Permethrin (On the skin)

per-METH-rin

Treats head lice and scabies.

Drug classes

Pediculicide, Scabicide (About this – PubMed Health)

Uses

Uses of This Medicine

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.

Other uses (PubMed Health)

How To Use

Cream, Spray, Lotion

Follow the instructions on the medicine label if you are using this medicine without a prescription.

Use this medicine only on your skin. Rinse it off right away if it gets on a cut or scrape. Do not get the medicine in your eyes, nose, or mouth. Flush your eyes with lots of water if any medicine gets in your eyes.

For hair: Before you use permethrin, first shampoo and rinse your hair. Do not use conditioner. Towel dry your hair. Protect your eyes with a washcloth or towel. Shake the lotion well before you use it. Apply the lotion generously to damp hair, covering all areas of your scalp. Leave permethrin on your scalp for 10 minutes. Rinse your hair and scalp with warm water. Towel dry and then comb your hair.

For skin: Thoroughly rub the cream into your skin from your head to the soles of your feet. Leave the cream on for 8 to 14 hours. Then wash it off using a generous amount of soap and water.

Tell your doctor if you see any lice 7 days or more after your first treatment. You may need a second treatment.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

When Not To Use

This medicine is not right for everyone. Do not use it if you had an allergic reaction to permethrin.

Warnings

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you are allergic to ragweed.

Do not use this medicine on an infant younger than 2 months of age.

Do not use this medicine on your eyebrows or eyelashes. Contact your doctor instead.

Check all members of your household, because lice are easily spread from one person to another.

Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

Possible side effects

Summary More details

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing

Eye irritation

Itching, redness, burning, or swelling of the skin or scalp

Trouble breathing or wheezing

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

More side effects of this drug

Brand names include

Acticin, Elimite, Nix, Nix Creme Rinse, Nix Dermal Cream, Rite Aid Lice Treatment

There may be other brand names for this medicine.