Permethrin cream is indicated for the treatment of scabies and crab lice infestation (pediculosis). Scabies can spread easily among family members, so if one person is infected, all family members should be treated at the same time.

Permethrin cream contains Permethrin, a pyrethroid compound used as a topical scabicidal agent for the treatment of infestation caused by Sarcoptes scabiei (scabies mite). It works by affecting the nerve cell membrane of the parasite and disrupting sodium channel currents that regulate membrane polarization. This causes delayed repolarization, leading to paralysis and death of the parasites.

Pharmacokinetics: Permethrin is approved for topical use only. Limited human data are available regarding systemic absorption after skin application. Some metabolism occurs in the skin before entering systemic circulation. Less than 0.5% of the applied dose is absorbed within the first 48 hours. The absorbed permethrin is rapidly metabolized, mainly in the liver, through ester hydrolysis, and the metabolites are primarily excreted in the urine.

Recommended duration of Treatment:

• Adults and children over 12 years: a full tube
• Children aged 6-12 years: up to 1⁄2 of a tube
• Children aged 1-5 years: up to ¼ of a tube
• Children aged 2 months to 1 year: up to ⅛ of a tube
• Children Less then 2 month: dose is not established

Before application of Permethrin cream the skin should be clean, cool and dry. Do not have a hot shower or bath before applying.

For adults and children over 2 years: Apply the cream to the whole body from the neck down, rubbing lightly into the skin until the cream disappears. It is important to include all skin surfaces, such as between the fingers and toes, under the nails and on the soles of the feet.

For babies under 2 years: Apply to the face, neck, ears and scalp as well, only avoiding the area immediately around the eyes and mouth.

Leave cream on for at least 8 hours, before washing off. Reapply to any area that may be washed during the 8h treatment time (such as after washing the hands). If necessary, permethrin cream should be used again after 7 days as per the advice of the doctor.

Treatment of eczematous-like skin reactions with corticosteroids should be avoided before using permethrin, as corticosteroids may reduce the immune response to the mite and worsen the scabies infestation.

Permethrin is contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity to permethrin, pyrethroids, or any component of the formulation. Healthcare workers who frequently apply permethrin may use gloves to prevent possible hand irritation.

In patients with scabies, mild skin discomfort such as burning, stinging, or tingling may occur shortly after application. Other temporary signs of irritation may include redness (erythema), swelling (edema), eczema, rash, itching (pruritus), and skin irritation.

In the absence of adequate studies in pregnant women, permethrin should be used during pregnancy only on medical advice. It is not known whether permethrin passes into human breast milk, so it should be avoided during breastfeeding.

Scabies infestation is often associated with itching (pruritus), swelling (edema), and redness (erythema). Permethrin treatment may temporarily worsen these symptoms. Patients should avoid contact with the eyes during application. If the cream accidentally gets into the eyes, rinse immediately with plenty of water.

Parasiticidal preparations

Store in a cool and dry place, away from light, and keep out of the reach of children.