Permethrin, Topical

What are other names for this medicine?

Type of medicine: scabacide; anti-lice treatment

Generic and brand names: permethrin, topical; Acticin Cream; Elimite; Nix

What is this medicine used for?

This medicine comes in two forms, a cream used to treat scabies and a liquid (creme rinse) used to treat head lice. Both are used externally on the skin or hair.

What should my health care provider know before I take this medicine?

Tell your health care provider if you are allergic to any medicine.

Females of childbearing age: Tell your health care provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. Do not breast-feed while taking this medicine without your health care provider's approval.

How do I use it?

Use this medicine exactly as directed by your health care provider. One application is usually enough. Do not use this medicine more often or longer than directed.

Read the instructions that come in the medicine package.

Use the medicine for head lice after you shampoo your hair, rinse it with water, and towel-dry it. Thoroughly wet your hair and scalp with the liquid medicine and leave it on for 10 minutes, then rinse it off with water. Use a fine-toothed comb to remove the nits (lice eggs).

Use the medicine for scabies by massaging it thoroughly into your skin from your head to the soles of your feet, or as directed by your health care provider. Remove the cream after 8 to 14 hours by washing with a mild soap and water.

To prevent re-infection, wash your clothes, bedding, washcloths, towels, hats, scarves, combs, brushes in hot soapy water.

The medicine may be reapplied after 1 week if the lice or mites reappear. Talk to your health care provider about this.

What should I watch out for?

This medicine is for external use only. If it is swallowed accidentally, contact your health care provider or get emergency medical help.

Keep this medicine away from your eyes, mouth, and nose. Flush your eyes with water immediately if the medicine gets in your eyes.

Itching caused by scabies or head lice may increase temporarily after you use this medicine.

What are the possible side effects?

Along with its needed effects, your medicine may cause some unwanted side effects. Some side effects may be very serious. Some side effects may go away as your body adjusts to the medicine. Tell your health care provider if you have any side effects that continue or get worse.

Mild temporary itching, burning, stinging, swelling, or rash may occur after you put the medicine on.

What products might interact with this medicine?

No significant drug interactions have been reported.

Keep a list of all your medicines (prescription, nonprescription, supplements, natural remedies, and vitamins) with you. Be sure that you tell all health care providers who treat you about all the products you are taking.

How should I store this medicine?

Store this medicine at room temperature. Store it out of the reach of children and away from medicines that are swallowed. Keep the container tightly closed. Protect it from heat, high humidity, and bright light.

This advisory includes selected information only and may not include all side effects of this medicine or interactions with other medicines. Ask your health care provider or pharmacist for more information or if you have any questions.

Ask your pharmacist for the best way to dispose of outdated medicine or medicine you have not used. Do not throw medicine in the trash.

Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.

Do not share medicines with other people.