric_age
children 2 12 yearsno adjustment needed
appropriate for children's skin care needs
monitor for skin irritation
geriatric
elderly 65 years and olderno adjustment needed
appropriate for elderly skin care especially for dry skin and pressure ulcer prevention
monitor skin integrity with prolonged use
renal_impairment
mild to moderateno adjustment needed
no dosage adjustment required due to minimal systemic absorption
no specific monitoring required
hepatic_impairment
mild to moderateno adjustment needed
no dosage adjustment required due to minimal systemic absorption
no specific monitoring required
Statistics and clinical data
Drug class
Classification as skin protectant agent
Common uses
Therapeutic applications for skin protection
Mechanism of action
Pharmacological mechanism
Commonly available since
Over-the-counter availability history
Dimethicone is used to treat pediculosis capitis (head lice infestations). It is effective against both adult lice and their eggs (nits), making it suitable for both treatment and prevention of lice transmission in household contacts.
Dimethicone acts as a physical insecticide rather than a neurotoxin. It coats the exoskeleton of lice and penetrates the respiratory system of nits, causing suffocation and dehydration of the parasites. This mechanical action also loosens the grip of nits on hair shafts, facilitating their removal.
Dimethicone is for topical use only on the hair and scalp. It is generally well-tolerated with minimal systemic absorption. Avoid contact with eyes and mucous membranes. Treatment may need to be repeated after 7-10 days to eliminate newly hatched lice. A fine-tooth comb should be used to remove dead lice and nits after treatment.
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 31, 2026. · Read our editorial policy