Permethrin Overview

Class of Drug: Pyrethrins
Used For: Treatment of scabies, a skin condition caused by mites.

How Permethrin Works

Permethrin is an antiparasitic medication that works by paralyzing and killing the mites that cause scabies, as well as their eggs.

How to Use Permethrin

• Application: This medication is for skin use only. Apply it as soon as possible after it is prescribed.
• Where to Apply: Apply from your head to the soles of your feet, including under nails and in skin folds (e.g., between toes).
• How to Apply: Massage the cream into the skin thoroughly. Avoid using more than prescribed.
• After Application: Wash off the cream after 8-14 hours by showering or bathing.
• Precautions: Avoid getting the cream in your eyes, nose, mouth, or genital areas. If it does, rinse with plenty of water.

Symptoms of Scabies

• Intense itching, usually worse at night.
• Fine, wavy lines on the skin with a tiny insect at the end (burrows).
• Burrows typically found in finger/toe webs, wrists, elbows, armpits, belt line, lower buttocks, female nipples, or male genitals.

Even after the mites are killed, itching may persist for up to 4 weeks. Consult your doctor if the condition worsens or persists 2 weeks after treatment.

Side Effects

• Common: Skin irritation, including itching, swelling, redness, mild burning, or stinging.
• Serious (Seek Medical Attention): Severe allergic reactions, such as rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, or trouble breathing.

This is not an exhaustive list. Report any unusual side effects to your doctor or pharmacist.

Precautions

• Allergies: Inform your doctor if you have any known allergies, particularly to permethrin or any inactive ingredients in the product.
• Medical History: Discuss with your doctor if you have a history of skin infections or asthma.
• Pregnancy & Breastfeeding: Consult your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Permethrin is unlikely to harm a nursing infant, but caution is advised.

Interactions

Drug interactions can affect how your medications work or increase side effects. Keep a list of all products you use and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not change your medication dosage without consulting your doctor.

Overdose

If ingested, this medication may be harmful. Seek emergency medical attention if symptoms like dizziness, severe headache, vomiting, weakness, or seizures occur.

Notes on Use

• Treatment: Typically, only one application is needed. To prevent reinfection or spreading scabies, wash clothing and bed linens in hot water and dry them on high heat or remove them from contact for 72 hours.
• Close Contacts: Those living with or in close contact with the infected person should also be checked for scabies.

Storage

• Store at room temperature.
• Keep out of reach of children and pets.
• Dispose of properly when expired or no longer needed; consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company.

Missed Dose: Not applicable, as this medication is usually applied as a single dose.

Note: 

The brand name displayed above is specific to this product. Brand names can vary depending on the manufacturer.