Permethrin Cream

Where is Permethrin used?

Permethrin is a cream medication used to treat scabies. Scabies is a kind of condition which is caused by tiny insects called mites. Those tiny insects may infest and irritate your skin. Scabies rarely infests the scalp of adults, although the neck, hairline, temple, and forehead may be infested in infants and geriatric patients. This medication is an anti-parasite that belongs to the class of medications known as pyrethrins. This is approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).  

How does Permethrin work?

Permethrin acts on the cell membrane. It disrupts the sodium channel current by which the polarization of the membrane is regulated. This medicine is rapidly metabolized by ester hydrolysis to inactive metabolites. Those are excreted primarily in the urine.

How to use Permethrin?

Thoroughly massage this cream into the skin. Usually, this is given 30 grams sufficient for an average adult. Apply it from your head to the soles of your feet, including your nails and skin folds (between the toes). The cream should be washed away by showering or taking a bath after 6 to 14 hours. Infants should be treated on the temple, scalp, and forehead. This is used on the skin only. Do not use more than prescribed.

Avoid getting the cream into your mouth, nose, eyes, or vagina. If the medicine gets in your eyes, flush them with plenty of water. If irritation persists, consult your doctor right away.

Symptoms of scabies may include an intense itching that is frequently worse at bedtime. Even if Permethrin kills all scabies, the dead mites can still make you itch for up to 4 weeks after treatment. Ask your doctor about other medications that may be used to soothe the itching. Inform your doctor if your condition persists or worsens 2 weeks after treatment. Your doctor may need to look for living mites and recommend more treatment.

What are the possible side effects of Permethrin?

  • Skin irritation (itching, swelling, redness)
  • Mild burning or stinging
  • Severe dizziness
  • Trouble breathing
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Stomach pain

What are the precautions in using Permethrin?

  • Before using this Cream, tell to your doctor if you are allergic to it. Tell also if you have any allergies. If there are any signs of an allergic reaction, call for medical assistance right away.
  • Inform your doctor if you have any medical history especially of skin infections or asthma.
  • Forceful scratching may lead to a bacterial skin infection.
  • Consult first your doctor if you are a pregnant or breastfeeding woman. This may not be recommended for pregnant or breastfeeding women unless needed.
  • Your doctor must know you are taking any other medications including vitamins, herbal products, and food supplements.
  • Do not stop and change the given dosage without the prescription of your doctor.
  • Do not share this with others who have the same illness like yours.
  • Before having any surgery, let the person performing the surgery knows that you are using this cream.
  • Keep this away from the heat and away from the reach of children or pets.