Home Drug Guide Benzyl Alcohol

Drug Guide

Generic Name

Benzyl Alcohol

Brand Names Ulesfia

Classification

Therapeutic: Antiparasitic

Pharmacological: Topical antiseptic

FDA Approved Indications

  • Treatment of head lice infestations (pediculosis) in patients 6 months and older

Mechanism of Action

Benzyl Alcohol works by asphyxiating lice; it penetrates the chitinous exoskeleton and paralyzes lice, leading to their death by suffocation.

Dosage and Administration

Adult: Apply to dry hair to cover all affected areas, leave on for 10 minutes, then rinse. Repeat after 7 days if necessary.

Pediatric: Same as adult; specific guidance for children 6 months and older provided in product labeling.

Geriatric: No specific dosage adjustment required, but use with caution and monitor for hypersensitivity.

Renal Impairment: No specific adjustments noted.

Hepatic Impairment: No specific adjustments noted.

Pharmacokinetics

Absorption: Minimal systemic absorption when applied topically.

Distribution: Primarily remains on the skin/hair scalp.

Metabolism: Not significantly metabolized systemically.

Excretion: Excreted mainly via skin and in hair.

Half Life: Not applicable due to minimal systemic absorption.

Contraindications

  • Hypersensitivity to benzyl alcohol or other ingredients.

Precautions

  • Avoid contact with eyes. Use with caution in individuals with sensitive skin or known allergies. Not for use in children under 6 months.

Adverse Reactions - Common

  • Skin irritation or redness (Uncommon)
  • Itching or burning sensation on scalp (Uncommon)

Adverse Reactions - Serious

  • Allergic reactions including rash, swelling, difficulty breathing (Rare)

Drug-Drug Interactions

  • No significant interactions documented.

Drug-Food Interactions

  • No significant interactions identified.

Drug-Herb Interactions

  • No known interactions.

Nursing Implications

Assessment: Check for hypersensitivity, assess scalp and hair condition.

Diagnoses:

  • Risk for skin irritation or allergic reaction.

Implementation: Apply medication as directed, ensuring coverage of affected areas; avoid eyes.

Evaluation: Monitor for resolution of infestation and adverse reactions.

Patient/Family Teaching

  • Instruct on proper application technique.
  • Advise to avoid contact with eyes.
  • Inform about possible skin reactions and to report any severe or unusual symptoms.

Special Considerations

Black Box Warnings:

  • None

Genetic Factors: None specific to genetic factors.

Lab Test Interference: None known.

Overdose Management

Signs/Symptoms: Local skin irritation; systemic toxicity is unlikely due to minimal absorption.

Treatment: Supportive care; no specific antidote—remove application area and treat symptomatically.

Storage and Handling

Storage: Store at room temperature, away from heat and moisture.

Stability: Stable when stored properly.

🛡️ 5 Critical Medication Safety Tips for Nurses

1

Triple-Check High-Risk Medications

Always have another nurse verify insulin, heparin, warfarin, and chemotherapy drugs. These "high-alert" medications cause the most serious errors. Check concentration, dose calculation, and pump settings twice.

2

Know Look-Alike, Sound-Alike Drugs

Common mix-ups: hydromorphone/morphine, Celebrex/Celexa, Zyprexa/Zyrtec. Always use BOTH generic and brand names, read labels twice, and use barcode scanning when available. One wrong letter can be fatal.

3

Assess Before AND After Giving Meds

Check vitals before cardiac meds, pain levels before analgesics, and blood glucose before insulin. Always reassess within 30 minutes to evaluate effectiveness and watch for adverse reactions.

4

Watch for Drug Interactions

Common dangerous combinations: warfarin + aspirin (bleeding), ACE inhibitors + potassium (hyperkalemia), digoxin + diuretics (toxicity). Always check drug interactions before administering new medications.

5

Educate Your Patients

Teach patients medication names, purposes, major side effects, and what to report. Informed patients catch errors and improve compliance. Always encourage questions - an educated patient is a safer patient.

⚡ Remember: When in doubt, don't give it out! It's always safer to double-check than regret later.

⚠️ Medical Disclaimer

This drug guide is for educational purposes only and is NOT intended for clinical use. Always consult current prescribing information, healthcare providers, and institutional protocols before administering any medication. Do not use this information for patient care decisions.