Permethrin

Scabicide & Pediculocide · Pyrethroid insecticide

Indications

Scabies. Head lice, crab lice.

Dosage

Adults & Children: Scabies: Apply once to whole body excluding head and face. Ensure that the skin is clean, dry and cool prior to treatment. Wash out after 8-24 hr. A sec application may be given if necessary. Head lice: See “Advice to Patient” Crab lice: Apply once weekly for 2 doses, apply 5% cream over whole body, allow to dry naturally and wash off after 12 hrs or after leaving on overnight.

Adverse Effects

Burning or stinging, skin irritation.

Risk Factor (Pregnancy/Lactation)

Pregnancy: No evidence of risk in humans. Lactation: Caution advised or effect undetermined. Contraindications: Hypersensitivity to permethrin, other synthetic pyrethroids, pyrethrin or chrysanthemums.

Advice to Patient

For external use only. Avoid medication contact with face and eyes. Wash clothing and bedsheets in warm water or dry clean to kill nits. Wash all combs and brushes with shampoo and rinse thoroughly. Apply lotion/cream rinse immediately after hair is shampooed, rinsed and dried with towel. Apply enough that hair and scalp are saturated. Leave for 10 minutes then rinse with water. Remove nits with fine-tooth comb. If lice or nits are still are present, it can be again applied in 1 week. Apply cream from neck to toes. After 8-14 hours, take bath to remove medication. If lice or nits are still are present, it can be again applied in 1 week. Contact prescriber if condition remains same or if there is reinfection.

Pharmacokinetics

Onset: 10-15 mins. Duration: 10 days. Absorption: <2%. Metabolism: Rapidly metabolized via ester hydrolysis. Excretion: Urine (primarily).

Compiled by Healify Pharmacy from published drug references. How we compile it →

Always consult a pharmacist or doctor.