Lice Treatment (permethrin)
Scabicides and Pediculocides Topical Liquid (ML); Topical Shampoo
Last reviewed · Source: First Databank (FDB) drug data
Overview
Permethrin, a synthetic pyrethrin derivative, is a pediculicide and scabicide.
Permethrin is used for the topical treatment of pediculosis (lice infestation) and scabies (mite infestation). Permethrin has been used topically for prophylaxis of pediculosis capitis during head lice epidemics. In addition, the drug has been used topically for the treatment of other arthropod infestations+ (e.g., demodicidosis+).
Generic name: permethrin
Pronunciation: (purr-METH-rin)
Drug class: Scabicides and Pediculocides
Therapeutic class: Dermatological
Reference product & biosimilars
No reference, biosimilar or interchangeable associated with this drug.
Today’s intelligence on Lice Treatment
Indications
The following indications are listed for Lice Treatment:
- Pediculosis Capitis
Also known as: Phthiriasis Capitis.
Dosing
No dosing information is available for this tab.
Permethrin 5% cream or 1% lotion (cream rinse) is applied topically.
The drug is for external use only and should not be administered orally.
Contact with the eyes should be avoided during application of permethrin 5% cream or permethrin 1% lotion (cream rinse) since ocular irritation may occur. Patients using permethrin also should be advised to avoid contact with mucous membranes such as inside the nose, mouth, or vagina.
The cream rinse should be shaken before using.
| Drug label | Dosing type | Instructions |
|---|---|---|
| Lice Treatment 1% Creme Rinse | Maintenance | Apply a sufficient amount of shampoo by topical route once allow to remain on hair for 10 minutes before rinsing off with water. |
| Gnp Lice Treatment 1% Crm Rins | Maintenance | Apply a sufficient amount of shampoo by topical route once allow to remain on hair for 10 minutes before rinsing off with water. |
No dosing information is available for this tab.
Drug interactions
There is no enhanced messaging for this drug.
There are no contraindication interactions for this drug.
There are no severe interactions for this drug.
There are no moderate interactions for this drug.
Contraindications
There is no enhanced messaging for this drug.
There are no contraindication contraindications for this drug.
There are no severe contraindications for this drug.
- Bronchospastic pulmonary disease
- No disease contraindications
Adverse reactions
There is no enhanced messaging for this drug.
Rare or Very Rare
- Skin and skin structure infection
- Skin irritation
Rare or Very Rare
- Eczema
- Head sensation disturbance
- Paresthesia
- Pruritus of skin
- Skin inflammation
- Skin irritation
- Skin rash
- Stinging of skin
Precautions
No enhanced messaging available.
No enhanced messaging available.
Reproduction studies in mice, rats, and rabbits using oral permethrin dosages of 200-400 mg/kg daily did not impair fertility or cause harm to the fetus. There are no adequate and controlled studies to date using topical permethrin in pregnant women, and the drug should be used during pregnancy only when clearly needed. The CDC and some clinicians consider permethrin 5% a drug of choice for the treatment pediculosis or scabies in pregnant or lactating women. Pregnant women should be advised to consult their clinician before self-medicating with topical permethrin.
It is not known whether permethrin is distributed into human milk. Because many drugs are distributed in milk and because of the tumorigenic potential of permethrin in animal studies, a decision should be made whether to discontinue nursing temporarily or to withhold the drug while the mother is nursing, taking into account the importance of the drug to the woman. Nursing mothers should be advised to consult their clinician before self-medicating with topical permethrin.
No enhanced messaging available.
ICD codes
| Code | Type | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Pediculosis capitis | ||
| B85.0 | ICD10CM | Pediculosis due to pediculus humanus capitis |
| Pediculosis corporis | ||
| B85.1 | ICD10CM | Pediculosis due to pediculus humanus corporis |
| Pediculosis pubis | ||
| B85.3 | ICD10CM | Phthiriasis |
ICD code information from First Databank (FDB).
Formulary status
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Last reviewed · Source: First Databank (FDB) drug data
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