Front Desk: 469-391-0070
Permethrin Cream: Uses, Dosage & Side Effects Guide
Summary of Key Points
Permethrin is a topical medication widely used to treat parasitic infections such as scabies and lice. It works by paralyzing and eliminating the parasites responsible for these conditions. Available in various strengths and forms, Permethrin is specifically tailored to the condition being treated. Always follow your healthcare provider’s instructions for proper use, and feel free to consult one of our telemedicine providers if you have any questions about your treatment plan.
Names of Medication
US Brand Name: Elimite (Permethrin)
US Brand Name: Nix (Permethrin)
The generic name refers to the active ingredient in the medication, while the brand name is assigned by the manufacturer. The generic name for this medication is Permethrin.
Pharmacologic Category
Scabicides: Medications used to treat scabies.
Pediculicides: Medications used to treat lice infestations.
Permethrin Dosage
Scabies: Apply a thin layer of 5% Permethrin cream to the entire body from the neck down. Leave it on for 8 to 14 hours before washing it off thoroughly. In most cases, one application is sufficient, but a second treatment may be necessary 7 to 14 days later if live mites are still present. Always consult your doctor before making any changes to your treatment plan.
Lice: Apply 1% Permethrin lotion to damp hair, ensuring complete coverage of the scalp and hair. Leave it on for 10 minutes, then rinse thoroughly with water. A second treatment may be needed 7 to 10 days later if live lice persist. Always seek your doctor’s advice before altering your treatment regimen.
Tick-borne diseases, Flea infestations, Chagas disease, Malaria, Leishmaniasis, West Nile virus, Zika virus, Lyme disease: Permethrin is not typically used as a direct treatment for these conditions. However, it can be applied to clothing or gear to repel ticks, fleas, and mosquitoes. Consult your healthcare provider for specific prevention and treatment recommendations tailored to your needs.
Dosage Forms and Strengths
- Cream: 5% (used for scabies)
- Lotion: 1% (used for lice)
- Spray: 0.5% (applied to clothing and gear to repel insects)
How to Use Permethrin Cream and Lotion
For scabies, apply the 5% Permethrin cream to clean, dry skin, ensuring you cover the entire body from the neck down. Avoid contact with sensitive areas such as the eyes, nose, and mouth. Leave the cream on for the recommended duration (typically 8 to 14 hours), then wash it off thoroughly with soap and water.
For lice, apply the 1% Permethrin lotion to damp hair, making sure to cover the scalp and hair completely. Leave it on for 10 minutes, then rinse thoroughly with water. Always adhere to your healthcare provider’s instructions, and reach out to one of our telemedicine providers if you have any concerns or questions about using this medication.
Permethrin Side Effects and Adverse Reactions
- Itching: A common side effect. Some individuals may experience itching after treatment, which can persist for a few days as the skin heals.
- Redness: Mild skin irritation or redness at the application site is common and usually temporary.
- Burning or stinging sensation: Less common. A brief burning or stinging sensation may occur after applying the medication.
- Rash: Rare. A rash may develop in some individuals, potentially signaling an allergic reaction. Contact your healthcare provider if this occurs.
- Swelling: Rare. Swelling of the skin or face may indicate a serious allergic reaction and requires immediate medical attention.
Contraindications for Permethrin Use
A contraindication is a specific condition or situation where a medication should not be used because it may cause harm or adverse effects. It is essential to determine if you fall into any of these categories before using Permethrin. Below are the contraindications for this medication:
- Allergy to Permethrin or Pyrethrins: If you have a known allergy to Permethrin or similar chemicals, such as pyrethrins, using this medication could trigger a severe allergic reaction, including rash, difficulty breathing, or swelling.
- Allergy to Chrysanthemums: Permethrin is derived from chrysanthemum flowers. Individuals allergic to chrysanthemums may also react to Permethrin, potentially causing skin irritation or more serious allergic responses.
- Open Wounds or Severe Skin Conditions: If you have open wounds or severe skin conditions like eczema, applying Permethrin could worsen irritation or lead to further complications.
If you are unsure whether any of these apply to you, consult one of our healthcare providers through telemedicine before starting Permethrin treatment.
Drug-to-Drug Interactions
Permethrin is generally considered to have a low risk of interacting with other medications. However, it’s always important to discuss your current medications with your healthcare provider to ensure safe and effective treatment. Below are some examples of medications that may interact with Permethrin:
Topical Corticosteroids (e.g., Hydrocortisone, Cortaid): Using corticosteroids on the skin at the same time as Permethrin may reduce its effectiveness. This happens because corticosteroids can limit the skin’s ability to absorb Permethrin properly.
Other Topical Medications: Applying additional creams, lotions, or ointments to the same area of skin may interfere with Permethrin’s ability to work effectively. Be sure to discuss any other topical treatments you are using with your healthcare provider.
To avoid potential interactions, always inform your healthcare provider about all medications you are taking, including over-the-counter drugs, herbal remedies, and supplements.
Permethrin in Pregnancy
Is it safe to use Permethrin during pregnancy?
Permethrin is generally regarded as safe for topical use during pregnancy because only a small amount is absorbed through the skin. However, it is essential to consult your healthcare provider before using Permethrin while pregnant. They will carefully weigh the benefits and potential risks to determine if it is the right treatment for your situation.
Permethrin While Breastfeeding
Is it safe to use Permethrin while breastfeeding?
Permethrin is also considered safe for use during breastfeeding. Since only minimal amounts of the medication are absorbed into the bloodstream, the likelihood of it passing into breast milk is extremely low. To further reduce any potential risk, avoid applying Permethrin to the breast area to prevent accidental ingestion by your baby. As always, consult your healthcare provider before starting any new medication while breastfeeding.
Estimated Cost of Permethrin Cream
The cost of a 30-day supply of Permethrin 5% cream without insurance typically ranges from $30 to $50 when using a GoodRx coupon. Prices can vary depending on the pharmacy and location, so it’s a good idea to compare options to find the most affordable choice.
Possible Alternatives to Permethrin
In some cases, alternative treatments or lifestyle adjustments may help manage symptoms effectively. Always consult your healthcare provider before making any changes to your treatment plan. If needed, you can schedule a telemedicine appointment with one of our providers to explore these options.
Scabies: Alternatives include oral Ivermectin (Stromectol) or topical sulfur ointments. Maintaining proper hygiene and washing clothing, bedding, and towels in hot water can help prevent reinfestation.
Lice: Other treatment options include Malathion (Ovide) or Spinosad (Natroba). Regularly combing hair with a fine-tooth lice comb and avoiding shared personal items, such as hats or brushes, can also help manage lice infestations.
Tick-Borne Diseases: Preventive measures include using tick repellents like DEET or Picaridin and wearing protective clothing when outdoors. For treatment, antibiotics such as doxycycline are commonly prescribed for conditions like Lyme disease.
Flea Infestations: Alternatives include flea shampoos or oral medications like Nitenpyram (Capstar). Keeping your home and pets clean, as well as using flea prevention products, can help control infestations.
Chagas Disease: Antiparasitic medications such as Benznidazole or Nifurtimox are used to treat Chagas disease. Preventive strategies include avoiding areas where the disease is prevalent and using insect repellents to reduce exposure.
Malaria: Treatments include medications like Chloroquine or Artemisinin-based combination therapies (ACTs). Preventive measures, such as using mosquito nets and taking antimalarial drugs when traveling to high-risk areas, are also highly effective.
Leishmaniasis: Treatments for leishmaniasis include antimonial compounds like Sodium Stibogluconate or Miltefosine. Preventive measures involve using insect repellents and avoiding areas with high sandfly populations.
West Nile Virus: There is no specific treatment for West Nile virus. Supportive care, such as managing pain and staying hydrated, can help alleviate symptoms. Preventive measures include using mosquito repellents and wearing long-sleeved clothing to reduce the risk of bites.
Zika Virus: Like West Nile virus, there is no specific treatment for Zika virus. Rest, hydration, and over-the-counter pain relief are recommended to manage symptoms. Pregnant women, in particular, should take extra precautions to avoid mosquito bites in areas where Zika is prevalent.
Lyme Disease: Antibiotics such as doxycycline or amoxicillin are commonly prescribed to treat Lyme disease. Preventive measures include using tick repellents, wearing protective clothing, and performing thorough tick checks after spending time outdoors.
Recent Updates on Permethrin Research
Recent studies highlight the continued effectiveness of Permethrin in treating resistant strains of lice and scabies. While Permethrin cream remains a dependable treatment for most cases, some resistance—particularly among lice populations—has been documented. This has prompted ongoing research into combination therapies and alternative approaches to better address resistant infestations.
In addition to its well-established role in managing scabies and lice, researchers are exploring innovative applications for Permethrin. For instance, Permethrin-treated clothing and bed nets are being evaluated as preventive tools against mosquito-borne illnesses such as malaria and the Zika virus. Early findings are encouraging, demonstrating significant potential in reducing disease transmission in high-risk areas. These advancements could further expand the practical uses of Permethrin.
Staying Informed About Permethrin Treatments
As research evolves, staying up-to-date on the latest advancements in Permethrin treatment is crucial. Whether you are using Permethrin cream for scabies or exploring its application for lice, consulting a healthcare provider ensures you receive the most effective and current care available. It is important to understand Permethrin side effects, follow the correct Permethrin dosage, and adhere to detailed application instructions to ensure safe and successful treatment outcomes.
If you have questions or concerns about Permethrin cream or its alternatives, consider scheduling a telemedicine appointment with one of our providers. They can offer personalized guidance on how to use Permethrin cream for scabies, explain potential Permethrin cream side effects and precautions, and recommend the most appropriate treatment options tailored to your specific needs.
