Drug Reference
Permethrin
Pyrethrines, incl. synthetic compounds
OTC
Fact box
- Therapeutic class
- Pyrethrines, incl. synthetic compounds
- Action class
- Pyrethroid
- Chemical class
- Pyrethrins
- Habit forming
- No
- Availability
- Over-the-counter (OTC)
Brand names
ActicinElimiteNix Cream Rinse
Available as
50 MG/ML · Topical Cream10 MG/ML
FDA label sections are from openFDA and may not reflect the most recent labeling — confirm against the current DailyMed label.
Uses
Use treats head lice
How to use / dosing
Directions Inspect • all household members should be checked by another person for lice and/or nits (eggs) • use a magnifying glass in bright light to help you see the lice and nits (eggs) • use a tool, such as a comb or two unsharpened pencils to lift and part the hair • look for tiny nits near the scalp, beginning at the back of the neck and behind the ears • small sections of hair (1-2 inches wide) should be examined at a time • unlike dandruff, nits stick to the hair. Dandruff should move when lightly touched. • if either lice or nits (eggs) are found, treat with the creme rinse Treat • wash hair with a shampoo without conditioner. Do not use a shampoo that contains a conditioner or a conditioner alone since this may decrease the activity of the creme rinse. Rinse with water. • towel dry hair so it is damp but not wet • shake the bottle well • completely saturate the hair and scalp with the creme rinse. Begin to apply the creme rinse behind the ears and at the back of the neck. • keep the creme rinse out of the eyes. Protect the eyes with a washcloth or towel. • leave the creme rinse on the hair for 10 minutes, but no longer • rinse with warm water • towel dry hair and comb out tangles • if live lice are seen seven days or more after the first treatment, a second treatment should be given Remove Lice/Nits • remove nits by combing the hair with the special small tooth comb provided. Remaining nits may be removed by hand (using a throw-away glove), or cutting the nits out. • use the nit comb provided and make sure the hair remains slightly damp while removing nits • if the hair dries during combing, dampen it slightly with water • part the hair into 4 sections. Work on one section at a time. Longer hair may take more time (1-2 hours). • start at the top of the head on the section you have picked • with one hand, lift a 1-2 inch wide strand of hair. Get the teeth of the comb as close to the scalp as possible and comb with a firm, even motion away from the scalp to the end of the hair. • use clips to pin back each strand of hair after you have combed out the nits • clean the comb completely as you go. Wipe the nits from the comb with a tissue and throw away the tissue in a sealed plastic bag to prevent the lice from coming back. • after combing, recheck the entire head for nits and repeat combing if necessary • check the affected head daily to remove any nits that you might have missed
Safety advice
Conservative summary derived from FDA labeling — defaults to “consult your doctor” unless the label is explicit. Not a substitute for your clinician’s advice.
PregnancyConsult your doctor
…skin or scalp irritation continues or infection occurs If pregnant or breast-feeding, ask a health professional before use.…
BreastfeedingConsult your doctor
…or scalp irritation continues or infection occurs If pregnant or breast-feeding, ask a health professional before use.…
AlcoholNo information
No specific information in the FDA label.
DrivingNo information
No specific information in the FDA label.
KidneyNo information
No specific information in the FDA label.
LiverNo information
No specific information in the FDA label.
Warnings & precautions
Warnings For external use only Do not use • on children under 2 months of age • near the eyes • inside the nose, ear, mouth, or vagina • on lice in eyebrows or eyelashes. See your doctor. Ask a doctor before use if you are • allergic to ragweed. May cause breathing difficulty or an asthmatic episode. When using this product • keep eyes tightly closed and protect eyes with a washcloth or towel • if product gets into the eyes, immediately flush with large amounts of water • scalp itching or redness may occur Stop use and see a doctor if • breathing difficulty occurs • eye irritation occurs • skin or scalp irritation continues or infection occurs If pregnant or breast-feeding, ask a health professional before use. Keep out of reach of children. If swallowed, get medical help or contact a Poison Control Center right away. (1-800-222-1222)
Current FDA labels (DailyMed)
- KAKSHAL PERMETHRIN (PERMETHRIN) LOTION [KAKSHAL]
- PERMETHRIN CREAM [AUROBINDO PHARMA LIMITED]
- PERMETHRIN (PERMETHRIN CREAM 5% W/W) CREAM [REMEDYREPACK INC.]
- AIRLINE PESTICIDE DETOX 6030 (AIRLINE PESTICIDE DETOX) LIQUID [PROFESSIONAL COMPLEMENTARY HEALTH FORMULAS]
- PERMETHRIN (PERMETHRIN CREAM 5% W/W) CREAM [ENCUBE ETHICALS, INC.]
Authoritative sources
Reference only — not clinical advice. Verify against current FDA labeling and consult a licensed provider. About half of pediatric drug use is off-label and is not reflected in FDA labels; absence of pediatric information does not mean a medicine is unused or unsafe in children.