Permethrin
About Permethrin
Permethrin is an antiparasite drug used to treat infections caused by eggs, lice, and mites. It is 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. Scabies is a skin infection caused by mites. It is contagious and spreads from one person to another with physical contact.
Permethrin contains Permethrin, which works by killing 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 side effects such as redness, rash, burning sensation, and itching. Most of these side effects may not require medical attention and resolve over time. However, consult the doctor if any of these side effects persist or worsen.
Do not use Permethrin if you are allergic to Permethrin, 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 medicine.
Uses of Permethrin
• Treatment of scabies: Permethrin effectively eliminates the mites responsible for scabies, helping to clear the infestation.
• Treatment of head lice: Permethrin is used to kill head lice that infest the scalp and hair.
• Elimination of eggs: Permethrin helps destroy the eggs (nits) of lice and mites, reducing the risk of reinfestation.
• Relief from itching and irritation: Permethrin soothes itching, redness, and irritation caused by lice and scabies infestations.
Medicinal Benefits
Permethrin is used to treat pediculosis and scabies. It targets eggs, lice, and mites. Permethrin releases chemicals known as pyrethrins, which act on the nervous system. It inactivates the nerve membrane and paralyses the insects, eventually killing them. It can also kill the nits and eggs of the insect.
Directions for Use
- Follow your doctor's instructions on the dosage and timing of this medication to ensure safety.
- For scabies: Apply a thin layer to the entire body (excluding face and scalp unless advised), leave it on for 8–12 hours, then wash off.
- For head lice: Apply to the scalp and hair, leave it on for about 15-20 minutes, then rinse thoroughly and comb out lice and eggs.
- Avoid contact with the nose or eyes. In case of accidental contact with these areas, rinse with water thoroughly.
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. 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: It refers to an infestation caused by lice, which are tiny insects that inhabit the scalp, body, or pubic region. These lice feed on human blood and lay eggs, known as nits, on hair strands or clothing. The condition leads to itching, particularly on the scalp or other affected areas, and is commonly transmitted through close personal contact or by sharing items such as combs or hats.
Scabies: It is a skin condition resulting from infestation by a mite called Sarcoptes scabiei. These mites burrow into the skin, where they lay eggs and provoke an allergic response. This causes intense itching, which tends to worsen at night, along with a rash that may include small bumps or visible burrow lines. Scabies is typically spread through prolonged skin contact or by sharing items like bedding and clothing.
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 the 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.
