Generic
Permethrin

Indications
Permethrin cream is indicated for the treatment of scabies and crab lice infestations (Pediculosis). Scabies can affect everyone in the family. If one is infected, all family members must be treated together.

Pharmacology
Permethrin cream is a topical scabicidal medication that contains Permethrin, a pyrethroid. It is used to treat infestations with Sarcoptes Scabiei (scabies). It operates on the nerve cell membrane, disrupting the sodium channel current that controls membrane polarization. The bugs’ repolarization is delayed, and they are paralyzed as a result of the perturbation.

Dosage & Administration
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

Interaction
The use of corticosteroids to treat eczema-like symptoms should be avoided before using permethrin because it increases the risk of aggravating the scabies infestation by lowering the immunological response to the mite.

Contraindications
Permethrin is not recommended for people who have a known hypersensitivity to any pyrethroid or permethrin component. Nurses who apply permethrin on a regular basis should wear globes to protect their hands from discomfort.

Side Effects
In Scabies patients, skin discomfort, usually described as burning, stinging or tingling occurs in a few individuals soon after the cream is applied. Others transient signs and symptoms of irritation including enythema, edema, eczema, rash and puritis.