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permethrin (Elimite, Nix)
Tradenames: Elimite, Nix.
Indications:
1) scabies
2) pediculosis (lice)
Contraindications:
- hypersensitivity to pyrethyroid or crysanthemums
- Do not use in children < 2 months old.
Dosage:
Scabies:
1) apply 5% cream (Elimite) from head to soles of feet
2) avoid mouth, nose, eyes
3) wash after 8-14 hours (overnight)
4) 30 grams (1 oz) is a typical adult dose
5) repeat in 7-10 days [5]
Lice:
1) saturate hair & scalp with 1% rinse (Nix)
2) wash after 10 minutes
3) up to 2 additional treatments spaced 9 days apart may be needed to kill newly laid eggs [4]
Nix (1% rinse): 60 mL with comb.
Elimite (5% cream): 60 g
Adverse effects:
- not common (1-10%)
- pruritus, erythema, rash, numbness, burning, tingling, edema
Interactions
drug interactions
General
antiparasitic agent
Properties
MISC-INFO: pregnancy-category B
safety in lactation ?
Database Correlations
PUBCHEM correlations
References
- The Pharmacological Basis of Therapeutics, 9th ed.
Gilman et al, eds. Permagon Press/McGraw Hill, 1996.
- Drug Information & Medication Formulary, Veterans Affairs,
Central California Health Care System, 1st ed., Ravnan et al
eds, 1998
- Kaiser Permanente Northern California Regional Drug
Formulary, 1998
- Prescriber's Letter 17(9): 2010
COMMENTARY: Treatment of Head Lice - An Update
PATIENT HANDOUT: Treating Head Lice
PATIENT HANDOUT SPANISH VERSION: El Tratamiento de Piojos de la Cabeza
GUIDELINES: Head Lice
Detail-Document#: 260911
(subscription needed) http://www.prescribersletter.com
- Medical Knowledge Self Assessment Program (MKSAP) 17,
American College of Physicians, Philadelphia 2015