| abstract |
A parasiticidal composition comprises a bioadhesive polymer and a physiologically acceptable carrier. The bioadhesive polymer is preferably a carbomer, such as Carbopol (RTM) Ultrez 21. Alternative bioadhesive polymers include carboxymethycellulose gum such as CMC-7HF, polyvinylpyrrolidone (eg Kollidon (RTM) 90F), tracaganth gum, carboxy methyl ether (Methocel (RTM) E15LV), copolymers of acrylic acid and divinylglycol, such as polycarbophil AA1, or guar gum. The carrier may be water, an alcohol such as isopropanol, and/or a silicone based compound such as cyclomethicone. The composition may also contain a surfactant, such as sodium lauryl sulphate (SLS) or PEG-6 caprylic/capric glyceride (Softigen (RTM) 767). The composition may be used for the treatment of head lice. |