- What is permethrin-topical cream, and how does it work (mechanism of action)?
- What brand names are available for permethrin-topical cream?
- Is permethrin-topical cream available as a generic drug?
- Do I need a prescription for permethrin-topical cream?
- What are the uses for permethrin-topical cream?
- What are the side effects of permethrin-topical cream?
- What is the dosage for permethrin-topical cream?
- Which drugs or supplements interact with permethrin-topical cream?
- Is permethrin-topical cream safe to take if I'm pregnant or breastfeeding?
- What else should I know about permethrin-topical cream?
What is permethrin-topical cream, and how does it work (mechanism of action)?
Permethrin is a topical cream used to treat scabies. Permethrin is a neurotoxin that works by paralyzing nerves in respiratory muscles of scabies, causing their death. The FDA approved permethrin in August 1989.
What are the uses for permethrin-topical cream?
Permethrin 5% cream is prescribed for the treatment of scabies.
What is the dosage for permethrin-topical cream?
For adults and children, the usual dose is a generous amount of cream from head to feet, left on for 8 to 14 hours, then washed with soap and water. This may be repeated in 14 days if necessary.
Safe and effective use of permethrin is not established in pediatric patients younger than 2 months of age.
Which drugs or supplements interact with permethrin-topical cream?
There are no significant drug interactions with permethrin.
SLIDESHOW
Rosacea, Acne, Shingles, Covid-19 Rashes: Common Adult Skin Diseases See SlideshowIs permethrin-topical cream safe to take if I'm pregnant or breastfeeding?
There are no adequate studies done with permethrin to determine safe and effective use in pregnant women.
It is not known whether permethrin enters breast milk; therefore, it is best to be cautious before using it in nursing mothers.
What else should I know about permethrin-topical cream?
What preparations of permethrin-topical cream are available?
Permethrin is available as a 5% cream in 60 gram tube.
How should I keep permethrin-topical cream stored?
Permethrin cream should be stored at room temperature from 20 C to 25 C (68 F to 77 F).
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Summary
Permethrin topical cream (Elimite, Nix Cream) is a medication prescribed to treat scabies. Drug interactions, side effects, warnings and precautions, dosage, and pregnancy safety information should be reviewed prior to using this medication.
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Related Disease Conditions
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Rosacea
Rosacea is a skin disease that causes redness of the forehead, chin, and lower half of the nose. In addition to inflammation of the facial skin, symptoms include dilation of the blood vessels and pimples (acne rosacea) in the middle third of the face. Oral and topical antibiotics are treatments for rosacea. If left untreated, rhinophyma (a disfiguring nose condition) may result.
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Scabies (Mites)
Scabies are itch mites that burrow under the skin and produce intense itching that's usually worse at night. Symptoms of scabies are small bumps and blisters on the wrists, knees, between the fingers, on the back of the elbows, in the groin and on the buttocks. Treatment involves applying a mite-killing cream, antihistamines for itch relief, washing bedclothes and linens.
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Typhus
Typhus is a disease caused by Rickettsia bacteria. Symptoms and signs include fever, headache, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and rash. Antibiotics are recommended as the treatment for endemic and epidemic typhus infections.
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Leishmaniasis
Leishmaniasis is a disease caused by the bite of an infected sand fly. The most common types of leishmania infection are cutaneous and visceral leishmaniasis. Leishmaniasis is found mainly in the subtropics and tropics. Symptoms and signs of cutaneous leishmaniasis include skin sores with a raised edge and central crater, while those with visceral leishmaniasis usually have fever, weight loss, and an enlarged liver and spleen.
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Is Scabies Contagious?
The Sarcoptes scabiei mite causes scabies in humans. Close skin-to-skin contact can transmit scabies. The incubation period for scabies may be up to eight weeks. People with a scabies infestation will have a very itchy rash with burrows in the skin caused by the itch mite.
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Zika Virus (Zika Fever)
The Zika virus is transmitted by the bite of an infected Aedes mosquito. Symptoms and signs of a Zika virus infection include conjunctivitis, headache, joint pain, fever, rash, and muscle aches. Treatment for Zika virus infections aims to alleviate symptoms.
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Head Lice vs. Dandruff
Dandruff is a condition that causes dry flakes on the scalp. Lice are parasites. Head lice infestations are very contagious. Both head lice and dandruff have similar signs and symptoms: scalp itching and tiny white material on the hair shafts. Lice treatment involves the application of over-the-counter shampoos that contain permethrin or pyrethrin followed by nit and louse removal with a fine-toothed comb. Dandruff treatment incorporates the use of anti-dandruff shampoo.
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Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
REFERENCES:
Elimite - Prescribing Information