Clinical evaluation of pediculicidal and ovicidal efficacy of two pyrethrin-piperonyl-butoxide formulations.

The pediculicidal and ovicidal efficacy of two pyrethrin-piperonyl-butoxide agents was evaluated in 40 children infested with head lice. Both commercial products, a lotion and a shampoo, had similar formulations. Specifically, the shampoo vehicle was tested to determine whether its surface-tension-lowering action made it more effective as an ovicidal agent than the lotion. Results of the study indicate that the shampoo is 49% more effective than the lotion as an ovicide.