Does Elimite (permethrin) cause side effects?
Elimite (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.
Common side effects of Elimite include
Serious side effects of Elimite include
- severe burning,
- stinging,
- redness, or
- swelling.
There are no significant drug interactions with Elimite. There are no adequate studies done with Elimite to determine safe and effective use in pregnant women. It is unknown if Elimite enters breast milk; therefore, it is best to be cautious before using it in breastfeeding mothers.
Elimite (permethrin) side effects list for healthcare professionals
In clinical trials, generally mild and transient burning and stinging followed application with Elimite (permethrin) 5% Cream in 10% of patients and was associated with the severity of infestation. Pruritus was reported in 7% of patients at various times post-application.
Erythema, numbness, tingling, and rash were reported in 1 to 2% or less of patients. Other adverse events reported since marketing Elimite (permethrin) 5% Cream include:
Although extremely uncommon and not expected when used as directed, rare occurrences of seizure have been reported. None have been medically confirmed as associated with Elimite treatment.
Summary
Elimite (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. Common side effects of Elimite include mild-to-moderate burning and stinging, itching, tingling, rash, swelling of the scalp, and redness. There are no significant drug interactions with Elimite. There are no adequate studies done with Elimite to determine safe and effective use in pregnant women. It is unknown if Elimite enters breast milk.
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Scabies
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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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.
Treatment & Diagnosis
Medications & Supplements

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.
Professional side effects and drug interactions sections courtesy of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.