Spinosad (Topical application)

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Jan 29, 2022.

Commonly used brand name(s)

In the U.S.

• Natroba

Available Dosage Forms:

• Suspension

Therapeutic Class: Pediculicide

Uses for spinosad

Spinosad 0.9% topical suspension is used to treat head lice and scabies infestations.

Spinosad is available only with your doctor's prescription.

Before using spinosad

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 spinosad, the following should be considered:

Allergies

Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to spinosad 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 performed to date have not demonstrated pediatric-specific problems that would limit the usefulness of spinosad topical to treat head lice in children 6 months of age and older and scabies in children 4 years of age and older. Safety and efficacy of spinosad topical to treat scabies have not been established in children younger than 4 years of age. Use is not recommended in children younger than 6 months of age.

Geriatric

Appropriate studies performed to date have not demonstrated geriatric-specific problems that would limit the usefulness of spinosad topical in the elderly.

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.

Proper use of spinosad

Use spinosad exactly as directed by your doctor. Do not use more of it, do not use it more often, and do not use it for a longer time than your doctor tells you. Do not change your treatment without checking with your doctor first.

Use spinosad on the skin, hair, and scalp only. Keep the medicine out of your eyes, nose, mouth, and vagina. If the medicine gets in your eyes, rinse them well with water. Do not swallow the medicine.

Spinosad comes with a patient information leaflet. Read and follow the instructions carefully. Ask your doctor if you have any questions.

To use for head lice:

• Shake the bottle well before ...