Permethrin
About Permethrin
Permethrin belongs to the class of pyrethroids. It is an antiparasite drug used to treat infections caused by eggs, lice, and mites. It is used mainly used in the treatment of pediculosis and scabies. Pediculosis is the infestation of lice in the hairy parts of the body, especially the scalp. It occurs most commonly in children above five years of age and spreads by head-to-contact. Scabies is a skin infection caused by mites. It is contagious and spreads from one person to another with physical contact. Patients with pediculosis and scabies experience rashes and persistent itching in the infected area, which worsens at night.
Permethrin contains Permethrin, an antiparasitic drug. It kills the small insects (mites) and their eggs that cause scabies. It also destroys head lice, which stick to your scalp and cause irritation.
Permethrin is exclusively for external use only. Some people may experience adverse effects such as redness, rash, burning sensation, and itching.
Do not use Permethrin if you are allergic to Permethrin or chrysanthemums or any component present in Permethrin. Children below six years, pregnant women, and breastfeeding mothers should consult a doctor before using Permethrin. The infected area should be kept clean and dry before applying the drug.
Uses of Permethrin
Medicinal Benefits
Permethrin is mostly used to treat parasitic infections. It targets eggs, lice, and mites. It releases chemicals known as pyrethrins which act on the nervous system. It inactivates the nerve membrane and paralyzes the insects, eventually killing them. It can also kill the nits and eggs of the insect.
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of Permethrin
- Skin irritation
- Redness
- Rash
- Burning or tingling sensation
- numbness
Drug Warnings
Please inform your doctor if you are allergic to permethrin, chrysanthemum, or other medicines. Please tell your doctor if you have any other skin diseases or chronic illnesses. Permethrin is recommended for children below six years, elderly people, pregnant women, and breastfeeding women only if recommended by a doctor. Take the dose as defined by the doctor. Consult your doctor if you develop any abnormal signs or symptoms while using permethrin.
Drug Interactions
Drug-drug interactions: No interactions found.
Drug-food interactions: No interactions found.
Drug-disease interactions: Patients with ragweed (pollen) allergy should use Permethrin with caution.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
safeNo interaction was found.
Pregnancy
consult your doctorPlease consult the doctor. There are no adequate and well-controlled studies on pregnant women. Your doctor will recommend only if the benefits outweigh the risks.
Breast Feeding
consult your doctorConsult your doctor; there is no substantial research yet on using Permethrin in breastfeeding/nursing mothers.
Driving
safePermethrin may not have any effect on driving ability.
Liver
consult your doctorNo interaction was found/established. If you have any concerns, please consult the doctor.
Kidney
consult your doctorNo interaction was found/established. If you have any concerns, please consult the doctor.
Children
cautionChildren below 12 years should use Permethrin only when a doctor recommends it.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
Limit dairy intake such as milk, curd, and cheese as they may trigger skin irritation.
Avoid alcohol as it may increase inflammation and worsen the condition.
Avoid sharing personal belongings such as combs, towels, scarves, and razors.
Wash the bedding and clothes with soap and hot water after every use.
Special Advise
Avoid scratching the skin as it may worsen the infection.
Avoid direct skin-to-skin contact. Seek medical help if your sexual partner also develops scabies.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Pediculosis and scabies are parasitic infections. Pediculosis is the infection caused by the parasite Pediculus humanus. It is an ectoparasite and feeds on blood. It infects hairy body parts such as the scalp and pubic area. In this condition, lice attach to the scalp and lay eggs at the base of the hair. Scabies is an infection caused by the mite, Sarcoptes scabiei. The mites attach themselves to the skin and cause skin rashes, intense itching, and burning sensation. It usually affects the knees, elbows, breasts, thighs, pubic area, and webbing between the fingers.
FAQs
Permethrin is used for the treatment of Pediculosis (head lice infestation) and scabies (skin infection).
Permethrin contains Permethrin, an antiparasitic drug. It kills the small insects (mites) and their eggs that cause scabies. It also destroys head lice, which stick to your scalp and cause irritation.
The duration of treatment depends on the severity of the infection. It is recommended to consult a doctor to know the exact dose and duration of the treatment.
Permethrin should not be applied on the face, except for infants and elderly people. However, consult a doctor before using in children below 6 years and older population above 65 years.
You can wear light clothes after applying medicine to the infected area. Wash the clothes with hot water after every use.
If you overdose or use too much medicine, rinse the area thoroughly with water. Reapply the medicine after drying the affected area. However, if you notice any abnormal signs or symptoms after applying the medicine, seek medical help immediately.
Permethrin may not cause hair loss or any hair damage.
Permethrin may cause side effects such as redness, skin irritation, burning or tingling sensation, numbness and rash. If these side effects persist or worsen, please consult your doctor.
You should be careful while using Permethrin as it gets absorbed into fabrics like clothes, dressings, and bedding and can easily catch fire from naked flame, if not cleaned properly after use.
If you forget to use Permethrin, apply it as soon as you remember. However, if you have any concerns, please consult your doctor.
No, do not stop using Permethrin without consulting your doctor even if you feel better as your symptoms may improve before the infection is completely cured. Therefore, for better results, it is advised to use Permethrin for the prescribed duration.
Permethrin is safe if used as prescribed by your doctor. Do not skip any dose. Follow your doctor's instructions carefully and let your doctor know if any of the side effects persist or worsen.
