Permethrin

• Permethrin is a medicine applied to the skin or hair to kill mites or lice. The stronger cream (5%) treats scabies, a skin infestation caused by tiny mites. The lower-strength rinse (1%) treats head lice and their eggs (nits).

• If you use the scabies cream (5%): apply it to clean, dry, cool skin over your entire body, usually except your head and face — older adults may need to include the scalp, face, and ears too, so ask your healthcare professional. Pay close attention to the areas between your fingers and toes, and under your nails. Wash it off after the time your healthcare professional or the package tells you.
• If you use the head lice rinse (1%): wash your hair with a shampoo that has no conditioner in it, towel dry, then apply the rinse to your hair and scalp. Leave it on for the short time stated on the package, then rinse it out with water. Comb your hair afterward with the fine-tooth comb provided to remove nits.
• You can use this medicine at any time of day; it is not affected by food, since it is applied to the skin or hair, not swallowed.
• Wash your hands after applying, and put on clean clothing afterward.

If you miss a dose

• If you miss or forget an application, use it as soon as you remember, following the same instructions.
• A second treatment is sometimes needed about a week or so after the first if lice, nits, or mites are still seen — follow your healthcare professional's or another healthcare professional's advice on timing.

• Talk to your healthcare professional before using this medicine if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, since there isn't enough information to be completely sure it's safe.

• Tell your healthcare professional or another healthcare professional if you have ever had an allergic reaction to permethrin, other insect-fighting (pyrethroid) products, or chrysanthemum flowers.
• Tell your healthcare professional if you are pregnant, could become pregnant, or are breastfeeding.
• Tell your healthcare professional about any skin conditions, cuts, or infections in the area to be treated.

Important warnings

• This medicine is for use on your skin or hair only. Do not swallow it.
• Avoid getting this medicine in your eyes, nose, mouth, or on broken skin.
• If you develop a severe skin reaction, widespread rash, or swelling, stop using the product and contact a healthcare professional.

• Burning, stinging, or tingling where applied
• Itching, which can last for a few weeks after treatment even if it is working
• Redness
• Mild rash or small bumps
• Numbness or a "pins and needles" feeling on the skin

When to get emergency help

• Get emergency help if you have swelling of your face, lips, or throat, or trouble breathing after using this medicine.
• Get emergency help if this medicine is accidentally swallowed and you feel dizzy, very weak, confused, or have a seizure.

When to contact a healthcare professional

• Contact your healthcare professional if your skin irritation is severe or does not improve.
• Contact your healthcare professional if itching, lice, or mites are still present well after treatment, since a repeat treatment or a different medicine may be needed.
• Contact your healthcare professional if this medicine accidentally gets in your eyes and rinsing with water does not help.

• Do not use other skin creams, steroid creams, or cosmetics on the treated area until your treatment course is finished, since they can make permethrin less effective.
• If using the lice rinse, do not use hair conditioner before treatment, since it can stop the medicine from working properly.
• This medicine does not have any known interactions with food, drinks, or alcohol.

• Store this medicine at room temperature.
• Keep out of reach of children and pets.
• Throw away any leftover cream or rinse after use so children cannot accidentally get into it.