Lindane to Stay in Market for Lice, Scabies Treatment, Says DTAB
New Delhi: Refusing to impose a complete ban, the Drugs Technical Advisory Board (DTAB) has recommended the continued marketing of Lindane, a topical medication used as a second-line treatment for scabies and lice, despite earlier prohibitions on its agricultural use by the Ministry of Agriculture.
The Board emphasized its affordability and effectiveness in treating parasitic skin conditions, while also advising the issuance of safety guidelines for its disposal and labeling.
The Drugs Technical Advisory Board (DTAB), in its 92nd meeting held on April 24, 2025, deliberated on the proposal to prohibit the manufacture, sale, and import of Lindane, a topical treatment used in dermatology for scabies and lice infestations.
According to the official minutes of the meeting, the Board was apprised of previous regulatory actions taken under the Insecticides Act. Specifically, it noted:
“The Ministry of Agriculture and Farmer Welfare (MoAFW), vide Gazette Notification No S.O. 637(E) Dated 25/03/2011) has already banned the Manufacture, Import or Formulate the Lindane, as per the power conferred under insecticide Act' 1968.”
However, the Board distinguished between agricultural and pharmaceutical applications of Lindane. It recognized that Lindane continues to have a role in dermatology, stating:
“Board also observed that topical preparation of Lindane is used as a second line treatment for scabies and lice infestations and Stockholm convention also permits such use.”
After careful review and discussions, the DTAB concluded that Lindane remains a valuable option for certain medical conditions. Therefore, the Board:
“opined that Lindane is an affordable and effective drug available treatment for scabies and lice infestations and recommended for continued marketing of drug. However, a guidance may be issued for safe disposal of the drug at all levels including instruction on the label.”
