Permethrin pediculicides possible ineffectiveness to be investigated by FDA working group.

PERMETHRIN PEDICULICIDES POSSIBLE INEFFECTIVENESS TO BE EXAMINED BY FDA working group, according to an Aug. 20 letter by Center for Drug Evaluation & Research Director Janet Woodcock, MD. Responding to an inquiry from Virginia Attorney General Richard Cullen, Woodcock said FDA is "aware of reports alleging ineffective treatment of head lice with OTC permethrin-containing drug products" and is "organizing a cross-agency working group to investigate the reports, identify the problems and develop a plan of action to address them." Permethrin is the active ingredient in Warner-Lambert's Nix, the leading OTC pediculicide.