R & C topical ointment is a medication that is used to treat lice infestations. This medical formula has ingredients that are known as pyrethrins which are toxic to lice that are living on a person’s body, on their pubic hairs, or upon their scalp. Lice can spread quickly from one person to another and they need to be destroyed as soon as you discover them.

The medicine known as R and C is one of a number of formulas that are designed to kill the lice on contact. Although one treatment should kill any living lice that it comes in contact with but may not kill all of the nits (lice eggs) that are present. A second application is recommended by medical professionals. It be re-applied in 7-10 days so that any newly hatched nits are also killed.

According to medical experts this drug is more correctly categorized as a pediculicide. The two active ingredients that the formula contains are Piperonyl Butoxide and pyrethrins. The addition of the Piperonyl Butoxide intensifies the actions of the pyrethrins. This makes them the pyrethrins more effective at eliminating even long standing lice infestations.

The pyrethrins that the R & C ointment contains are absorbed by the lice.  The formula is able to  kill them because it systematically targets their internal nervous systems. Pyrethrins can be safely used on humans without producing similar effects.

R& C topical ointment is the brand name that is generally sold in Canada. The formula is a combination of Piperonlyl Butoxide and Pyrethrins.  There are many other names for this external medicine that are available in the US.

Here is a short list of some other US medical pediculocide products that work in a manner identical to R& C ointment:

• Blue
• Pronto Lice Killing Shampoo Kit
• Licetrol
• Tisit Shampoo
• A-200 Shampoo Concentrate
• Barc
• A-200 Gel Concentrate
• Triple X
• Rid
• Tisit
• Pyrinyl
• Tisit Blue

At the present time you can obtain this type of medicine without having a medical prescription. If you have any type of health issues or are using any other prescription drugs it would be a good idea for you ask your health care professional about the product before you choose to use it.

Formulas that contain both pyrethrins and piperonyl butoxide are available as shampoos, gels and topical ointments in the US. Canada only offers the formula as a solution shampoo

Allergies

If you have ever had allergies or allergic reactions to preservatives, dyes, ragweeds, chrysanthemums, kerosene, petroleum based products, piperonyl butoxide or pyrethrins you should not use this pediculocide  until you discuss it with your health care professional or a nearby  medical physician.

Pregnancy

Both Pyrethrins and piperonyl butoxide can be absorbed through the surface of the skin but these ingredients have not been linked to any birth defects.

Breast-feeding

It is widely believed by medical experts that women can use products containing Pyrethrins and piperonyl butoxide ingredients while they are nursing their babies. However you should still first discuss it you’re your doctor before you use this product if you are a mother who is breast feeding an infant.

Children

There have been no problems noted when using pyrethrins and piperonyl butoxide on the skin or scalp of children. However many parents still feel uneasy and may choose to treat lice infestations with some other type of medical or herbal product.

Miscellaneous

If someone has skin inflammations that are moderate to severe using a solution that contains pyrethrins or piperonyl butoxide could temporarily worsen their skin condition. Always get a medical professional’s opinion about whether or not to use this product if you suffer from a skin rash, eczema or psoriasis.

Warnings

Medication that contains pyrethrins and/or piperonyl butoxide are extremely dangerous if they are inhaled or ingested

Never let this medicine come close to any oral contact, and always keep it away from your mouth or lips.

Never inhale the vapors from this medicine. Apply the shampoo or topical ointment in a room with adequate ventilation and good air circulation.

Always make sure that any medicine containing the ingredients pyrethrins and piperonyl butoxide does not come in contact with your eyes or other mucous membranes.

Do not try to use this type of medication on your eyebrows or eyelashes. If lice are a problem in this area they can be removed by hand.

Directions for Use

The medicine should be applied to wet hair or skin, as appropriate.

Then wash your hands to clear away any residue.

The pediculocide should only remain on the skin or scalp for 10 minutes and then you must wash and rinse your hair or skin thoroughly to remove all traces of the medication.

If you are using the shampoo on your scalp you will need to comb your hair with a specialized, fine tooth comb designed to remove dead lice and their sticky nits(eggs) from  your scalp and hair.

Repeat these steps once again within 7-10 days to make sure that you have killed all of the lice and nits.

If you are using the medicine to treat “crabs”,or pubic lice, you should also make sure that any sexual partners are also treated. Lice are spread through close, personal contact and you need to let others know that they may be at risk for an outbreak of lice.

Should you have any questions about dosage or directions you should seek the advice of a medical professional.