Permethrin
What is PERMETHRIN?
(PERMETHRIN) This medication is used to treat scabies, a condition caused by tiny insects called mites that infest and irritate your skin. Permethrin belongs to a class of drugs known as pyrethrins. Permethrin works by paralyzing and killing the mites and their eggs.
How should I use PERMETHRIN?
This medication is for use on the skin only. Apply this medication as soon as possible after it is prescribed. Apply the medicine from your head to the soles of your feet, including under your nails and in skin folds such as between the toes, as directed. Massage the cream into the skin. Do not use more medication than prescribed. Wash off the cream after 8-14 hours by showering or taking a bath. Avoid getting the cream into your eyes, nose, mouth, or vagina. If the medication gets in your eyes, flush the eyes with plenty of water. Consult your doctor if irritation lasts. Symptoms of scabies include an intense itching that is usually worse at bedtime. You may also see small, fine, wavy lines on the skin with a tiny insect at the end (a burrow). Burrows are usually found on finger/toe webs, wrists, elbows, armpits, belt line, lower buttocks, female nipples, or male genitals. Even if permethrin kills all the 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. Tell your doctor if your condition lasts or gets worse 2 weeks after treatment. Your doctor may need to look for living mites and recommend more treatment.
What should I tell my health care provider before I take PERMETHRIN?
Before using permethrin, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details. Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: skin infections, asthma. Constant or forceful scratching of the skin/scalp may lead to a bacterial skin infection. Tell your doctor right away if you develop worsening redness or pus. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant before using this medication. It is unknown if this drug passes into breast milk but is unlikely to harm a nursing infant. Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.
What may interact with PERMETHRIN?
Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.
What if I miss a dose of PERMETHRIN?
Not applicable.
What side effects may I notice from receiving PERMETHRIN?
Skin irritation, including itching, swelling, and redness, may occur with scabies and temporarily worsen after treatment with permethrin. Mild burning or stinging may also occur. If any of these effects last or get worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly. Remember that this medication has been prescribed because your doctor has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects. A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing. This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist. In the US - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch. In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.
Where should I keep PERMETHRIN?
Store at room temperature. Keep all medications away from children and pets. Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company.