Permethrin 5% cream
What is this medicine?
PERMETHRIN skin cream is used to treat scabies.
What should my health care professional know before I take this medicine?
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
- asthma
- an unusual or allergic reaction to permethrin, veterinary or household insecticides, other medicines, chrysanthemums, foods, dyes, or preservatives
- pregnant or trying to get pregnant
- breast-feeding
How should I take this medicine?
This medicine is for external use only. Do not take by mouth. A bath or shower is NOT recommended before applying this medicine. Thoroughly rub the cream into all skin surfaces, from your head to the soles of your feet. It is important to apply it everywhere on your body, not just where the rash is. Apply the cream between fingers and toe creases, in the folds of the wrist and waistline, in the cleft of the buttocks, on the genitals, and in the belly button. Use a toothpick to apply the cream beneath your fingernails and toenails. Nails should be cut short. If you have little or no hair, or you are applying the cream to an infant or young child, make sure you rub the cream into the neck, scalp, hairline, temples, and forehead. Leave it on for 8 to 14 hours, then remove it by bathing and shampooing. If you are applying this medicine to another person, wear plastic or disposable gloves to protect yourself from infestation. Do not get this medicine in your eyes. If you do, rinse out with plenty of cool tap water.
Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. While this drug may be prescribed for children as young as 2 months of age for selected conditions, precautions do apply.
Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.
NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.
What may interact with this medicine?
Interactions are not expected. Do not use any other skin products on the affected area without telling your doctor or health care professional.
Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.
What should I watch for while taking this medicine?
It is not unusual for itching and rash to continue for as long as 2 to 4 weeks after treatment. These symptoms may be a temporary reaction to the remains of the mites. This does not mean this cream did not work or that it needs to be reapplied. If you feel that the itching and rash is intense or if it continues beyond 4 weeks, talk to your doctor or health care professional right away.
Scabies is spread by direct skin contact with an infected person. Family members and sexual partners may require treatment with this medicine. You should discuss this with your doctor or health care professional.
Using a normal washing cycle, you should wash all clothing, towels and bed linen that has touched your skin. You do not need to rewash clean clothing that has not yet been worn. Coats, furniture, rugs, floors, and walls do not need to be cleaned in any special manner.
What side effects may I notice from this medicine?
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
- itching
- numbness
- rash
- redness or mild swelling of the skin
- stinging or burning
- tingling sensation
This list may not describe all possible side effects.
Where can I keep my medicine?
Keep out of the reach of children.
Store at room temperature away from heat and direct light. Do not refrigerate or freeze. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.
