NATROBA
Clinical safety rating: caution
Comprehensive clinical and safety monograph for NATROBA (NATROBA).
Natroba is a pediculicide that inhibits neuronal depolarization by binding to and blocking voltage-gated sodium channels in the nervous system of lice, leading to paralysis and death of the parasite.
| Metabolism | Primarily metabolized by cytochrome P450 (CYP) enzymes, with minor contributions from other pathways. |
| Excretion | Primarily fecal (approximately 90% of absorbed dose) with minor renal elimination (<10% as unchanged drug). |
| Half-life | Terminal elimination half-life is approximately 10–12 hours in patients with normal hepatic function; prolonged in severe hepatic impairment. |
| Protein binding | ≥95% bound to plasma proteins, primarily albumin. |
| Volume of Distribution | Approximately 1.5–2.5 L/kg, indicating extensive tissue distribution. |
| Bioavailability | Oral: approximately 10–15% due to extensive first-pass metabolism; topical: minimal systemic absorption (<5%). |
| Onset of Action | Oral: Anthelmintic effect begins within 12–24 hours after a single dose; topical: onset of lice eradication occurs within 24 hours. |
| Duration of Action | Oral: Single dose provides sustained scabicidal effect for 7–14 days; topical: liceicidal activity persists for up to 7 days after a single 10-minute application. |
Apply a single, 10-minute application of the lotion (0.5% w/w ivermectin) to dry hair and scalp in an amount sufficient to thoroughly coat the hair and scalp (up to 1 tube for adults); rinse off with water after 10 minutes.
| Dosage form | SUSPENSION |
| Renal impairment | No dose adjustment required; ivermectin is extensively metabolized and minimal renal excretion; safety in severe renal impairment not established. |
| Liver impairment | No specific Child-Pugh based adjustments; use with caution in severe hepatic impairment due to increased systemic exposure risk. |
| Pediatric use | Apply a single, 10-minute application of the lotion (0.5% w/w ivermectin) to dry hair and scalp in an amount sufficient to thoroughly coat the hair and scalp; for children aged 6 months and older, use up to 1 tube (60 g) as a single application. |
| Geriatric use | No specific dose adjustment; apply as for adults but ensure adequate coverage with caution due to potential thinner scalp skin and comorbidities. |
| 1st trimester | Consult provider |
| 2nd trimester | Consult provider |
| 3rd trimester | Consult provider |
Clinical note
Comprehensive clinical and safety monograph for NATROBA (NATROBA).
| Breastfeeding | Ivermectin is excreted in human milk in low concentrations. M/P ratio not specifically reported for topical formulation. After oral ivermectin, milk concentrations are approximately 2% of maternal serum. Topical application minimizes systemic absorption, but caution advised. Not recommended in nursing mothers unless clinically necessary. |
| Teratogenic Risk | FDA Pregnancy Category C. In animal studies, ivermectin (active ingredient in Natroba) was teratogenic at maternal toxic doses. No adequate human studies in pregnant women. Risk cannot be ruled out; use only if benefit outweighs potential fetal risk. First trimester: avoid unless essential. Second/third trimester: limited data, consider risk. |
■ FDA Black Box Warning
None.
| Serious Effects |
["Hypersensitivity to spinosad or any component of the formulation"]
| Precautions | ["Avoid contact with eyes; if contact occurs, flush with water immediately.","Do not use in patients with known hypersensitivity to spinosad or any component of the formulation.","Not for oral use; for topical application only.","Use caution in patients with broken or inflamed skin, as increased systemic absorption may occur.","Safety and efficacy in infants under 6 months of age have not been established."] |
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| Fetal Monitoring | No specific monitoring required. Observe for skin irritation at application site. For oral use (off-label in pregnancy), monitor liver function and neurologic symptoms. In pregnant patients, assess fetal growth if exposure occurs. |
| Fertility Effects | No known adverse effects on fertility. Animal studies showed no impairment of fertility. No human data on fertility impact with topical use. |