Ovide (Topical)

Generic name:malathion (topical route) [ mal-a-THYE-on ]
Drug class:Topical anti-infectives

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Mar 12, 2022.

The Ovide brand name has been discontinued in the U.S. If generic versions of this product have been approved by the FDA, there may be generic equivalents available.

Commonly used brand name(s)

In the U.S.

Ovide

Available Dosage Forms:

Lotion

Therapeutic Class: Pediculicide

Chemical Class: Organophosphate

Uses for Ovide

Malathion topical lotion is used to treat head lice infections. It belongs to the group of medicines known as pediculicides (medicines that kill lice). Malathion acts by killing both the lice and their eggs.

This medicine is available only with your doctor's prescription.

Before using Ovide

In deciding to use a medicine, the risks of taking the medicine must be weighed against the good it will do. This is a decision you and your doctor will make. For this medicine, the following should be considered:

Allergies

Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to this medicine or any other medicines. Also tell your health care professional if you have any other types of allergies, such as to foods, dyes, preservatives, or animals. For non-prescription products, read the label or package ingredients carefully.

Pediatric

Appropriate studies have not been performed on the relationship of age to the effects of malathion topical in children younger than 6 years of age. Safety and efficacy have not been established. However, use of this medicine in newborn and infants younger than 1 year of age is not recommended.

Geriatric

No information is available on the relationship of age to the effects of malathion topical in geriatric patients.

Breastfeeding

There are no adequate studies in women for determining infant risk when using this medication during breastfeeding. Weigh the potential benefits against the potential risks before taking this medication while breastfeeding.

Interactions with medicines

Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. Tell your healthcare professional if you are taking any other prescription or nonprescription (over-the-counter [OTC]) medicine.

Interactions with food/tobacco/alcohol

Certain medicines should not be used at or around the time of eating food or eating certain types of food since interactions may occur. Using alcohol or tobacco with certain medicines may also cause interactions to occur. Discuss with your healthcare professional the use of your medicine with food, alcohol, or tobacco.

Ovide Topical