Home Drug Guide Spinosad

Drug Guide

Generic Name

Spinosad

Brand Names Natroba

Classification

Therapeutic: Antiparasitic agent

Pharmacological: Neurotoxin for insects and arachnids

FDA Approved Indications

  • Treatment of head lice infestation (Pediculosis capitis)

Mechanism of Action

Spinosad activates nicotinic acetylcholine receptors in insects' nervous system, leading to nerve excess stimulation, paralysis, and death.

Dosage and Administration

Adult: Apply as a 0.9% suspension directly to dry scalp hair, ensuring complete coverage. Leave on for 10 minutes, then rinse thoroughly.

Pediatric: Same as adult dosing, suitable for children aged 4 years and older.

Geriatric: No specific dose adjustment needed, but monitor for skin sensitivity.

Renal Impairment: No specific adjustments necessary.

Hepatic Impairment: No specific data; proceed with caution.

Pharmacokinetics

Absorption: Minimal absorption through intact skin.

Distribution: Primarily localized; negligible systemic absorption.

Metabolism: Not extensively metabolized systemically.

Excretion: Excreted mainly in feces; minimal urinary excretion.

Half Life: Data not available; designed for topical use with minimal systemic absorption.

Contraindications

  • Allergy to spinosad or components

Precautions

  • Use with caution in open scalp lesions or compromised skin.

Adverse Reactions - Common

  • Itching or scalp irritation (Common)
  • Redness or inflammation at application site (Common)

Adverse Reactions - Serious

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

Drug-Drug Interactions

  • None well-documented

Drug-Food Interactions

  • No known interactions

Drug-Herb Interactions

  • No known interactions

Nursing Implications

Assessment: Assess for scalp skin integrity and allergic history.

Diagnoses:

  • Risk for skin irritation or hypersensitivity

Implementation: Apply as directed, avoiding contact with eyes or mouth.

Evaluation: Monitor for adverse reactions and efficacy in lice eradication.

Patient/Family Teaching

  • Apply to dry hair, leave on for 10 minutes, then rinse.
  • Avoid contact with eyes, mouth, and open skin lesions.
  • Use comb to remove lice and nits after treatment.

Special Considerations

Black Box Warnings:

  • None

Genetic Factors: None identified.

Lab Test Interference: None known.

Overdose Management

Signs/Symptoms: Local irritation or systemic symptoms are unlikely due to minimal absorption.

Treatment: Supportive care; discontinue use if adverse reactions develop.

Storage and Handling

Storage: Store at controlled room temperature (15-30°C).

Stability: Stable until expiration date if kept properly sealed.

🛡️ 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.