Permethrin is a topical medication that's available in different formulations. Permethrin topical cream (brand name Elimite has been discontinued) is used to get rid of scabies and it's available by prescription only. Permethrin lotion (brand name Nix) is used to treat head lice and it can be found over the counter. Permethrin is typically safe if used as directed by your provider. But it might cause some temporary side effects, such as mild burning or itching.
Permethrin is a topical antiparasitic known as a pyrethroid. It kills lice and scabies by causing damage to their nerves and muscles. This paralyzes them and causes them to die. Keep in mind that it doesn't kill lice eggs (nits).
| Common Brands | Nix |
|---|---|
| Drug Class | Pyrethroid antiparasitic |
| Controlled Substance Classification | Not a controlled medication |
| Generic Status | Lower-cost generic available |
| Availability | Prescription or over-the-counter |
The following side effects may get better over time as your body gets used to the medication. Let your healthcare provider know immediately if you continue to experience these symptoms or if they worsen over time.
Please note: Side effects listed were reported by people who used permethrin 5% cream for severe scabies
Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.
Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.
Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:
Less common or rare
Burning, itching, numbness, rash, redness, stinging, swelling, or tingling of the scalp
Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
General permethrin tips:
Tips for using permethrin 1% lotion rinse for lice:
Tips for using permethrin 5% cream for scabies:
Permethrin can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.
Severe allergic reactions to permethrin are possible, including life-threatening problems like anaphylaxis (closing of the throat). Similar lice medications are known to cross-react and cause an allergic reaction if you are allergic to ragweed. Although permethrin doesn't seem to cross-react, if you do notice hives, a rash, swelling of the lips or tongue, or difficulty breathing after using permethrin, call your healthcare provider right away.
Tube of cream| Dosage | Quantity | Price as low as | Price per unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 60g of 5% | 1 tube | $20.76 | $20.76 |
Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. Tell your healthcare professional if you are taking any other prescription or nonprescription (over-the-counter [OTC]) medicine.
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If you leave Permethrin cream on for longer than the recommended time, you may experience more skin irritation (e.g., itching, burning, redness, and stinging). Follow your providers instructions and wash off the medication as instructed.
Adult and children should spread and massage enough Permethrin cream into the skin from the hairline on your head to the bottoms of your feet. You usually don't need to put any into your hair or on your scalp, unless directed by your provider. Infants will need to have Permethrin applied to their entire body, including the scalp and temples. Leave the cream on for 8 to 14 hours and then wash off in the shower.
No. It's not recommended to use Permethrin everyday. One application can be enough to get rid of the lice or scabies. If you're still itchy shortly after applying Permethrin, this doesn't necessarily mean it didn't work for you. Mild itchiness is actually a side effect of the medication. But keep an eye out for lice or scabies in the weeks after your treatment. If you notice lice after a week (or scabies after 2 weeks), your provider might ask you to do another treatment.
People typically only need to use Permethrin cream once to treat their scabies. But if you notice live mites after 2 weeks, talk to your provider about possibly doing another treatment. Don't use Permethrin more often than prescribed for scabies because doing so can irritate your skin.
Permethrin 5% cream and Permethrin 1% lotion rinse are only meant to kill scabies or head lice; they're not approved to kill bed bugs or fleas. There are Permethrin-products on the market that can kill bed bugs or fleas, but those products should never be applied directly on humans. If you have a bed bug problem, contact a licensed professional who can talk with you about bedbug-specific chemicals or pesticides. If you or your pet have flea bites, speak with your provider or pet's veterinarian for ways to get rid of fleas.
Talk to your healthcare provider before using Permethrin cream or lotion rinse during pregnancy. Permethrin cream and lotion haven't been well-studied in human pregnancies. But animal studies suggest that the Permethrin is unlikely to cause harm to unborn babies if used by mothers during pregnancy.
