Comparing two treatments for head lice in children

Randomised, Investigator-blinded, Controlled, Multicentre Comparative Study on the Treatment of Head Lice Infestation With 2 Dimeticone Preparations With Different Application Times and Compositions: Dimet 5® (100% Dimeticon) Versus Hedrin® Once Liquid Gel (4% Dimeticon + Nerolidol)

Observational Infectopharm Arzneimittel GmbH · NCT04878276

This study is testing which of two treatments for head lice works better in children aged 6 months and older.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment240 (estimated)
Ages6 Months to 18 Years
SexAll
SponsorInfectopharm Arzneimittel GmbH Industry-sponsored
Locations26 sites (Aalen and 25 other locations)
Trial IDNCT04878276 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study compares the effectiveness of two dimeticone-based treatments for acute head lice infestation in children: Dimet 5® and Hedrin® Once. It is a randomized, investigator-blinded, controlled, multicenter study that assesses treatment success by evaluating the absence of live head lice 19 days after the initial treatment. The study aims to determine which treatment is more effective in eliminating head lice. Participants will be children aged 6 months and older who meet specific inclusion criteria.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are children aged 6 months and older with an acute head lice infestation.

Not a fit: Patients who are adults or have had scalp lice therapy in the previous 2 weeks will not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide a more effective treatment option for children suffering from head lice infestations.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown success with similar dimeticone-based treatments for head lice, indicating a promising approach.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Acute head lice infestation
* Age ≥ 6 months
* Adequate informed consent for study participation:

  * Age-appropriate informed consent and verbal informed consent from the patient (if capable of both).
  * Written informed consent from the legal guardian(s) (written and verbal).

Exclusion Criteria:

* Adults (≥ 18 years of age)
* Known hypersensitivity to any component of the test or comparator product.
* Scalp lice therapy in the previous 2 weeks (with an appropriate drug or medical device).
* Severe disease of the scalp or injuries/open wounds on the hairy head
* Secondary infection in the area of the hairy head
* Treatment with cotrimoxazole or trimethoprim in the last 4 weeks or new treatment to be initiated now
* Other relevant reasons, e.g. diseases or dysfunctions, which, in the opinion of the investigator, militate against the inclusion of the patient in the study (including risk factors for severe COVID-19 disease in the case of SARS-CoV-2 infection)
* Simultaneous participation of another household member in the trial.
* Previous participation in this trial
* Participation in another trial within the last 30 days
* Inability of the legal guardian(s) to understand the study content and instructions.
* Limited legal capacity of the legal guardian(s)
* Apparent unreliability or unwillingness to cooperate on the part of the legal guardian(s)
* Known alcohol, medication or drug dependency of the legal guardian(s)
* Dependence of the patient or guardian on the sponsor or investigator.

Where this trial is running

Aalen and 25 other locations

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Head Lice InfestationPediculosis CapitisLice
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.