Lindane is an ectoparasiticide and ovicide used in the treatment of Pediculosis humanis capitis (head lice) and Phthirus pubis (crab lice). An organochlorine insecticide that has been used as a pediculicide and a scabicide.
- Mechanism
- Curator reviewed
Lindane is an organochloride insecticide that has similar neurotoxic protperties to DDT. It exerts its parasiticidal action by being directly absorbed through the parasite's exoskeleton (primarily lice, or scabies) and their ova. The gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA(1)) receptor/chloride ionophore complex is the primary site of action for lindane, and other insecticides such as endosulfan, and fipronil. Blockage of the GABA-gated chloride channel reduces neuronal inhibition, which leads to hyperexcitation of the central nervous system. This results in paralysis, convulsions, and death. Lindane has very low ovicidal activity.
- Primary indication
- For the treatment of patients infested with Sarcoptes scabiei or pediculosis capitis who have either failed to respond to adequate doses, or are intolerant of other approved therapies.Curator reviewed · 5 structured indications
- Formula / weight
- C6H6Cl6 · 290.83 g/mol (avg)
- First approval
- Canada, 1958 · United States, 1981
- Also known as
- Benzene hexachloride · gamma-benzene hexachloride · gamma-BHC · gamma-HCH · gamma-Hexachlorocyclohexane
Resolves to
JLYXXMFPNIAWKQ-GNIYUCBRSA-NSMILESCl[C@H]1[C@H](Cl)[C@@H](Cl)[C@@H](Cl)[C@H](Cl)[C@H]1ClWhat you can answer from here — as of September 23, 2026
Which drugs share a target with Lindane, and which of those have an active Phase 3 trial?
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