Medications and Drugs

Brand Names: Natroba

Generic Name: spinosad topical (Pronunciation: SPIN oh sad TOP i kal)

What is spinosad topical (Natroba)?

Spinosad is an anti-parasite medication.

Spinosad topical (for the skin) is used to treat head lice in adults and children who are at least 4 years old.

Spinosad topical may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What are the possible side effects of spinosad topical (Natroba)?

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Rinse off the medication and call your doctor at once if you have severe burning, stinging, or irritation after applying spinosad topical.

Less serious side effects may include:

scalp redness;
eye redness;
dry or peeling scalp;
temporary hair loss; or
mild irritation where the medication was applied.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What is the most important information I should know about spinosad topical (Natroba)?

You should not use spinosad topical if you are allergic to it.

Before using spinosad topical, tell your doctor if you have any conditions that make your skin sensitive.

It is not known whether spinosad topical passes into breast milk. However, this medication contains a preservative that may be harmful to a newborn.Do not breast-feed within 8 hours after applying spinosad topical.

Do not take this medication by mouth. It is for use only on the hair and scalp. Do not apply spinosad topical to sunburned, irritated, or broken skin.

Use spinosad topical on scalp hair only. Apply this medication to dry hair only. Do not wet your hair or scalp before using spinosad topical.

Avoid getting this medication in your eyes, mouth, or vagina. If this does happen, rinse with water.

For the most complete treatment of head lice and to prevent reinfection, you must treat your environment at the same time you treat your scalp. To prevent reinfection wash all clothing, hats, bed clothes, bed linens, and towels in hot water and dry in high heat. Dry-clean any non-washable clothing. Hair brushes, combs, and hair accessories should be soaked in hot water for at least 10 minutes.

Avoid intimate contact with others until your lice infection has cleared up. Avoid sharing hair brushes, combs, hair accessories, hats, pillows, bedding, clothing, and other articles of personal use. Lice infections are highly contagious.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before using spinosad topical (Natroba)?»

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Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration

You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.