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Over-the-counter medicine · no prescription needed

Piperonyl butoxide and pyrethrum extract

Purpose on the label: Lice treatment

Lice treatments

Official FDA data, not advice

The label text is quoted exactly as the company filed it with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), with a link to the official copy. The list of brands comes from the FDA NDC Directory.

This page is not medical advice. Read the label on your package, and ask a pharmacist or doctor if you are not sure a medicine is right for you, for your child, or with your other medicines.

If someone may have taken too much, call Poison Help: 1‑800‑222‑1222. In an emergency, call 911.

Quick answers

What is Piperonyl butoxide and pyrethrum extract used for?
The Drug Facts label of Mata Piojos Lice (Grandall Distributing, LLC) lists these uses: treats head, pubic (crab), and body lice.
Do I need a prescription for Piperonyl butoxide and pyrethrum extract?
No. The products on this page are sold without a prescription (over the counter).
Is a store brand the same as the name brand?
Products listed together below have the same active ingredients, in the same amount and the same form, as registered with the FDA. Inactive ingredients (such as colors, flavors and fillers) and package sizes can differ. Compare the “Active ingredient” box on both packages, and ask a pharmacist if you are not sure.
Has Piperonyl butoxide and pyrethrum extract been recalled?
No recall linked to these products appears in the FDA enforcement reports we use.

Drug Facts label

Every over-the-counter medicine must carry a “Drug Facts” box in the same order, set by FDA rules. Below is the label of one product for each common strength and form, quoted word for word. Your own package can differ (for example, children’s products have other directions): always follow the label on your package.

Mata Piojos Lice · Grandall Distributing, LLC

Piperonyl butoxide 4% · Pyrethrum extract 0.33%, shampoo (topical)

Active ingredient

Piperonyl butoxide 4% Pyrethrum extract (equivalent to 0.33% pyrethrins)

Purpose

Lice treatment

Uses

treats head, pubic (crab), and body lice

Warnings

For external use only

Do not use

near eyes inside nose, mouth, or vagina on lice in eyebrows or eyelashes. See a doctor if lice are present in these areas.

Ask a doctor before use if

you are

  • allergic to ragweed. May cause breathing difficulty or an asthmatic attack.

When using this product

keep eyes tightly closed and protect eyes with a washcloth or towel if product gets into eyes, flush with water right away scalp itching or redness may occur

Stop use and ask a doctor if

breathing difficulty occurs eye irritation occurs skin or scalp irritation continues or infection occurs

Keep out of reach of children

If swallowed, get medical help or contact a Poison Control Center right away.

Directions

  • Important: Read warnings before use. Adults and children 2 years and over: Inspect
  • check each household member with a magnifying glass in bright light for lice/nits (eggs)
  • look for tiny nits near scalp, beginning at back of neck and behind ears
  • examine small sections of hair at a time
  • unlike dandruff which moves when touched, nits stick to the hair
  • if either lice or nits are found, treat with this product. Treat
  • apply thoroughly to DRY HAIR or other affected area. For head lice, first apply behind ears and to back of neck.
  • allow product to remain for 10 minutes, but no longer
  • use warm water to form a lather, shampoo, then thoroughly rinse
  • for head lice, towel dry hair and comb out tangles. Remove lice and their eggs (nits)
  • use a fine-tooth or special lice/nit comb. Remove any remaining nits by hand (using a throw-away glove).hair should remain slightly damp while removing nitsif hair dries during combing, dampen slightly with waterfor head lice, part hair into sections. Do one section at a time starting on top of the head. Longer hair may take 1 to 2 hours.lift a 1-to 2-inch wide strand of hair. Place comb as close to scalp as possible and comb with a firm, even motion away from scalp.pin back each strand of hair after combing
  • clean comb often. Wipe nits away with tissue and discard in a plastic bag. Seal bag and discard to prevent lice from coming back.
  • after combing, thoroughly recheck for lice/nits. Repeat combing if necessary.
  • check daily for any lice/nits that you missed
  • a second treatment must be done in 7 to 10 days to kill any newly hatched lice
  • if infestation continues, see a doctor for other treatments
  • Children under 2 years: ask a doctor

Inactive ingredients

water

— FDA label of Mata Piojos Lice, Grandall Distributing, LLC, effective October 27, 2025. See the official label on DailyMed →

Herklin · MarcusUSA

Piperonyl butoxide 40 mg/mL · Pyrethrum extract 0.033 mg/mL, shampoo (topical)

Active ingredient

Purposes Piperonyl butoxide 4% Lice treatment Pyrethrum extract (equivalent to 0.33% pyrethrins) Lice treatment

Purpose

Active ingredients Purposes Piperonyl butoxide 4% Lice treatment Pyrethrum extract (equivalent to 0.33% pyrethrins) Lice treatment

Uses

treats head, pubic (crab), and body lice

Warnings

For external use only

Do not use

near eyes inside nose, mouth, or vagina on lice in eyebrows or eyelashes. See a doctor if lice are present in these areas.

Ask a doctor before use if

you are allergic to ragweed. May cause breathing difficulty or an asthmatic attack.

When using this product

keep eyes tightly closed and protect eyes with a washcloth or towel if product gets in eyes, flush with water right away scalp itching or redness may occur

Stop use and ask a doctor if

breathing difficulty occurs eye irritation occurs skin or scalp irritation continues or infection occurs

Keep out of reach of children

If swallowed, get medical help or contact a Poison Control Center right away.

Directions

Important: Read warnings before use adults and children 2 years and over: Inspect check each household member with a magnifying glass in bright light for lice/nits (eggs) look for tiny nits near scalp, beginning at back of neck and behind ears examine small sections of hair at a time unlike dandruff which moves when touched, nits stick to the hair if either lice or nits are found, treat with this product Treat apply thoroughly to dry hair or other affected area. For head lice, first apply behind ears and to back of neck. allow product to remain for 10 minutes, but no longer use warm water to form a lather, shampoo, then thoroughly rinse for head lice, towel dry hair and comb out tangles Remove lice and their eggs (nits) use a fine-tooth or special lice/nit comb. Remove any remaining nits by hand (using a throw-away glove). hair should remain slightly damp while removing nits if hair dries during combing, dampen slightly with water for head lice, part hair into sections. Do one section at a time starting on top of head. Longer hair may take 1 to 2 hours. lift a 1- to 2-inch wide strand of hair. Place comb as close to scalp as possible and comb with a firm, even motion away from scalp. pin back each strand of hair after combing clean comb often. Wipe nits away with tissue and discard in a plastic bag. Seal bag and discard to prevent lice from coming back. after combing, thoroughly recheck for lice/nits. Repeat combing if necessary. check daily for any lice/nits that you missed a second treatment must be done in 7 to 10 days to kill any newly hatched lice if infestation continues, see a doctor for other treatments children under 2 years: ask a doctor

Inactive ingredients

ammonium laureth sulfate, fragrance, PEG-25 hydrogenated castor oil, polyquaternium-10, purified water, SD-40 alcohol

Questions?

call (515) 276-1586 see package insert for additional information

— FDA label of Herklin, MarcusUSA, effective November 7, 2017. See the official label on DailyMed →

Vanalice · GM Pharmaceuticals, Inc

Piperonyl butoxide 35 mg/mL · Pyrethrum extract 3 mg/mL, gel (topical)

Active ingredient

Piperonyl butoxide 3.5% Pyrethrum extract (equivalent to 0.3% pyrethrins)

Purpose

Lice treatment

Uses

treats head, pubic (crab), and body lice

Warnings

For external use only near eyes inside nose, mouth, or vagina on lice in eyebrows or eyelashes. See a doctor if lice are present in these areas. if you have ever had an allergic reaction to this product or any of its ingredients allergic to ragweed. May cause breathing difficulty or an asthmatic attack. keep eyes tightly closed and protect eyes with a washcloth or towel if product gets into eyes, flush with water right away scalp itching or redness may occur breathing difficulty occurs eye irritation occurs skin or scalp irritation continues or infection occurs If swallowed, get medical help or contact a Poison Control Center right away.

Directions

Important: Read warnings before use Adults and children 2 years and over: Inspect check each household member with a magnifying glass in bright light for lice/nits (eggs) look for tiny nits near scalp, beginning at back of neck and behind ears examine small sections of hair at a time unlike dandruff which moves when touched, nits stick to the hair if either lice or nits are found, treat with this product Treat apply thoroughly to DRY HAIR or other affected area. For head lice, first apply behind ears and to back of neck. allow product to remain for 10 minutes, but no longer wash area thoroughly with warm water and soap or shampoo for head lice, towel dry hair and comb out tangles Remove lice and their eggs (nits) use a fine-tooth or special lice/nit comb. Remove any remaining nits by hand (using a throw-away glove). hair should remain slightly damp while removing nits if hair dries during combing, dampen slightly with water for head lice, part hair into sections. Do one section at a time starting on top of the head. Longer hair may take 1 to 2 hours. lift a 1-to 2-inch wide strand of hair. Place comb as close to scalp as possible and comb with a firm, even motion away from scalp. pin back each strand of hair after combing clean comb often. Wipe nits away with tissue and discard in a plastic bag. Seal bag and discard to prevent lice from coming back. after combing, thoroughly recheck for lice/nits. Repeat combing if necessary. check daily for any lice/nits that you missed a second treatment must be done in 7 to 10 days to kill any newly hatched lice if infestation continues, see a doctor for other treatments Children under 2 years: ask a doctor

Other information

store at 20°-25°C (68°-77°F) avoid excessive heat keep carton for important product information see Consumer Information Insert for additional information

Inactive ingredients

carbomer, citronellyl acetate, coconut oil, DMDM hydantoin, peg40-hydrogenated castor oil, isopropanol, isopropyl myristate, lemongrass oil, purified water, sodium hydroxide, tea tree oil tocopheryl acetate (vitamin E)

Questions?

1-888-535-0305 Monday-Friday 9 AM - 5 PM CST Step 1 : Treat VanaLice™ Lice Killing Gel See Usage Guidelines to see how much product you will need. NOTE: Use towels to protect child's eyes from treatment and prevent clothes from getting wet. Apply Lice Killing Gel thoroughly to DRY HAIR or other affected area. Wetting the hair dilutes the treatment making it less effective. Also, lice can hold their breath when immersed in water making it difficult for the active ingredient to penetrate the lice. For head lice, thoroughly massage Gel into scalp, behind the ears and to the back of the neck. Lice can crawl up and down the shaft of the hair very quickly so it is important to apply the treatment from the roots to the ends of the hair Allow product to remain on the hair (or other affected area) for 10 minutes, but no longer. Wash area thoroughly with warm water and soap or shampoo For head lice, towel dry hair and comb out tangles proceed to step 2 A second treatment must be done in 7 to 10 days to kill any newly-hatched lice. Step 2: Remove Lice/Nit Comb Combing must be done AFTER use of VanaLice™ Lice Killing Gel (Step 1). Combing out eggs & nits* is an essential step to complete lice elimination. NOTE: A fine-toothed comb or the special lice/nit removing comb (included) must be used to remove lice, eggs, and nits from hair. Before starting have on hand - extra towels - bobby pins or hair clips - facial tissues or paper towels - regular comb for parting and detangling hair - detangler/conditioner to make combing easier Find a distraction for your child (e.g. books, TV, game). When combing, use the fine-tooth lice/nit comb provided and make sure the teeth are facing you Part hair into sections. Working one section at a time, lift a 1- to 2- inch wide strand of hair Place comb as a close to the scalp as possible and comb with a firm, even motion away from scalp, from the roots to the end of the hair (newly-laid eggs are found near the roots of the hair so it is important to get the teeth very close to the scalp). Make sure the teeth are deeply embedded into the strands as you comb through. Always comb away from the head. Wipe eggs and nits from the teeth of the comb with a tissue or paper towel. Remove any remaining nits by hand (using a throw-away-glove). Pin back the 1- to 2-inch wide strand you just finished combing with a bobby pin or hair clip. Lift up another 1- to 2-inch wide strand and repeat the combing procedure. When one section has been combed and pinned, repeat the process for another section of hair. Continue to comb hair 1- to 2-inches at a time until entire head has been combed and pinned. Keep the hair damp during combing and re-apply detangler/conditioner as needed. After you have combed and pinned the entire head, remove all bobby pins or hair clips and rinse hair thoroughly with warm water. If desired, you may also wash with regular shampoo. Discard all the used tissues or paper towels into a bag, seal and dispose to prevent lice from coming back. *Nits are empty eggshells left behind when lice hatch from eggs. Step 3 – Control Head Lice Lay small white eggs (nits) on hair shaft close to scalp. Nits are most easily found on back of neck or behind ears. Disinfect hats, hair ribbons, scarves, coats, towels, and bed linens by machine washing in hot water [above 54°C (130°F)], then using hottest dryer cycle for at least 20 minutes. Items that cannot be washed (bedspreads, blankets, pillows, stuffed toys, etc.) should be dry- cleaned or sealed in a plastic bag for 4 weeks, then removed outdoors and shaken out very hard before using again. Items that cannot be washed, dry-cleaned, or stored may be sprayed with a product designed for this purpose. Soak all combs and brushes in hot water [above 54°C (130°F)] for at least 10 minutes. Vacuum all carpets, mattresses, upholstered furniture, and car seats that may have been used by affected people. Pubic (Crab) Lice May be transmitted by sexual contact. Sexual partners should be treated simultaneously to avoid reinfestation. Lice are very small and look like brown or grey dots on skin. Usually cause intense itching and lay small white eggs (nits) on the hair shaft generally close to the skin surface. May be present on the short hairs of groin, thighs, trunk, and underarms, and occasionally on the beard and mustache. Disinfect underwear by machine washing in hot water [above 54°C (130°F)], then using hottest dryer cycle for at least 20 minutes. Body Lice Body Lice and their eggs (nits) are generally found in the seams of clothing particularly in waistline and armpit area. Body Lice feed on skin then return to clothing to lay their eggs. Disinfect clothing by machine washing in hot water [above 54°C (130°F)], then using hottest dryer cycle for at least 20 minutes. Do not seal clothing in a plastic bag because nits can remain dormant for up to 30 days. Daily Checking TO PREVENT REINFESTATION: Carefully inspect infested family member daily for at least 2 weeks. If you see eggs or nits, repeat Step 2. Check other family members for Head Lice. If anyone in the family is infested, follow Step 1 and Step 2. Repeat Step 3 with any articles or items with which they have come into contact. Checklist - Home and auto upholstery - Bike/sport helmets - Mattresses, pillows, pillowcases - Coats, scarves, earmuffs, gloves - Bed linen - Play mats - Towels - Clothing - Stuffed animals, toys - Barrettes/hair ornaments - Headphones - Hair rollers - Hats - Combs and brushes - Headbands - Baseball caps

— FDA label of Vanalice, GM Pharmaceuticals, Inc, effective December 3, 2025. See the official label on DailyMed →

Liendrex · Menper Distributors Inc.

Piperonyl butoxide 4% · Pyrethrum extract 0.3%, shampoo (topical)

Active ingredient

PYRETHINS 0.30% PIPERONYL BUTOXIDE 4%

Purpose

LICE TREATMENT

Uses

FOR THE TREATMENT OF HEAD, BODY, PUBIC (CRAB) LICE.

Warnings

FOR EXTERNAL USE ONLY. DO NOT USE NEAR OR PERMIT CONTACT WITH EYES OR MUCOUS MEMBRANES, SUCH AS INSIDE THE NOSE, MOUTH, OR VAGINA AS IRRITATION MAY OCCURE. WHEN USING THIS PRODUCT KEEP OUT OF EYES WHEN RINSING HAIR. CLOSE EYES TIGHTLY AND DO NOT OPEN UNTIL PRODUCT IS RINSED OUT. PROTECT EYES WITH WASHCLOTH, TOWEL OR OTHER SUITABLE MATERIAL OR BY SIMILAR METHOD. IF PRODUCT GETS INTO EYES, IMMEDIATELY FLUSH WITH WATER. STOP USE AND ASK A DOCTOR IF SKIN IRRITATION OR INFECTION IS PRESENT OR DEVELOPS. INFESTED EYEBROWS OR EYELASHES OCCURS. KEEP OUT OF REACH OF CHILDREN. IF SWALLOWED, GET MEDICAL HELP OR CONTACT A POISON CONTROL CENTER IMMEDIATELY.

Directions

IMPORTANT: READ WARNINGS AND OTHER INFORMATION BEFORE USING. SHAKE WELL BEFORE USING. USE ON DRY HAIR. APPLY TO AFFECTED AREA UNTIL ALL HAIR IS THOROUGHLY WET WITH PRODUCT. ALLOW PRODUCT TO REMAIN ON FOR 10 MINUTES BUT NO LONGER. ADD SUFFICIENT WARM WATER TO FORM A LATHER AND SHAMPOO AS USUAL. RINSE THOROUGHLY. A FINE TOOTH COMB OR SPECIAL LICE/NIT-REMOVAL COMB MAY BE USED TO HELP REMOVE DEAD LICE AND THEIR EGGS (NITS) FROM HAIR. A SECOND TREATMENT MUST BE DONE IN 7 TO 10 DAYS TO KILL ANY NEWLY HATCHED LICE.

Other information

STORAGE: PROTECT FROM FREEZING AND EXCESSIVE HEAT. DO NOT REUSE ORIGINAL CONTAINER.

Inactive ingredients

OTHER INGREDIENTS WATER, PEG-80 SORBITAN LAURATE, COCAMIDOPROPYL BETAINE, POLYSORBATE 80, SODIUM TRIDECETH SULFATE, SODIUM LAUROAMPHOACETATE, SODIUM LAURETH-13 CARBOXYLATE, CITRIC ACID AND TETRASODIUM EDTA.

— FDA label of Liendrex, Menper Distributors Inc., effective July 22, 2025. See the official label on DailyMed →

This page is not medical advice. Read the label on your package, and ask a pharmacist or doctor if you are not sure a medicine is right for you, for your child, or with your other medicines.

Same medicine, other brands

Each group lists the products that have exactly the same active ingredients, in the same amount and form, as registered with the FDA (NDC Directory). A store brand in the same group has the same medicine as the name brand; inactive ingredients, flavors and package sizes can differ. Each product links to its own official label.

Piperonyl butoxide 4% · Pyrethrum extract 0.33% · shampoo (topical) · 25 products

Drug Facts for this strength and form ↑

Brand or product nameCompany on the labelLabel
ABC Lice Killing Weeks & Leo Co., Inc. DailyMed
Best Choice Lice Killing Valu Merchandisers, CO. DailyMed
CVS Health Lice Killing Cvs DailyMed
Discount Drug Mart Lice Killing Discount Drug Mart DailyMed
El Piojito Lice Killing Pharmadel DailyMed
Family Wellness Lice Killing Family Dollar DailyMed
Foster and Thrive Lice Killing Strategic Sourcing Services, LLC DailyMed
GNP Lice Killing AmerisourceBergen Drug Corporation DailyMed
GoodSense Lice Killing Perrigo Direct, Inc. DailyMed
Herklin Lice Treatment MarcasUSA LLC DailyMed
Kroger Lice Killing The Kroger Co DailyMed
Leader Lice Killing LEADER/ Cardinal Health 110, Inc. DailyMed
Lice Killing Pharmacy Value Alliance LLC DailyMed
Lice Killing Weeks & Leo Co., Inc. DailyMed
Lice No More Lice Killing Weeks & Leo Co., Inc DailyMed
Major Lice Killing Major Pharmaceuticals DailyMed
Mata Piojos Lice Grandall Distributing, LLC DailyMed
Meijer Lice Killing Meijer, Inc. DailyMed
Quality Choice Lice Killing Quality Choice DailyMed
Quita Piojos Lice Killing DLC Laboratories DailyMed
Rite Aid Lice Killing Rite Aid Corp DailyMed
Topcare Lice Killing Topco Associates, LLC DailyMed
Walgreens Lice Killing Walgreens CO DailyMed
ZAP Lice Killing DLC laboratories Inc. DailyMed
Piperonyl butoxide 40 mg/mL · Pyrethrum extract 0.033 mg/mL · shampoo (topical) · 2 products

Drug Facts for this strength and form ↑

Brand or product nameCompany on the labelLabel
Herklin MarcusUSA DailyMed
RID Lice Killing Oystershell Consumer Health Inc DailyMed
Piperonyl butoxide 35 mg/mL · Pyrethrum extract 3 mg/mL · gel (topical) · 1 product

Drug Facts for this strength and form ↑

Brand or product nameCompany on the labelLabel
Vanalice GM Pharmaceuticals, Inc DailyMed
Piperonyl butoxide 4% · Pyrethrum extract 0.3% · shampoo (topical) · 1 product

Drug Facts for this strength and form ↑

Brand or product nameCompany on the labelLabel
Liendrex Menper Distributors Inc. DailyMed

What pharmacies pay (NADAC)

The National Average Drug Acquisition Cost (NADAC) is the average price U.S. retail pharmacies paid to buy one unit of a medicine (one tablet, one mL or one gram), from a monthly survey of pharmacy invoices by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). State Medicaid programs use it to pay pharmacies.

This is not the price you pay. What you pay depends on your insurance (copay or coinsurance), your pharmacy and any discounts, and pharmacies also charge for filling a prescription. Ask your pharmacist or your health plan what your price will be.

NADAC per unit for Piperonyl butoxide and pyrethrum extract, by strength and form
Strength and formGeneric or brandPharmacies pay
piperonyl butoxide 35 mg/mL · pyrethrum extract 3 mg/mL
gel
Brand: Vanalice $0.1675 per mL
piperonyl butoxide 4% · pyrethrum extract 0.33%
shampoo
Generic $0.0465 per mL

NADAC list of November 4, 2026; these prices took effect between January 21, 2026 and October 21, 2026. Shown only where a package’s NDC code matches the NADAC list exactly, and only for that exact strength and form: nothing is averaged across strengths. Strengths and forms not listed here have no NADAC price.

Source: NADAC (National Average Drug Acquisition Cost) 2026, data.medicaid.gov (CMS) →

Companies that sell this medicine

The company named on the package (maker or distributor), as listed in the FDA NDC Directory, with its number of over-the-counter products of this medicine.

  • Weeks & Leo Co., Inc4 products
  • MarcusUSA1 product
  • Oystershell Consumer Health Inc1 product
  • Pharmadel1 product
  • DLC Laboratories1 product
  • Major Pharmaceuticals1 product
  • The Kroger Co1 product
  • MarcasUSA LLC1 product
  • Meijer, Inc.1 product
  • Rite Aid Corp1 product
  • Perrigo Direct, Inc.1 product
  • Discount Drug Mart1 product
  • DLC laboratories Inc.1 product
  • GM Pharmaceuticals, Inc1 product
  • Valu Merchandisers, CO.1 product
  • Family Dollar1 product
  • Topco Associates, LLC1 product
  • Quality Choice1 product
  • Menper Distributors Inc.1 product
  • LEADER/ Cardinal Health 110, Inc.1 product
  • AmerisourceBergen Drug Corporation1 product
  • Grandall Distributing, LLC1 product
  • Strategic Sourcing Services, LLC1 product
  • Pharmacy Value Alliance LLC1 product
  • Walgreens CO1 product
  • Cvs1 product

Recalls

No recall linked to these products (by their NDC code or label) appears in the FDA enforcement reports.

Sources

  1. Drug labeling (SPL, openFDA) — U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), FDA data exported October 30, 2026, retrieved October 31, 2026
  2. NDC Directory (openFDA) — U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), FDA data exported October 30, 2026, retrieved October 31, 2026
  3. Drug recall enforcement reports (openFDA) — U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), FDA data exported October 27, 2026, retrieved October 31, 2026
  4. FDA rule for the Drug Facts label (21 CFR 201.66)

Only medicines marketed under FDA rules for nonprescription drugs (an FDA monograph or an FDA approval) are listed. Homeopathic products are not listed: the FDA does not evaluate them for safety or effectiveness.

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