Dimeticone:

Dimeticone, also spelt as dimethicone, and known by other names as polydimethylsiloxane and dimethylpolysiloxane, is a silicon oil used in medications that treat headlice. It is also commonly used in pharmaceutical products as a surfactant, antifoaming agent, and carminative, along with a wide range of other non-clinical applications. It is the most popularly used silicon-based organic polymer due to this versatility, as such, there exists a vast market for dimeticone manufacturers and dimeticone suppliers to capitalise on. With it frequently being found on the for sale list of distributors, who have it readily available for wholesale order at a variety of cost and price points. Although included in various drugs, it is regulated as a food additive in the European Union and most other jurisdictions. This has further eased the barrier to manufacturing and commercialization, increasing competition and lowering prices.

Mechanism of dimeticone as a medication:

When used as a medicine to treat head lice, dimeticone functions by targeting the respiratory systems of the parasite. This is done by way of a formation of a dimeticone barrier layer. This layer serves to suffocate the lice, nymphs, and the embryos through its viscosity and spreading. Allowing it to flow into the respiratory system of all growth stages of the lice, causing suffocation and subsequent death. It is capable of diffusing into the stigmata, the tracheae, and the aeropyles of the egg operculum and organism. This displaces oxygen by way of evaporation causing thickening of the dimeticone solution, enclosing the respiratory system, and thus leading to suffocation to all development stages of the lice.

Form and dosage of dimeticone:

The final form and packaging of dimeticone is dependent on the manufacturers and suppliers, as well as the specific distributors and order. However, it can commonly be found in the pharmaceutical products space in the form of creams, cutaneous sprays, ointments, and shampoos. Individual dosing regimens will be dependent on the indication for use, as such, referring to the manufacturers’ literature or healthcare provider would be recommended.

Dimeticone on Pipelinepharma:

Currently, at the time of writing, we have found 2 verified dimeticone manufacturers and dimeticone suppliers from our online global list of B2B sellers. These manufacturers, suppliers, and distributors are located in countries including India and Jordan. Each company and their pharmaceutical products list displayed on our online database have been verified by the Pipelinepharma team. This ensures the reputability of the sellers and limits sourcing mileage and dead ends.

Price of dimeticone and how to buy:

A cursory search online reveals the wholesale price of 4% lotion for the treatment of headlice is approximately £7.62 for 150 mL, whereas the wholesale cost for 4% spray is priced at £7.85 for 120 mL. As with all drugs, the specific cost will be highly dependent on the individual buyer. Therefore the prices indicated above solely serve as generalizations of the current market pricing and not a definitive guide. Although prices on the online Pipelinepharma marketplace are confidential, manufacturers may choose to list the desired cost for their product to facilitate a quick transaction. If so, this will be indicated alongside an ‘Accept’ and ‘Negotiate’ button, with a ‘Get offer’ button being displayed in the absence of a listed price.