Medication

Ulesfia

Generic name:

Pharmacist-reviewed drug information from the RxWiki encyclopedia.

Overview

Ulesfia is a prescription medication used to get rid of lice in the scalp hair of children and adults.  Ulesfia belongs to a group of drugs called pediculicides. This medication works by suffocating the lice.

This medication comes in lotion form and is applied to dry scalp hair for 10 minutes and then rinsed out with water. A second application of Ulesfia is required, one week later, to kill lice that hatched from eggs.

Common side effects of Ulesfia include skin or eye itching, redness, and irritation. 

What is it used for?

Ulesfia is a prescription medicine used to get rid of lice in scalp hair of children and adults.

This medication may be prescribed for other uses. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

How to take it

Apply the full amount of Ulesfia prescribed by your healthcare provider for each of your 2 applications one week apart. Your doctor will prescribe a specific amount of Ulesfia based on your hair length. Be sure to cover all of your scalp area and hair.

Ulesfia gets rid of lice but does not get rid of lice eggs so a second application is needed one week (7 days) after the first application.

  • Use Ulesfia exactly as prescribed. Your healthcare provider will prescribe the treatment that is right for you. Do not change your treatment unless you talk to your healthcare provider.
  • Use Ulesfia in two applications that are one week apart. Ulesfia Lotion gets rid of lice but does not get rid of lice eggs so a second application is needed one week (7 days) after the first application.
  • Ulesfia coats the lice on your scalp and scalp hair. It is important to use enough Ulesfia to coat completely every single louse and to leave it on your scalp for the full 10 minutes. 
  • Because you need to completely cover all of the lice with Ulesfia, you may need help in applying Ulesfia to your scalp and hair. Make sure that you and anyone who helps you apply Ulesfia reads and understands the instructions for use.
  • Children need adult help in applying Ulesfia.
  • Do not get into eyes. If Ulesfia gets in the eye, flush with water right away.
  • Do not swallow Ulesfia. If swallowed, call your healthcare provider right away.
  • Wash your hands after you apply Ulesfia.

Warnings

This medication should not be used in children less than 6 months of age. Ulesfia Lotion contains benzyl alcohol, a potentially dangerous ingredient when used in newborns.

Ulesfia should only be used on children (6 months of age and older) under the direct supervision of an adult. Keep out of reach of children.

Ulesfia may cause allergic reactions such as skin rashes. Tell your healthcare provider if you are allergic to benzyl alcohol, or any of the ingredients in Ulesfia.

Ulesfia should only be used on the hair and scalp. Avoid getting Ulesfia Lotion in your eyes and fce.

If Ulesfia gets in your eyes, flush them with water right away. If your eyes are still irritated after flushing with water, call your healthcare provider or get medical help right away.

Side effects

People using Ulesfia may have skin or eye:

  • itching,
  • redness,
  • irritation. If skin or eye irritation happens, rinse with water right away, then call your healthcare provider or go to the emergency department.

Tell your healthcare provider if you have any side effect that bothers you or that does not go away.

These are not all the side effects of Ulesfia. For more information, ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Drug interactions

This medication is unlikely to be affected by, or affect other medications. While no Ulesfia drug interactions have been identified, you should tell your doctor about all the medicines you take including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements. Not all drug interactions are known or reported and new drug interactions are continually being reported.

Pregnancy

Tell your healthcare provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. It is not known if Ulesfia can harm your unborn baby. Talk to your healthcare provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.

Breastfeeding

Tell your healthcare provider if you are breastfeeding. It is not known if Ulesfia passes into your breast milk or if it can harm your baby. You should choose to breastfeed or use Ulesfia, but not both. Talk to your healthcare provider about other ways to feed your baby while using Ulesfia.

All information on this site is provided “as-is” for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment. You should consult with a medical professional if you have any questions about your health.