The FDA has approved benzyl alcohol lotion, 5% (Ulesfia Lotion - Sciele) for treatment of head lice in patients ≥6 months old. The active ingredient is 5% benzyl alcohol; the vehicle is 5% mineral oil.

The FDA has approved spinosad 0.9% suspension (Natroba – ParaPro) for topical treatment of head lice infestation in patients ≥4 years old. It is available only by prescription.

The FDA has approved the antiparasitic drug ivermectin in a 0.5% lotion (Sklice – Sanofi Pasteur) as a single-use topical treatment for head lice in patients ≥6 months old. Oral ivermectin (Stromectol – Merck) is effective for treatment of head lice resistant to other therapies, but it has not been approved by the FDA for this indication.

The possibility that use of mifepristone (Mifeprex, and generics) may be restricted has led to questions about alternatives for medication abortion.

Metreleptin (Myalept – Amylin), a recombinant leptin analog produced in E. coli, has been approved by the FDA to treat the complications of leptin deficiency in patients with congenital or acquired generalized lipodystrophy. It has not been approved to date for the treatment of partial lipodystrophies, including those associated with the use of protease inhibitors in patients with HIV. Metreleptin is approved in Japan for the treatment of any lipodystrophy disorder.

Benzyl Alcohol Lotion for Head Lice (Med Lett Drugs Ther 2009; 51:57) In Table 1, the price for lindane 1% shampoo should be $136.86 (not $3.00). When a Statin Fails (Med Lett Drugs Ther 2009; 51:58) The first sentence should read as follows: "The National Cholesterol Program recommends that LDL-C be lowered to less than 100 mg/dL (2.6 mmol/L) for patients at high risk...." Tapentadol (Nucynta) - A New Analgesic (Med Lett Drugs Ther 2009; 51:61) In table 1, the half-life for tapentadol should be 4 hours (not...

The FDA has approved setmelanotide (Imcivree – Rhythm), a subcutaneously injected melanocortin 4 (MC4) receptor agonist, for chronic weight management in patients ≥6 years old with obesity due to pro-opiomelanocortin (POMC) deficiency, proprotein subtilisin/kexin type 1 (PCSK1) deficiency, or leptin receptor (LEPR) deficiency.

Topical ivermectin lotion 0.5% (Sklice, and generics), which has been available by prescription since 2012, is now FDA-approved for sale over the counter (OTC) for treatment of head lice in patients ≥6 months old. Ivermectin is also available by prescription as a 1% cream (Soolantra) approved for topical treatment of inflammatory lesions of rosacea and in oral tablets (Stromectol, and generics) for treatment of various parasitic infections.

Botulinum toxin type A (Botox Cosmetic - Allergan) has received formal approval from the FDA for treatment of glabellar ("frown") lines in adults not more than 65 years old, and is being heavily advertised. Even before this approval, cosmetic use of botulinum toxin to reduce wrinkles on the face and neck had become a popular alternative to cosmetic surgery (Medical Letter 1999; 41:63). Botulinum toxin type A (Botox) and type B (Myobloc) are approved for treatment of cervical dystonia (Medical Letter 2001; 43:53), and type A has been approved since 1989 for treatment of strabismus and...

Pediculosis capitis (head lice infestations) occur in all age groups, but especially in elementary school children. In most cases, transmission occurs by head-to-head contact. Pharmacologic treatment is recommended for persons with live lice or eggs (nits) within 1 cm of the scalp. Topical pediculicides should be tried first. Oral therapy is occasionally required for refractory infestations.