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

Source: Operational Medicine 2001, Health Care in Military Settings, NAVMED P-5139, May 1, 2001, Bureau of Medicine and Surgery, Department of the Navy, 2300 E Street NW, Washington, D.C., 20372-5300