We need you! Join our contributor community and become a WikEM editor through our open and transparent promotion process.
Permethrin
From WikEM
Contents
Administration
- Type: Pediculicide
- Dosage Forms: Cream or lotion
- Routes of Administration: Topical
- Common Trade Names: Nix, Elimite
Adult Dosing
- Scabies: apply 5% cream head to toe, leave on 8-14 hrs prior to washing with soap/water. Repeat application in 14 days if living mites still present
- Body/pubic lice: Apply 1% cream rinse to affected areas, then wash off after 10 minutes
- Head lice: Apply to damp, recently shampooed (but not conditioned!) hair. Saturate hair and scalp; leave on for 10min then rinse. Remove nits with nit comb. Repeat if live lice present 7 days after initial treatment
Pediatric Dosing
- Head lice: Apply to damp, recently shampooed (but not conditioned!) hair. Saturate hair and scalp; leave on for 10min then rinse. Remove nits with nit comb. Repeat if live lice present 7 days after initial treatment
- Scabies, >2mo: Apply cream head to toe,wash with soap/water after 8-14h. Repeat application if living mites present 14 days after initial treatment
Special Populations
- Pregnancy Rating: B
- Lactation risk: Infant risk minimal
- Renal dosing: not defined
- Hepatic dosing: not defined
Contraindications
- Allergy to class/drug
Adverse Reactions
Serious
- Serious reactions are rare
Common
- Rash, erythema, pruritus, burning/stinging sensation
- Swelling
Pharmacology
- Topical: <2% absorbed
- Half-life:
- Metabolism:
- Excretion: Renal
Mechanism of Action
- Disrupts neuronal sodium channel current in louse/mite, leading to delayed repolarization of nerve and subsequent paralysis/death
