Permethrin is a pediculicide and a scabicide. It affects the nervous system of the parasites.

Permethrin topical is used to treat head lice and scabies.

Permethrin topical may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

Use permethrin topical exactly as directed by your doctor, or follow the directions that accompany the package. If you do not understand these directions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.

Never use more of this medication than is recommended.

To treat scabies:

• Apply a thin layer of the cream to all body parts from the neck down to the soles of the feet (scabies does not usually infect the head). Treat infants also on the hairline, neck, scalp, temple, and forehead. Apply the medication to dry skin and rub it in well. Leave the medication on for 8 to 14 hours, then wash it off completely. Scabies is usually cured with one application.

To treat head lice:

• Shampoo, rinse, and towel dry the hair as usual. Apply enough lotion to saturate the hair and allow it to sit for 10 minutes. Thoroughly rinse with water. Combing of the hair to remove nits is not necessary. One treatment should cure the infection.

Do not apply this medication to the eyes, nose, or mouth. Flush with water if you get medication in these areas.

To prevent reinfection, wash all clothing, hats, bed clothes, bed linens, hair brushes, or combs in hot water with a strong cleanser to remove any mites or eggs.

Do not apply permethrin topical to open cuts or wounds. Doing so could cause too much medication to be absorbed by your body, which could be very dangerous.

Store permethrin topical at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

Do not apply other topical preparations to the affected area during treatment with permethrin topical.

Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with permethrin topical. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines, including vitamins, minerals, and herbal products.

Avoid sexual or intimate contact with others until the infection has been cured. Also avoid sharing hair combs, hair accessories, hats, clothing, bed linens, and other articles of personal use. The infections are highly contagious.

Do not use more of this medication than is directed. Using too much of this medication could be very dangerous.

Do not apply to open cuts or wounds. This could cause too much medication to be absorbed by your body, which could be very dangerous.

Seek emergency medical attention if an overdose is suspected.

Symptoms of a permethrin topical overdose are unknown.

Permethrin topical is only applied once, so you are not likely to miss dose.

Do not take this medication by mouth.

Do not use more of this medication than is recommended.

Avoid application to your mouth, nose, or eyes.

Treat sexual and other close contacts who are also infected.

To prevent reinfection, wash all clothing, hats, bed clothes, bed linens, hair brushes, and combs with a strong cleanser in hot water to remove any mites or eggs.

Do not use permethrin topical if you have an allergy to chrysanthemums.

Do not use permethrin topical if you have ever had an allergic reaction to it.

Permethrin topical is in the pregnancy category B. This means that it is not expected to be harmfuo to an unborn baby. Do not use permethrin topical without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant or could become pregnant during treatment.

Permethrin passes into breast milk, and it is not known whether permethrin topical will harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

Your pharmacist has additional information about permethrin topical written for health professionals that you may read.

Permethrin topical is available with a prescription under the brand name Elimite in a 5% cream formulation and over the counter under the brand name Nix in a 1% creme-rinse liquid. Other brand or generic formulations may also be available. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about this medication, especially if it is new to you.