Permethrin Topical

Do not let anyone else use your permethrin cream. Your prescription for permethrin cream is probably not refillable. If you feel you need additional treatment, call your doctor.

Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about permethrin lotion.

Lice are generally spread by close head-to-head contact or from items that come in contact with your head. Do not share combs, brushes, towels, pillows, hats, helmets, headphones, scarves, or hair accessories. Be sure to check everyone in your immediate family for head lice if another family member is being treated for lice.

If you have scabies, tell your doctor if you have a sexual partner. This person should also be treated.

It is important for you to keep a written list of all of the prescription and nonprescription (over-the-counter) medicines you are taking, as well as any products such as vitamins, minerals, or other dietary supplements. You should bring this list with you each time you visit a doctor or if you are admitted to a hospital. It is also important information to carry with you in case of emergencies.

Do not take this medication by mouth. It is for use only on the skin, hair, fabrics, or other surfaces.

Use this medication exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor. Do not use it in larger amounts or for longer than recommended.

You may need to shake the medication before each use. Follow the directions on the medicine label.

Do not apply permethrin topical to open cuts or wounds.

To treat scabies:

• Make sure your skin is clean and dry. Apply a thin layer of permethrin topical to all body parts from the neck down to the soles of the feet. Rub in completely. Leave the medication on for 8 to 14 hours, then wash it off completely.
• When using permethrin topical on an infant, also apply the medication to the scalp, temples, and forehead. Avoid applying close to the eyes, nose, mouth, or genitals.
• If your condition does not clear up within 14 days after applying permethrin topical, use another application.

To treat head lice:

• When using the shampoo, apply it to dry hair only. Cover all hair completely and leave the shampoo in for 10 minutes. Then work into a lather using warm water and rinse out thoroughly.
• When using the cream rinse, wash your hair using shampoo only (no conditioner or 2-in-1 shampoo). Rinse thoroughly and towel dry the hair, leaving it damp. Apply enough of the cream rinse to completely saturate all hair. Leave the cream rinse in your hair for 10 minutes.
• Use a towel or washcloth to protect your eyes while the medication is left in your hair.
• Use a second application if lice are still seen 7 days after your first treatment.
• You may also use a nit comb to remove lice eggs from the hair. Your hair should be slightly damp while using a nit comb. Work on only one section of hair at a time, combing through 1- to 2-inch strands from the scalp to the ends.
• Rinse the nit comb often during use. Place removed nits into a sealed plastic bag and throw it into the trash to prevent re-infestation.
• Check the scalp again daily to make sure all nits have been removed.

To treat pubic lice (crabs):

• Wash and dry the treatment area. Apply permethrin topical to all pubic hair and any surrounding hairs on the thighs and around the anus.
• Avoid getting this medication inside the rectum or vagina.
• Leave the medication in for 10 minutes. Then work into a lather using warm water and rinse out thoroughly.
• You may also use a nit comb to remove lice eggs from pubic hair (hair should be slightly damp).
• All sexual partners should also be treated to prevent re-infestation of crabs.

To prevent reinfection, wash all clothing, hats, bed clothes, bed linens, and towels in hot water and dry in high heat. Dry-clean any non-washable clothing. Hair brushes, combs, and hair accessories should be soaked in hot water for at least 10 minutes.

Use permethrin surface spray to disinfect non-washable items such as:

• furniture;
• mattresses and pillows;
• stuffed toys;
• hats, gloves, and scarves;
• headphones or headbands;
• the inside of a bike helmet; or
• seats and carpets inside your car.

Stuffed toys or pillows that cannot be washed should be sealed in air-tight plastic bags for 4 weeks.

Vacuum all rugs and carpets and throw away the vacuum cleaner bag.

For the most complete treatment of lice or scabies, you must treat your environment (clothing, bedding, etc) at the same time you treat your body.

Store permethrin topical at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have used too much of this medicine.

Symptoms of a permethrin topical overdose are unknown.

Since permethrin topical is usually needed only once, you are not likely to be on a dosing schedule. Wait at least 7 days before using a second application.

In the U.S.

• Acticin
• Elimite
• Nix Creme Rinse

In Canada

• Nix
• Nix Dermal Cream

Available Dosage Forms:

• Lotion
• Spray
• Cream
• Liquid

Therapeutic Class: Pediculicide

Chemical Class: Pyrethroid

Permethrin 1% lotion is used to treat head lice infections. It acts by destroying both the lice and their eggs. The 5% cream is used to treat scabies infections by destroying the mites which cause scabies.

Permethrin is an anti-parasite medication.

Permethrin topical (for the skin) is used to treat head lice and scabies.

Permethrin topical may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Usual Adult Dose for Scabies:

Permethrin topical 5% cream:
Thoroughly massage into the skin from the neck to the soles of the feet. The cream should be removed by washing (shower or bath) after 8 to 14 hours.

Usual Adult Dose for Lice:

Permethrin topical 1% kit:
Apply lotion/creme rinse to shampooed and towel-dried hair until hair and scalp are saturated (especially behind the ears and on the nape of the neck). Leave on hair for 10 minutes and rinse with water. Use comb and/or gloves provided to remove remaining nits.

Permethrin topical 1% solution:
Apply to shampooed and towel-dried hair until hair and scalp are saturated (especially behind the ears and on the nape of the neck). Leave on hair for 10 minutes and rinse with water.

Usual Pediatric Dose for Scabies:

Permethrin topical 5% cream
Infants: Thoroughly massage along the hairline, neck, temple, and forehead. The cream should be removed by washing after 8 to 14 hours.

Usual Pediatric Dose for Lice:

Permethrin topical 1% kit:
2 months or older: Apply lotion/creme rinse to shampooed and towel-dried hair until hair and scalp are saturated (especially behind the ears and on the nape of the neck). Leave on hair for 10 minutes and rinse with water. Use comb and/or gloves provided to remove remaining nits.

It is not likely that other drugs you take orally or inject will have an effect on topically applied permethrin topical. But many drugs can interact with each other. Tell each of your health care providers about all medicines you use, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

Scalp irritation, including itching, swelling, or redness may occur with head lice and temporarily worsen after treatment with permethrin. Mild burning, stinging, tingling, or numbness may also occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.

Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.

A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, seek immediate medical attention if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.

This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

In the US -

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch.

In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.

Your doctor or pharmacist may already be aware of any possible drug interactions and may be monitoring you for them. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicine before checking with your doctor or pharmacist first.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and nonprescription/herbal products you may use.

Keep a list of all your medications with you, and share the list with your doctor and pharmacist.