Dicophane
Mild
Textbook
Enhanced efficacy for ectoparasitic treatment.
Source: KDT 7e · p904
Drug reference
Benzyl benzoate
Topical scabicide / pediculicide · Antiscabietic, Pediculicide
START
Apply 25% to whole body (neck down) for 24 h, repeat after 7 days
TYPICAL MAX
Single whole-body application per occasion; repeat in 7 days
STOP IF
Severe contact dermatitis or CNS symptoms
WATCH
Skin reactions; treat household contacts; wash bedding/clothes
CDSCO approvedATC P03AX01
KDIGO 2024 + manufacturer label
- ONSET
- 1h · local effect
- PEAK
- 12h · sustained
- t½
- 1d · wash-off
- DURATION
- 1w · until repeat
EXCRETION
Renal — hippuric acid if absorbed
route + CYP
INTERACTIONS
—
none in our sources
PREGNANCY
Permethrin generally preferred; use only if benefit outweighs risk.
FDA category + note
Mechanism
Topical agent toxic to Sarcoptes scabiei mites and lice — neurotoxic mechanism (interferes with arthropod nervous system); used as 25% emulsion/lotion.
Indications
ScabiesPediculosis (head/body lice)
Dosing
- Adult
- Apply 25% emulsion/lotion to whole body from neck down, leave 24 h, wash off; repeat after 7 days. Lice: apply, leave 12–24 h.
- Pediatric
- 2–12 y: dilute to 12.5% (1:1 water); avoid <2 y.
- Renal adjustment
- No adjustment (topical).
- Hepatic adjustment
- No adjustment.
- Geriatric
- Standard topical application.
- Max dose
- Single whole-body application; repeat in 7 days
Pharmacokinetics
Onset
Scabicidal effect within hours of application
Peak effect
Local; sustained while in contact
Duration
24 h (left on skin); curative course 2 applications
Half-life
Not applicable (topical; minimal absorption)
Bioavailability
Low percutaneous absorption
Protein binding
Not applicable
Metabolism
Hepatic if absorbed (to benzoic acid + glycine → hippuric acid)
Excretion
Renal (hippuric acid)
Contraindications
- Infants <2 years (CNS toxicity if absorbed)
- Inflamed/broken skin
- Hypersensitivity
Side effects
Common
Local irritation/burningPruritusErythemaContact dermatitis
Serious
- CNS toxicity if extensively absorbed (esp. infants)
- Severe contact dermatitis
Pregnancy & lactation
Pregnancy
Permethrin generally preferred; use only if benefit outweighs risk.
Lactation
Avoid on chest/breast area during breastfeeding.
Drug interactions
Lindane
Mild
Textbook
Improves the cure rate of ectoparasitic infestations to nearly 100%.
Source: KDT 7e · p903
Aspirin
Mild
Database
Metabolised to benzoate (small amount)
No action
Source: Kimi deep-research + Cla
Other Topical Scabicides
Mild
Database
Avoid stacking
Use one agent per course
Source: Kimi deep-research + Cla
Skin Emollients
Mild
Database
May reduce penetration
Apply scabicide first, emollient later
Source: Kimi deep-research + Cla
Soap
Mild
Database
Removes drug from skin
Apply to dry skin; avoid washing for 24 h
Source: Kimi deep-research + Cla
Topical Corticosteroids
Mild
Database
Mask itch but may reduce scabicidal effect
Avoid steroid during treatment; use after for post-scabietic itch
Source: Kimi deep-research + Cla
Related guidelines
Ask House about Benzyl benzoate
Continue into a citation-backed clinical answer with the drug context already attached.
Sources: KD Tripathi 7e, BNF·Verified: 2026-05-20 · House clinical team·Cockpit curated: 2026-05-20