Dimeticon

Long-chain, chemically inert, clear silicone oil that does not dissolve in water or fat. As such, dimethicone is a very stable substance that acts exclusively physically in the body and does not undergo any chemical reactions. Component of various ointment bases. Products based on silicones suffocate lice, for example, by penetrating their respiratory openings. The currently approved pediculocides containing dimethicone are all approved as medical products. They differ in the type of linear polydimdethylsiloxane used.

• Systemic application: Inhibition and dissolution of flatulence and gas accumulations in the gastrointestinal tract by reducing the surface tension of gas bubbles, causing them to disintegrate (avoidance of a bloated abdomen; avoidance of gas shadows during radiological and sonographic examinations). The released gases can then be absorbed by the intestinal wall or transported towards the anus and excreted by intestinal movements.
• External application: formation of an airtight film on the skin and hair. In antiparasitic therapy this leads to blockage of the respiratory openings of head lice and nits or other parasites, so that they suffocate.
• Dimeticon is used in creams to protect the skin; it also improves the skin feel for a cream.

Dermatological: Pediculosis capitis

Gastroenterological: Inhibition and dissolution of flatulence and gas accumulation in the gastrointestinal tract;

• For pediculosis capitis:
• Use of a 4% dimethicone application (EtoPril®): Apply to scalp and hair, massage vigorously and leave for at least 8 hours. Then wash out with a shampoo and comb out lice and nits with a nits comb.
• Use of a 100% Dimeticon application (Jacutin Pedicul®): Apply to dry hair and distribute completely. Leave on for 10 minutes. Comb hair with a thick comb, strand by strand. Then rinse thoroughly with a normal shampoo 1-2 times. Repeat the procedure after 8-10 days.
• For flatulence:
• Take one or two chewable tablets with or after meals.

• Etopril (4% dimethicone)
• Nyda (approx. 90% mixture of different dimethicones)
• Jacutin Pedicul Fluid (100% Dimeticon)

The dimeticone-cyclometicone-containing head lice remedy Etopril warns of a high flammability. Hair can burn easily and violently with this substance combination and is hardly extinguishable. According to the manufacturer, there is no increased fire risk with the Jacutin Pedicul Fluid, which contains only dimethicone.

Accompanying measures for head lice:

• Change bed linen, underwear, pyjamas and towels.
• Clothes, cuddly toys, scarves and objects that could have been exposed to head lice through direct contact, should be kept at room temperature for 3 days in a plastic bag.
• Clean combs, brushes and hair accessories in hot soap solution.
• Clean upholstery, pillows, blankets, carpets and carpeting from loose hair with a vacuum cleaner.

1. Ferrara Pet al (2013) Efficacy and Safety of Dimeticone in the Treatment of Lice Infestation through Prophylaxis of Classmates. Iran J Public Health 42:700-706
2. Ihde ES et al (2015) Safety and efficacy of a 100% dimethicone pediculocide in school-age children. BMC Pediatr 15:70
3. Speare Bvsc R (2013) A single application of dimeticone is superior to two applications of permethrin in ridding head lice. J Pediatr 163:1531-1533