permethrin topical

What is the most important information I should know about permethrin topical?

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.

Do not take this medication by mouth. It is for use only on the skin, hair, fabrics, or other surfaces. Do not apply permethrin topical to open cuts or wounds.

Do not use this medication if you are allergic to permethrin or to chrysanthemums.

For the most complete treatment of lice or scabies and to prevent reinfection, you must treat your environment (clothing, bedding, pillows, furniture, hats, hair brushes and accessories, etc) at the same time you treat your body.

Avoid sexual or intimate contact with others until your lice or scabies infection has cleared up. Avoid sharing hair brushes, combs, hair accessories, hats, clothing, bed linens, and other articles of personal use. Lice and scabies infections are highly contagious.

What is permethrin topical?

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.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before using permethrin topical?

Do not use this medication if you are allergic to permethrin or to chrysanthemums.

FDA pregnancy category B. Permethrin topical is not expected to be harmful to an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment.

Permethrin can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

Do not use this medication on an infant younger than 2 months without the advice of a doctor.

How should I use permethrin topical?

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.

What happens if I miss a dose?

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.

What happens if I overdose?

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

Symptoms of a permethrin topical overdose are unknown.

What should I avoid while using permethrin topical?

Avoid getting this medication in your mouth or eyes. If it does get into any of these areas, rinse with water.

Do not use other medicated skin products unless your doctor has told you to.

Avoid sexual or intimate contact with others until your lice or scabies infection has cleared up. Avoid sharing hair brushes, combs, hair accessories, hats, clothing, bed linens, and other articles of personal use. Lice and scabies infections are highly contagious.

What are the possible side effects of permethrin topical?

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Call your doctor at once if you have severe burning, stinging, redness, or swelling after applying permethrin topical.

Less serious side effects may include:

• itching or mild skin rash;
• mild burning, stinging, or redness; or
• numbness or tingling where the medication was applied.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What other drugs will affect permethrin topical?

It is not likely that other drugs you take orally or inject will have an effect on topically applied permethrin. But many drugs can interact with each other. Tell your doctor about all your prescription and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start a new medication without telling your doctor.

Where can I get more information?

Your pharmacist has additional information about permethrin topical written for health professionals that you may read.