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Introduction About GAMASCAB LOTION
GAMASCAB LOTION contains Gamma benzene hexachloride which belongs to a group of medicines called Ectoparasiticides. GAMASCAB LOTION is used to manage scabies (itchy skin rash caused by burrowing mite) in patients who are intolerant/had a failed management with other approved therapies to manage the condition.
GAMASCAB LOTION is not recommended for use in patients allergic to Gamma benzene hexachloride. It is also not recommended for use in patient suffering from crusted scabies, second scabies attack, skin conditions (such as atopic dermatitis, psoriasis), and/or uncontrolled seizure disorders.
Before applying GAMASCAB LOTION, inform your doctor if you have/had head injury, brain/spinal cord tumour, HIV/AIDS, and/or liver problems (such as severe hepatic cirrhosis).
GAMASCAB LOTION should be used with caution in pregnant women only if it is clearly necessary. It is not recommended of use in breastfeeding women unless it is clearly necessary.
GAMASCAB LOTION is advised to be used with caution in children and adolescents (aged below 18 years) who weigh less than 50kgs (110 pounds) and is also advised to be used with caution in elderly patients (aged 65 years/above) after consulting the doctor.
The most common side effects of applying GAMASCAB LOTION are itching skin, burning skin, dry skin, and/or skin rash. Consult your doctor if any of these symptoms worsens.
Uses Of GAMASCAB LOTION
- Manage scabies in patients who are intolerant/had a failed management with other approved therapies
How GAMASCAB LOTION Works
GAMASCAB LOTION works by blocking the action of GABA-gated chloride channel (neurotransmitter) in parasites which leads to low neuronal inhibition and paralysis in parasites thus resulting in its destruction and providing relief from skin disease caused by parasites (scabies) in affected individuals.
How to use GAMASCAB LOTION
Always apply GAMASCAB LOTION as directed by your physician. It is for external use only. Shake well before use. Apply a thin layer of this medicine on the affected area. Managed areas should not be covered with a plaster/ bandage. Following application, wash the applied area after 8 to 12 hours. The medicine should be washed off completely. Avoid using the medicine again after first application and throw away the bottle after use. Your doctor will decide the correct dose and duration for you depending upon your age, body weight and disease condition.
Side Effects Of GAMASCAB LOTION
Common
- itching skin
- burning skin
- dry skin
- skin rash
Rare
Stop applying GAMASCAB LOTION and contact your doctor immediately if you experience any of the following side effects:
- seizure
How To Manage Side Effects
Dry Skin:
Try moisturizing your skin with an ointment, cream/lotion 2 or 3 times a day, or as often as needed. Moisturizers help to keep the area moisture, so they work best on damp skin. After you bathe, pat your skin dry and apply your moisturizer. Try to avoid using skin care products and soaps that contain alcohol, fragrances, dyes, and/or other chemicals.
Itchy Skin:
Try to pat/tap your skin instead of scratching it. Hold a damp towel to cool your skin. Wear loose clothing and avoid tight clothes, or clothes made from wool or synthetic fabrics. Avoid using perfumed soaps, deodorants or moisturizers and use a skin softener regularly.
Warning & Precautions

Pregnancy
GAMASCAB LOTION should be used with caution in pregnant women only if it is clearly necessary. Consult your doctor before applying the medicine.

Breastfeeding
GAMASCAB LOTION is not recommended for use in breastfeeding women unless it is clearly necessary. Application on breast area is advised to be avoided to manage accidental ingestion by the breastfed baby. Consult your doctor before applying the medicine.

Alcohol
Avoid consumption of alcohol while using GAMASCAB LOTION since it may increase the risk of getting a seizure.

Liver
GAMASCAB LOTION should be used with caution in patients with liver problems such as severe hepatic cirrhosis. Consult your doctor before applying the medicine.

Allergy
Do not apply GAMASCAB LOTION if you are allergic to Gamma Benzene Hexachloride, and/or any other ingredients of this medicine.
Others
GAMASCAB LOTION is not recommended for use if you:
- have crusted scabies
- suffer from second attack of scabies
- suffer from skin conditions such as atopic dermatitis, psoriasis
- have/had uncontrolled seizure disorders
- have head/body lice
Before applying GAMASCAB LOTION, inform your doctor if you:
- have/had head injury, brain/spinal cord tumour
- suffer from HIV/AIDS
Use in Pediatrics:
GAMASCAB LOTION should be used with caution in children and adolescents (aged below 18 years) who weigh less than 50kgs (110 pounds). Consult your doctor before applying this medicine.
Use in Geriatrics:
GAMASCAB LOTION should be used with caution in elderly patients (aged 65 years/above). Consult your doctor before applying this medicine.
Interactions
A. Drug - Drug interactions:
Before applying GAMASCAB LOTION, inform your doctor if you are taking any of the following medicines:
- sedatives (used to manage anxiety, tension, seizures, pain & sleep disorders) Ex. barbiturates, benzodiazepines.
- antipsychotics (used to manage psychosis) Ex. amisulpride, asenapine
- antidepressants (used to manage depression) Ex. fluoxetine, paroxetine
- theophylline (used to manage asthma, bronchitis)
- cyclosporin, mycophenolate mofetil (used to manage organ rejection after transplant)
- tacrolimus (used to manage moderate to severe atopic dermatitis)
- penicillin, imipenem, quinolone (used to manage bacterial infections)
- chloroquine sulfate (used to manage malaria)
- isoniazid (used to manage tuberculosis)
- meperidine (used to relieve pain)
- methocarbamol (used to manage acute musculo skeletal pain)
Overdosage:
If you or anyone else applies too much of GAMASCAB LOTION or accidentally swallows it, consult your doctor immediately or visit the nearby hospital to manage overdose symptoms.
Synopsis
Drug | : | Gamma Benzene Hexachloride |
Pharmacological Category | : | Ectoparasiticides |
Therapeutic Indication | : | Scabies |
Dosage Forms | : | Lotion, Soap |
More Information
- Keep GAMASCAB LOTION out of reach of children
- Store [GBNKEYWORD at room temperature
FAQs About GAMASCAB LOTION
What is GAMASCAB LOTION used for?
GAMASCAB LOTION is used to manage scabies (itchy skin rash caused by burrowing mite) in patients who are intolerant/had a failed management with other approved therapies to manage the condition.
What are the common side effects of GAMASCAB LOTION?
The most common side effects of applying GAMASCAB LOTION are itching skin, burning skin, dry skin, and/or skin rash. Consult your doctor if any of these symptoms worsens.
How GAMASCAB LOTION works?
GAMASCAB LOTION works by blocking the action of GABA-gated chloride channel (neurotransmitter) in parasites which leads to low neuronal inhibition and paralysis in parasites thus resulting in its destruction and providing relief from skin disease caused by parasites (scabies) in affected individuals.
How to use GAMASCAB LOTION?
Always apply GAMASCAB LOTION as directed by your physician. It is for external use only. Shake well before use. Apply a thin layer of this medicine on the affected area. Managed areas should not be covered with a plaster/ bandage. Following application, wash the applied area after 8 to 12 hours. The medicine should be washed off completely. Avoid using the medicine again after first application and throw away the bottle after use. Your doctor will decide the correct dose and duration for you depending upon your age, body weight and disease condition.
Does GAMASCAB LOTION cause itching?
Yes, GAMASCAB LOTION causes itchy skin as it is the most common side effect associated with the use of GAMASCAB LOTION. If such side effect experienced, then try to pat/tap your skin instead of scratching it. Hold a damp towel to cool your skin. Wear loose clothing and avoid tight clothes, or clothes made from wool or synthetic fabrics. Avoid using perfumed soaps, deodorants or moisturizers and use a skin softener regularly to reduce itchiness of skin.
References
1. KD Tripathi. Antiseptics, Disinfectants and Ectoparasiticides. Essentials of Medical Pharmacology. Seventh Edition. 2013. Page – 903.
2. Jodi Raffi, Raagini Suresh, Daniel C. Butler. Review of Scabies in the Elderly. NIH National Library of Medicine. National Center for Biotechnology Information. PMC PubMed Central. September 2019. [Accessed on 4th December 2021] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6828878/
3. Lindane Lotion USP 1%. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). [Accessed on 4th December 2021] https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2003/006309lotionlbl.pdf
Useful Diagnostic Tests
- Burrow ink test