Pyrithione Zinc
Rid is a brand-name topical medication primarily used to treat infestations of head lice, body lice, and pubic lice (crabs). It contains benzyl benzoate as its active ingredient and is available in lotion and spray formulations. The medication is applied directly to the affected areas of the skin or hair to kill lice and their eggs (nits).
Rid is a topical lice treatment that kills head, body, and pubic lice along with their eggs.
Key facts at a glance
- RxNorm
- 35607
- Generic
- Rid
- Class
- brand-name
- Brands
- —
- Availability
- rx
- Lactation
- unknown
- Routes
- —
- Forms
- —
- Regions
- US, EU, CN, JP
- 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.
Treatment of pediculosis (lice infestations) including head lice (Pediculus humanus capitis), body lice (Pediculus humanus corporis), and pubic/crab lice (Pthirus pubis).
The exact mechanism is not specified by the manufacturer, but benzyl benzoate works as a pediculicide by penetrating the exoskeleton of lice and their eggs, ultimately killing them through contact exposure.
For external use only; avoid contact with eyes, nose, mouth, and mucous membranes. Not recommended for use on eyebrows or eyelashes. A fine-toothed comb should be used to remove dead lice and nits. Treatment may need to be repeated in 7-10 days to kill any newly hatched lice. Consult a healthcare provider before use in children, pregnant, or breastfeeding individuals.
Official drug label
WellAlly may earn a referral fee from linked resources at no extra cost to you. Editorial content is never influenced by commercial relationships.
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 July 26, 2026. · Read our editorial policy