What is Permethrin?
Permethrin is a topical cream used for treating scabies. Permethrin solution is a neurotoxin that works by paralyzing nerves in the respiratory muscles of scabies and causing their death. FDA had approved Permethrin in August 1989.
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Get A Second OpinionWhat are the Uses of Permethrin?
Permethrin is used for treating scabies, a condition caused by tiny insects called mites that infest and irritate the skin. The medication works by paralyzing and killing the mites and their eggs. Permethrin is used for treating miles that attach themselves with the skin in adults and children.
What are the Side Effects of Permethrin?
Some of the common side effects of Permethrin are:
- Itching of skin or scalp area
- Redness of the skin
- Numbness or tingling of the skin
- Rash
Some of the serious side effects of Permethrin are:
- Trouble in breathing
- Continued irritation of the skin
- Infected or pus-filled areas.
What are the Precautions of Permethrin?
Talk to your doctor if you’re allergic to Permethrin or any other medications. If you are taking any nutritional supplements, vitamins and other herbal products, tell your doctor. Before using Permethrin, talk to your doctor if you ever had any serious skin conditions or sensitivity.
How to use Permethrin?
Permethrin comes as a cream for applying to the skin. Over the counter, permethrin comes as a lotion for applying to the scalp and hair. Permethrin is applied to the skin as one treatment. Permethrin lotion is applied to the skin in one or two treatments but sometimes three treatments are necessary. If live mites are seen after 14 days of treatment, then third treatments are essential. Permethrin is applied only to the skin, hair and scalp. Avoid using Permethrin on the eyebrows and eyelashes.
To use permethrin cream, follow the steps:
- Apply a thin layer of cream all over the skin from neck to toes, which also includes soles of the feet. While applying the cream on skin folds such as toes and fingers you should be more careful.
- Leave the cream on the skin up to 8-14 hours.
- After 8-14 hours wash the skin with water.
- The skin may be itchy after applying permethrin cream. If the mites are still alive you should remove the treatment process.
To use Lotion, follow the steps:
- Wash your hair with shampoo. Avoid using a conditioner or shampoo that contains conditioner because the treatment may not work well.
- Dry your hair.
- Shake the Permethrin lotion before using it.
- Use a towel for covering the face and be careful while using the treatment.
- Apply Permethrin lotion in your hair and scalp area. Apply the lotion behind the ears and at the back of your neck and cover all the hair.
- Keep the lotion on the hair and scalp for at least 10 minutes
- Rinse the hair with warm water. Don’t use shower or bathtub for washing your hair or the lotion can spread over the body.
- Dry the hair with a towel.
What if one Missed the Dose?
Missing one or two- doses of Permethrin won’t show any effect on your body. The skipped dose causes no problem. But with some medication, it won’t work if you don’t take the dosage on time. If you miss a dose, a sudden chemical change may affect your body. In some cases, your doctor would advise you to take the prescribed medicine as soon as possible if you have missed the dose.
What happens if someone takes an overdose?
Overdose of a drug can be accidental. If you have taken more than the prescribed Permethrin tablets there is a chance of getting a harmful effect on your body’s functions. Overdose of a medicine can lead to some medical emergency.
Warnings for serious health conditions:
Pregnancy
There is no proper study on whether to use Permethrin during pregnancy or not. Before using Permethrin, talk to your doctor.
Breastfeeding
It is not known whether permethrin gets in contact with breast milk or not. Before using Permethrin, talk to your doctor.
How to Store Permethrin?
- Direct contact with heat, air and light may damage your medicines. The exposure of medicine may cause some harmful effects. The medicine must be kept in a safe place and out of children’s reach.
- Mainly the drug should be kept at room temperature between 68ºF and 77ºF (20ºC and 25ºC).
- Before taking permethrin consult your Doctor. In case if you face any problems or get any side effects after taking permethrin rush immediately to your nearby hospital or consult your doctor for better treatment. Carry your medications always in your bag while travelling to avoid any immediate emergencies. Follow your prescription and follow your Doctor advice whenever you take permethrin.
Permethrin vs Ivermectin
| Permethrin | Ivermectin |
|---|---|
| Permethrin is a topical cream used for treating scabies. Permethrin solution is a neurotoxin that works by paralyzing nerves in the respiratory muscles of scabies and causing their death. | Ivermectin is an anti-parasite medication. It is used for treating infections in the body which are caused by certain parasites. |
| Permethrin is used for treating scabies and the condition which are caused by tiny insects called mites that infest and irritate the skin. The medication works by paralyzing and killing the mites and their eggs. | Ivermectin is used for intestinal infection which is caused by Strongyloides stercoralis. |
Some serious side effects of Permethrin are:
|
Some Seriois side effects of Ivermectin are:
|
Citations
Permethrin metabolism in rats | Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry Treatment of scabies with permethrin versus lindane and benzyl benzoate - PubMed Dosage-dependent effects of permethrin-treated nets on the behaviour of Anopheles gambiae and the selection of pyrethroid resistance | Malaria JournalReady to take control of your health journey? Book your appointment now and start your path towards wellness today!
Book an AppointmentFrequently Asked Questions
Permethrin can kill various pests like fleas, ticks, cockroaches, flies and mosquitoes. The products commonly contain piper only butoxide.
Permethrin is used as the most effective treatment and can be applied once daily.
Permethrin is used for treating scabies, which is caused by tiny insects called mites that infest and irritate the skin.
Some of the serious side effects of Permethrin are:
- Trouble in breathing.
- Continued irritation of the skin
- Infected or pus-filled areas
Permethrin comes as a cream for applying to the skin. Over the counter, permethrin comes as a lotion for applying to the scalp and hair. Permethrin is applied to the skin as one treatment. Permethrin lotion is applied to the skin in one or two treatments but sometimes three treatments are necessary.
- Perethrin should be used strictly according to the instructions on the label or as directed by a healthcare professional.
- Avoid contact with eyes, skin, and clothing. In case of contact, rinse thoroughly with water.
- Wear protective clothing (such as gloves) when applying permethrin.
- Keep permethrin away from heat, sparks, open flames, and hot surfaces as it is flammable.
- Do not apply permethrin in enclosed spaces or near open flames or sources of ignition.
- Keep out of reach of children and pets.
- The frequency of permethrin use depends on the specific product and the target pest or condition being treated.
- Generally, permethrin treatments are applied as needed, following the instructions provided by the manufacturer or healthcare professional.
- It's important not to over apply permethrin or use it more frequently than recommended, as this can increase the risk of adverse effects.
- Permethrin can provide protection against insects and pests for varying durations depending on factors such as application method, concentration, environmental conditions, and type of pest.
- Typically, permethrin-treated clothing can remain effective for multiple washings, but effectiveness may diminish over time and with repeated washings.
- Permethrin applied to surfaces for insect control may provide residual activity for several weeks to months, but reapplication may be necessary for continued control.
- Once permethrin-treated clothing has dried completely, it is generally safe to wear. However, it's important to follow the specific instructions provided with the permethrin product regarding wearing treated clothing.
- Avoid direct skin contact with permethrin-treated clothing, especially wet or damp clothing.
- Wash permethrin-treated clothing separately from other clothing items, and avoid prolonged skin contact with treated clothing to minimize potential exposure.
Those who are taking montelukast and are experiencing mood swings should contact their doctor right away. Bad or vivid dreams, depression, disorientation or confusion, anxiety, hallucinations, irritability, restlessness, stuttering, and uncontrolled muscle movements are examples of these symptoms.
