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Permethrin

Drug Class: Commonly Known As: Category:
Permethrin A-Scabs Adult, Children

Permethrin - What is it for

​This medication is used for treatment of lice and scabies infestation. Permethrin kills the lice and mites.

Permethrin - Side Effects, Precautions, and Contraindications

What side effects can Permethrin cause?

If any of the following effects persist or are severe, consult your doctor:

  • ​Redness, itch, rash, stinging of the skin
  • Numbness, tingling sensation of skin

Rare but serious side effects include:

  • Infected or pus filled areas of the scalp or skin
  • Symptoms of a drug allergy:
    • Swollen face/eyes/lips/tongue
    • Difficulty in breathing
    • Itchy skin rashes over your whole body

If you experience any of these symptoms, you should stop your medication and see your healthcare professional immediately.

Before taking Permethrin , what precautions must I follow?

  • Do not apply on broken skin.
  • If this medication accidentally gets into your eye, rinse with water thoroughly. If irritation of the eyes persists, see a doctor immediately.
  • To avoid reinfestation and spreading of lice to other people:
    • Head-to-head contact during play and other activities should be avoided.
    • Do not share combs, brushes, towels and clothing.
    • Combs and brushes should be soaked in hot water for 5-10 minutes.
    • Wash all bedsheets, pillowcases, recently worn clothing (in the past 2 days before treatment) in hot water and dry under direct sunlight or in a hot cycle dryer. Items that cannot be washed should be sealed in plastic bags for 2 weeks.
    • Vacuum the floor and furniture, especially the area where the infested person sat or lay.
  • To avoid reinfestation and spreading of mites to other people:
    • Avoid direct skin-to-skin contact with an infested person or with items used by an infested person.
    • Wash all bedsheets, pillowcases, recently worn clothing (in the past 3 days before treatment) in hot water and dry under direct sunlight or in a hot cycle dryer. Items that cannot be washed should be sealed in plastic bags for at least 3 days to 1 week.
  • Inform your healthcare professional if:
    • You are allergic to this medication or any of the other ingredients of this medication.
    • You are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding.

What food or medicine must I avoid when I take Permethrin ?

​Inform your healthcare professional if you are taking any other medications, including supplements, traditional medications and herbal remedies.

Permethrin - Dosage and How to Use

How should Permethrin be used?

This medication should be applied on your skin or scalp only. For external use only.

For scabies infestation

  • Clean your body and dry well, then apply this medication to the skin surface of the whole body from the neck down.
  • For children below 2 years old, apply this medication on the scalp, face, neck and ears carefully. Avoid applying on the area around the eyes and mouth.
  • Ensure that the medication is also applied on the navel, between the toes and fingers, wrists, armpit area, genital area, buttocks, and any other body creases and folds.
  • Leave some of the medication under the finger and toe nails.
  • After the lotion on the body is dried, put on fresh clothing.
  • Do not bathe or wash the medication away for 8-14 hours. Reapply if the medication is washed off from the hands or other body parts.
  • After 8 - 14 hours of application, use soap and water to wash off the medication.

For head lice infestation

  • Wash your hair with conditioner-free shampoo, rinse with water and towel dry. Then apply this medication on your hair and scalp until they are thoroughly wet, including the back of your ears, head and neck.
  • Leave it on the hair for at least 10 minutes.
  • Wash your hands immediately after the application process.
  • Use warm water to rinse off the medication 10 minutes after application.
  • Rinse and comb wet hair with a fine-tooth nit comb to remove dead lice and eggs.
  • Repeat this medication 7 days later if you still see lice alive after using this medication.

What should I do if I miss a dose?

What should I do if I overdose?

Permethrin - Handling

How should I handle Permethrin safely?

Permethrin - Storage

How should I store Permethrin ?

;#Keep away from children;#Keep in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight;#

How should I dispose of Permethrin safely?

​Pack this medication into a black trash bag and seal it tightly before throwing into the rubbish chute or bin.

Permethrin - Additional Information

  • Updated on 4/30/2021 12:00:00 AM
  • Article contributed by PSS National Medication Information Workgroup PSS National Medication Information Workgroup
The information provided is not intended as medical advice. Terms of use. Information provided by SingHealth

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