Lindane lotion is used topically to treat scabies;lindane shampoo is used to treat head and pubic lice. They are used in situations where treatment with other drugs has failed or cannot be tolerated by the individual.
Summary of Interactions with Vitamins, Herbs, and Foods
In some cases, an herb or supplement may appear in more than one category, which may seem contradictory. For clarification, read the full article for details about the summarized interactions.
 May be Beneficial: Side effect reduction/prevention—Taking these supplements may help reduce the likelihood and/or severity of a potential side effect caused by the medication. | Vitamin E* |
| Depletion or interference | None known |
| Supportive interaction | None known |
| Reduced drug absorption/bioavailability | None known |
| Adverse interaction | None known |
An asterisk (*) next to an item in the summary indicates that the interaction is supported only by weak, fragmentary, and/or contradictory scientific evidence.
Interactions with Dietary Supplements
Vitamin E
Test tube studies reveal that vitamin E protects white blood cells from damage caused by lindane.1 Lindane is known to promote the formation of tumors,2 and more research is needed to determine whether vitamin E, when applied at the same time as lindane, can prevent this adverse effect.
Interactions with Foods and Other Compounds
Oils
Applying oils, creams, and ointments at the same time as lindane may enhance the absorption of the drug through the skin.3 Therefore, to avoid side effects, other drugs and herbal formulas in cream or ointment form should be applied at other times during the day.
References
1. Podstawka U, Grabarczyk M, Kopec-Szlezak J. Vitamin E protects human leucocytes against toxic effects of lindane in vitro. Mater Med Pol 1991;23:285–9.
2. Dich J, Zahn SH, Hanberg A, Adami HO. Pesticides and cancer. Cancer Causes Control 1997;8:420–43.
3. Sifton DW, ed. Physicians Desk Reference. Montvale, NJ: Medical Economics Company, Inc.,2000, 504–5.
Copyright 2007, Healthnotes, Inc., 1505 S.E. Gideon St., Suite 200, Portland, Oregon 97202, www.Healthnotes.com.
2006-09-07
