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 taking 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 take 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:
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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.
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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.
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If your condition does not clear up within 14 days after
applying permethrin topical, use another application.
To treat head lice:
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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.
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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.
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Use a towel or washcloth to protect your eyes while the
medication is left in your hair.
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Use a second application if lice are still seen 7 days after
your first treatment.
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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.
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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.
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Check the scalp again daily to make sure all nits have been
removed.
To treat pubic lice (crabs):
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Wash and dry the treatment area. Apply permethrin topical to all
pubic hair and any surrounding hairs on the thighs and around the anus.
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Avoid getting this medication inside the rectum or vagina.
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Leave the medication in for 10 minutes. Then work into a
lather using warm water and rinse out thoroughly.
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You may also use a nit comb to remove lice eggs from pubic
hair (hair should be slightly damp).
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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:
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furniture;
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mattresses and pillows;
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stuffed toys;
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hats, gloves, and scarves;
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headphones or headbands;
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the inside of a bike helmet; or
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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 of permethrin topical?
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.
Where can I get more information about permethrin topical?
Your pharmacist has information about permethrin topical written for health professionals that you may read.
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:
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itching or mild skin rash;
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mild burning, stinging, or redness; or
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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. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
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 should I avoid while taking 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 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.
What happens if I have an overdose of permethrin topical?
