Permethrin
Description
Permethrin is a medicine that is used to treat scabies (a contagious itchy skin condition caused by mites). This medicine kills the mites and their eggs and cures the infection. It also kills head lice.
Permethrin has some side effects like itching, redness of the scalp or skin, rash at the site of application, etc. These side effects are mild and may subside by themselves. Consult your doctor if they bother you for a long time or worsen. Do not use this medicine if you are allergic to it.
Permethrin is for external use only. It can be used by adults and in children above 2 months of age. It is available in different dosage forms like cream, lotion, ointment, gel and soap etc. It is usually applied to the skin and the scalp. Avoid contact with eyes, nose, ears, mouth, or any open area on your body. Wash with water immediately in case of accidental contact with any of these areas.
Permethrin is not recommended for use in children below 2 months of age as the safety and efficacy data for use are not available. Inform your doctor if you have any other skin conditions and all your current medicines. Consult your doctor if you are pregnant, planning a pregnancy, or are breastfeeding before using this medicine.
QUICK LINKS:
Side effects
Major & minor side effects for Permethrin
- Itching or rash of the skin and scalp
- Redness of skin or scalp
- Difficulty in breathing
- Infected and pus filled areas on the skin and scalp
- Tingling and numbness of skin
- Burning or stinging sensation
- Skin rash
Uses of Permethrin
What is it prescribed for?
- Head lice
- Scabies
Read More
Concerns
Commonly asked questions
- Onset of actionThe amount of time required for Permethrin to show its action is not known.
- Duration of effectThe amount of time for which Permethrin remains active is not known.
- Safe with alcohol?Interaction with alcohol is unknown. It is advisable to consult your doctor before consumption.
- Is it habit forming?No habit-forming tendencies were reported for Permethrin.
- Usage in pregnancy?Permethrin is considered safe to be used in pregnancy. However, consult your doctor before using this medicine.
- Usage while breast-feeding?Permethrin is considered safe to be used during breastfeeding. However, your doctor prescribes this medicine if the benefits to you outweigh the risks to your infant.
Allergy
Avoid using Permethrin if you are allergic to it. Serious allergic reactions to this medicine are rare. However, seek immediate medical attention if you notice any symptoms such as skin rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, breathing difficulty, etc.
Warnings for special population
Pregnancy
Permethrin is considered safe to be used in pregnancy. However, consult your doctor before using this medicine.
Breast-feeding
Permethrin is considered safe to be used during breastfeeding. However, your doctor prescribes this medicine if the benefits to you outweigh the risks to your infant.
General warnings
Skin irritation
Permethrin may cause skin irritation in some people. Inform your doctor if you observe skin irritation after using this medicine.
External use only
Permethrin is only recommended for external use. Avoid contact with your mouth and eyes and broken skin. Rinse thoroughly with water in case of accidental contact.
Pediatric use
Permethrin is not recommended for use in children younger than 2 months of age as the safety and efficacy data are not available.
Sanitization of the environment
It is advised to appropriately sanitize the bed, clothes, furniture and other items present in your house after using Permethrin to prevent the relapse of the infection caused due to the pests present on these items of regular use.
Missed Dose
Use Permethrin once a day. If you forget to apply this medicine, continue with your next dose. Do not apply more quantities to make up for the missed one.
Overdose
Seek emergency medical treatment in case of an overdose with Permethrin. An overdose of this medicine may cause serious undesirable effects.
All drugs interact differently for person to person. You should check all the possible interactions with your doctor before starting any medicine.
Interaction with Alcohol
Description
Interaction with alcohol is unknown. It is advisable to consult your doctor before consumption.
Instructions
Interaction with alcohol is unknown. It is advisable to consult your doctor before consumption.
Interaction with Medicine
Cortisol
Disease interactions
Disease
Information not available.
Food interactions
Information not available.
Lab interactions
Information not available.
Apply Permethrin as instructed by your doctor. Follow all the usage instructions mentioned on the label or the package leaflet.
Use it only in the amounts and for the duration prescribed by your doctor.
It is recommended for external use only. Avoid contact with the eyes, mouth, nose and other mucous membranes. Rinse immediately with water in case of accidental contact.
Keep away from the reach of the children and pets. Ensure that unused medicine is disposed of properly.
Miscelleneous
How it works
Permethrin works by killing microorganisms that cause scabies (an itchy skin condition). It is also effective in paralyzing and killing the lice and their eggs.
Legal Status
Classification
Category
Topical anti-infectives, Scabicidal agent
Schedule
Schedule H
Npic.orst.edu. 2021. Permethrin General Fact Sheet. [online] Available at: < [Accessed 5 October 2021].
Drugs, H., 2021. Permethrin Topical: MedlinePlus Drug Information. [online] Medlineplus.gov. Available at: < [Accessed 5 October 2021].
Medicines.org.uk. 2021. Lyclear Dermal Cream - Summary of Product Characteristics (SmPC) - (emc). [online] Available at: < [Accessed 5 October 2021].
Information on this page was last updated on 9 Nov 2021
Disclaimer
We’ve made all possible efforts to ensure that the information provided here is accurate, up-to-date and complete, however, it should not be treated as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Practo only provides reference source for common information on medicines and does not guarantee its accuracy or exhaustiveness. The absence of a warning for any drug or combination thereof, should not be assumed to indicate that the drug or combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for any given patient. Practo does not assume any responsibility for any aspect of healthcare administered with the aid of information provided above. If you have any doubts about your medication then we strongly recommend that you consult with your doctor, nurse or healthcare provider. See detailed T&C here.