Permethrin (RX: Elimite, OTC: Nix)

Category:

• Miscellaneous

Description:

• Pediculicide, scabicide

Indications:

• Single application treatment of infestation with Pediculus humanus capitis (head lice) and its nits, or Sarcoptes scabiei (scabies)

Precautions:

• Pregnancy category B

• Children <2 months

Adverse Reactions (Side Effects):

• SKIN: edema, numbness, pruritus (difficult to distinguish from infestation itself), rash, tingling, transient burning and stinging, transient erythema

Dosage:

Administered topically

• Adult and Child:  Head lice (1%): TOP apply after hair has been shampooed, rinsed, and towel dried; apply sufficient volume of liquid to saturate hair and scalp; leave on hair for 10 minutes before rinsing with water; remove remaining nits; may repeat in 1 week if necessary (1 application generally sufficient)

• Scabies (0.5%): TOP apply cream from head to toe; leave on for 8-14 hours before washing off with water; may repeat in 1 week if live mites reappear

Special considerations:

• For external use only; shake well

• Avoid contact with eyes, mucous membranes

• Do not repeat administration sooner than 1 week

• Itching from allergic reaction caused by mite may persist for several weeks even though infestation is cured