Lindane poisonings

Abstract

One percent lindane, widely used to treat scabies and pediculosis, presents toxicologic problems when used excessively. A 16-year-old mentally retarded boy accidentally ingested approximately 392 g of 1% lindane shampoo and recovered. A 2-month-old, 4.5-kg, male infant was found dead in his crib after excessive application of a 1% lindane lotion. In the former patient, initial serum levels of lindane were 206 parts per billion (ppb) declining to 1.0 ppb after 25 days. In the latter, lindane was identified in the brain at a concentration of 110 ppb. Brain levels of lindane were three times greater than the levels found in the blood. Although the relationship of this pesticide exposure to the fatal outcome in the second case was conjectural, it was illustrative of the problem of interpreting CNS events that occur shortly after excessive exposure to this insecticide.

Lindane Toxicity: A Comprehensive Review of the Medical Literature

“…In an infant who died shortly after the application of a 1% lindane lotion, lindane was identified in the brain at a concentration of 110 parts per billion. These levels were three times as high as those found in the blood (11). The FDA reports that 70% of the adverse reactions to the drug are neurologic in origin and include ataxia, disorientation, tremors, seizures, and death (4).…”

Ulcerative irritant contact dermatitis from lindane

“…Toxication of lindane including nausea, vomiting, convulsions, respiratory failure with cyanosis and even death have been reported. Chronic exposure may also induce blood dyscrasias, decreased liver function, altered menses and cardiac arrhythmia (2–4). Other minor irritant symptoms including burning sensation, pruritus, erythema and vesiculation have been noted too.…”

Lice, Nits, and School Policy

“…Central nervous system toxicity and anemia have been reported after exposure to lindane. [25][26][27] Carbaryl, a pediculicide used in the United Kingdom, was restricted to prescription use after it was found to be a carcinogen in animal tests. 28 In this study we did not attempt to discriminate between infestation from hatching nits and reinfestation from other persons.…”