What is lindane?

Lindane is one of several related compounds chemically classified as hexachlorocyclohexanes or HCH. Lindane has been available for use in the U.S. for over 60 years, with applications in both healthcare and agriculture. During this time, agricultural-grade lindane products, limited in recent years to preplanting seed treatments for 6 crops (barley, corn, oats, rye, sorghum and wheat), have accounted for more than 99% of all lindane uses. In contrast, less than 1% of lindane has been in the form of prescription medications-pharmaceutical-grade topical therapies expressly developed for the treatment of human disease, namely scabies, head lice and pubic (crab) lice.

Repeatedly, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has concluded that the health benefits of lindane medications, when used as described in the prescription product label, outweigh any of the potential risks. Similarly, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has determined that there are no significant risks to public health or the environment with medical uses of lindane (See 2006 EPA RED for Agricultural Lindane).

Please See Important Safety Information on Lindane