Dimethicone
What is Dimethicone for?
Dimethicone is a silicone oil that can be used as a moisturiser to keep your skin hydrated and relieve symptoms like itchiness and flaking. It can also be used to treat head lice. Dimethicone, when combined with silicon dioxide, is called simethicone. See our summary of Simethicone to learn about its use in the treatment of gas retention and bloating.
How to use it?
Dimethicone can be applied to your skin as cream and lotions. In order to treat head lice, you should apply once weekly for 2 doses by rubbing it into your dry hair and scalp and allowing it to dry naturally. You can only use shampoo to wash your applied area after at least 8 hours or overnight.
Does Dimethicone have side effects?
Dimethicone rarely causes side effects. However, you may occasionally have burning, irritation, redness, and/or stinging.
Who should not take Dimethicone?
- People who are allergic to Dimethicone or any formulation component
- Children under 6 months should not use Dimethicone for treating head lice
Pharmacist Tips:
- Some products are flammable. Avoid open flames, heat sources and smoking after application.
- Avoid contact with eyes.
Common dosing schedule:
Apply as per product instructions.
This schedule is for reference only, adjustments may be made according to individual needs.
Some common medications Dimethicone may interact with:
Dimethicone does not have any known significant drug interaction.
Where to buy Dimethicone in Hong Kong?
In Hong Kong, Dimethicone is an over-the-counter medicine which can be purchased without a prescription from any retail outlet in Hong Kong. This includes grocery stores, convenience stores, medicine shops, and pharmacies. It can also be obtained from doctors. To find a pharmacy near you, refer to the list of pharmacies (“Authorized Sellers of Poisons”) from the Hong Kong Department of Health.
For more information about drug names and ingredients, you can visit Hong Kong’s Drug Office at https://www.drugoffice.gov.hk
Need more information?
For detailed information about the use of Dimethicone in children, pregnancy and breastfeeding, and for questions about drug interactions, please check with your pharmacist or doctor.
Disclaimer: our goal is to provide you with the most relevant drug information and common dosage for Hong Kong. This information does not constitute medical advice. For specific treatment recommendations and advice, always discuss with your doctor or pharmacist, and follow the instructions included with your specific medicine.