Mediker Anti-Lice Treatment Shampoo with Sitaphal Review

A wash-off anti-lice shampoo from Marico's Mediker brand, made with neem, camphor and sitaphal extracts. Here is how it is used and what to check on the label.

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What we like

Familiar brand from Marico, sold in India since 1968
Wash-off shampoo format, so no need to rely on combing alone
Brand lists neem, camphor, sitaphal and coconut oil
Easy to find and sold in small trial packs

What to consider

Label information is unclear: marketed as natural, but one retailer FAQ names phenothrin, so read the pack
Brand claims such as four washes are not verified by us
Combing and washing bedding is still needed to stop lice coming back
Ask a doctor first for young children, pregnancy or sensitive skin

Specifications

Brand	Mediker (Marico)
Product	Anti-Lice Treatment Shampoo
Type	Wash-off lice shampoo
Key ingredients (as stated by brand)	Neem, camphor, sitaphal extract, coconut oil
Pack size	Check the Amazon listing
Use	Scalp and hair only, follow the label

Our review

Mediker Anti-Lice Treatment Shampoo is a wash-off lice treatment from Mediker, a Marico brand that has been sold in India since 1968. The brand says it is made with natural extracts such as sitaphal (custard apple seed), neem and camphor (karpura), along with coconut oil.

What it is

It is a shampoo format for people who want to avoid the long, painful combing that comes with lice. The brand says it removes lice and their eggs and that it takes about four washes for a lice-free scalp. We cannot verify this claim, and results can vary.

How it is commonly used

Apply the shampoo generously and lather it well.
Massage the lather gently into the hair close to the scalp, so that no patch is missed. Lice can hide in those spots.
Leave it on for a few minutes. Some retailers suggest around 10 minutes, so please follow the time printed on your pack.
Rinse well, and use a conditioner if the hair gets tangled.

Read the label carefully

The brand markets this as a natural formula. However, one retailer’s FAQ names phenothrin as the active ingredient. We have not been able to confirm which is correct for the pack you will receive, so please read the ingredient list and directions printed on the bottle before you use it.

Safety

It is for use on the scalp and hair only. Avoid the eyes, and rinse well if it gets in. Stop using it if you notice redness, itching or burning. Some pages describe it as safe for children, but for very young children, pregnant or nursing women, or anyone with sensitive skin or a medical condition, please ask a doctor or pharmacist first.

Our take

A familiar, long-running brand that is easy to find, and a convenient wash-off option for lice. Combing with a fine-tooth comb alongside any lice treatment can help, and washing bedding, combs and caps helps stop lice from coming back. Check the pack size, latest price and customer reviews on Amazon before you buy.

This overview is based on the brand’s published information and retailer pages. Details can change, so always read the label and directions on your pack.