Last reviewed · How we verify
Benzyl Alcohol Lotion 5%
Benzyl alcohol acts as a pediculicide and ovicide by disrupting the nervous system of lice and their eggs through neurotoxic effects.
Benzyl alcohol acts as a pediculicide and ovicide by disrupting the nervous system of lice and their eggs through neurotoxic effects. Used for Head lice infestation (Pediculus humanus capitis).
At a glance
| Generic name | Benzyl Alcohol Lotion 5% |
|---|---|
| Sponsor | Akorn, Inc. |
| Drug class | Pediculicide |
| Modality | Small molecule |
| Therapeutic area | Dermatology / Parasitic Infection |
| Phase | Phase 3 |
Mechanism of action
Benzyl alcohol is a topical agent that paralyzes and kills head lice (Pediculus humanus capitis) and their nits by interfering with their neuromuscular function. The 5% lotion formulation allows for direct contact with lice and eggs on the scalp and hair. It is believed to work through a mechanism distinct from traditional neurotoxic insecticides, making it potentially useful for lice resistant to conventional treatments.
Approved indications
- Head lice infestation (Pediculus humanus capitis)
Common side effects
- Scalp irritation
- Erythema
- Pruritus
- Contact dermatitis
Key clinical trials
Primary sources
Every claim on this page is sourced from regulatory or scientific primary sources. See our editorial policy for full methodology.
| Source | Used for |
|---|---|
| ClinicalTrials.gov | Trial enrolment, design, endpoints, results |
Competitive intelligence
For the full competitive landscape — auto-detected comparators, recent regulatory actions across the set, upcoming PDUFA, patent timeline, sponsor landscape:
- Benzyl Alcohol Lotion 5% CI brief — competitive landscape report
- Benzyl Alcohol Lotion 5% updates RSS · CI watch RSS
- Akorn, Inc. portfolio CI