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 than 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 gloves 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 include erythema, edema, eczema, rash, and purities.

Pregnancy & Lactation

In the absence of specific studies in pregnant women, its use in pregnancy should only follow medical advice. It is not known whether permethrin is excreted in human milk so it should not be used in nursing mothers.

Precautions & Warnings

Pruritus, edema, and erythema are common symptoms of scabies infestation. Permethrin treatment may temporarily aggravate these symptoms. Patients should be instructed to avoid contact with their eyes while applying the cream and to flush their eyes with water immediately if the cream goes into their eyes.

Therapeutic Class

Parasiticidal preparations

Storage Conditions

Keep the temperature below 30°C and away from light and moisture. Keep out of children’s reach.

Generic

Permethrin

Pharmaceutical Name

Incepta Pharmaceuticals Ltd.