Comparative Pharmacology
Head-to-head clinical analysis: KWELL versus LINDANE.
Peer-Reviewed Evidence
Head-to-head clinical analysis: KWELL versus LINDANE.
KWELL vs LINDANE
Comparing the clinical profiles, pharmacokinetic behaviors, and safety indices of these two therapeutic agents.
Gamma benzene hexachloride (lindane) is an ectoparasiticide and scabicide that acts by penetrating the exoskeleton and disrupting the nervous system of parasites, leading to paralysis and death. It also has toxic effects on the central nervous system of humans.
Lindane is an organochlorine insecticide that acts by binding to the GABA-A receptor, inhibiting chloride ion influx, leading to hyperexcitation and death of arthropods. It also blocks voltage-gated sodium channels in neurons.
Adults: Apply 1% permethrin cream (Kwell) topically to all skin areas from neck to toes, leave on for 8-14 hours, then wash off. Single application is usually sufficient; repeat in 7 days if live lice persist.
Scabies: Apply 1% lotion or cream thinly to entire body from neck to toes; leave on for 8-12 hours, then wash off. Lice: Apply 1% shampoo to dry hair, lather with water, leave for 4 minutes, then rinse; repeat in 7 days if needed.
None Documented
None Documented
Terminal elimination half-life: 11-17 hours (mean 14 hours) in adults; prolonged in hepatic impairment (up to 30 hours) or severe renal impairment (up to 24 hours).
Terminal half-life: 18-21 hours in adults; prolonged in obesity (up to 30-40 hours) due to adipose storage. Accumulation occurs with repeated dermal applications.
Renal: ~80% (50% as unchanged drug, 30% as inactive metabolites). Biliary/fecal: ~20% (primarily as metabolites).
Primarily renal; ~50% as metabolites (conjugated and oxidized), <20% unchanged. Fecal excretion accounts for ~10-15% via biliary elimination. Small amounts excreted in sweat.
Category C
Category C
Scabicide
Scabicide/Pediculicide