# Malathion

```text
DRUG INFORMATION

  ADULT
    - Apply malathion lotion on DRY hair in amount just sufficient to thoroughly wet the
      hair and scalp. Pay particular attention to the back of the head and neck while
      applying malathion lotion. Wash hands after applying to scalp. Allow hair to dry
      naturally - use no electric heat source, and allow hair to remain uncovered. After
      8 to 12 hours, the hair should be shampooed. Rinse and use a fine - toothed (nit)
      comb to remove dead lice and eggs.
      Source: US FDA label for malathion (Malathion), section 'dosage and
      administration', retrieved 2026-08-29

  CHILD
    - The safety and effectiveness of malathion lotion in children less than 6 years of
      age has not been established via well-controlled trials.
      Source: US FDA label for malathion (Malathion), section 'pediatric use', retrieved
      2026-08-29

  RENAL IMPAIRMENT
    - No kidney-impairment dose in this label. Not a statement that none is needed.
      Source: Read and found silent: the US FDA label for malathion (Malathion),
      retrieved 2026-08-29

  HEPATIC IMPAIRMENT
    - No liver-impairment dose in this label. Not a statement that none is needed.
      Source: Read and found silent: the US FDA label for malathion (Malathion),
      retrieved 2026-08-29

  PREGNANCY
    - Pregnancy Category B There was no evidence of teratogenicity in studies in rats
      and rabbits at doses up to 900 mg/kg/day and 100 mg/kg/day malathion,
      respectively.
      Source: US FDA label for malathion (Malathion), section 'pregnancy', retrieved
      2026-08-29
    - A study in rats failed to show any gross fetal abnormalities attributable to
      feeding malathion up to 2,500 ppm (~ 200 mg/kg/day) in the diet during a three -
      generation evaluation period.
      Source: US FDA label for malathion (Malathion), section 'pregnancy', retrieved
      2026-08-29
    - These doses were approximately 40 to 180 times higher than the dose anticipated in
      a 60 kg adult (based on body surface area and assuming 100% bioavailability).
      Source: US FDA label for malathion (Malathion), section 'pregnancy', retrieved
      2026-08-29

  BREASTFEEDING
    - Malathion in an acetone vehicle has been reported to be absorbed through human
      skin to the extent of 8% of the applied dose.
      Source: US FDA label for malathion (Malathion), section 'nursing mothers',
      retrieved 2026-08-29
    - However, percutaneous absorption from the malathion lotion, 0.5% formulation has
      not been studied, and it is not known whether malathion is excreted in human milk.
      Source: US FDA label for malathion (Malathion), section 'nursing mothers',
      retrieved 2026-08-29
    - Because many drugs are excreted in human milk, caution should be exercised when
      malathion lotion is administered to (or handled by) a nursing mother.
      Source: US FDA label for malathion (Malathion), section 'nursing mothers',
      retrieved 2026-08-29
```

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Dawaa Reference is a reference for prescribers, not a medical device, and does not replace clinical judgement.

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