Permethrin: Price, Dosage & Where to Buy

Permethrin is a topical antiparasitic medicine used mainly to treat scabies, an infestation caused by Sarcoptes scabiei. It is available as a generic medicine and is a treatment that requires a prescription in the United Kingdom. The product is supplied as a cream, with other topical forms and strengths also listed.

Permethrin is a topical antiparasitic medicine from the synthetic pyrethroid group. It acts on the nervous system of parasites, disrupting the normal movement of charged particles across nerve membranes. This causes paralysis and death of mites.

Applied to the skin, it works locally against the mites responsible for scabies. The medicine does not directly remove every symptom immediately, so itching can continue after treatment because the skin may remain irritated by the infestation. Continued symptoms alone do not necessarily mean that living mites remain.

Permethrin cream is indicated for the treatment of scabies, an infestation with Sarcoptes scabiei. Scabies can cause itching and skin changes, and itching may continue after treatment even when treatment has worked. Persistent itching is not usually a sign of treatment failure and does not by itself indicate that further treatment is needed.

Living mites after 14 days indicate that retreatment is necessary. The cream is intended for adults and children, with particular application areas noted for infants and older patients because the scalp may be affected in these groups.

The label lists Permethrin Cream 5% w/w, supplied as a 60 g tube, and describes one application for adults and children. The label lists thorough massage into the skin from the head to the soles of the feet, with the scalp, temple and forehead included for infants and older patients when affected. The label lists 30 grams as usually sufficient for an average adult.

The label lists removal by washing after 8 to 14 hours. The label lists one application as generally curative. The label lists persistent itching as possible after treatment and states that living mites after 14 days indicate that retreatment is necessary.

Store Permethrin Cream at 20-25°C (68-77°F), as stated on the label. Keep the tube closed and away from children. Follow the product label for handling and storage to maintain quality.

A missed application means the scabies treatment has not been completed as described on the label. A pharmacist or doctor can advise whether an application should be made when remembered, particularly if symptoms continue or living mites are seen.

Persistent itching can occur after treatment and is not by itself a reason for retreatment. Living mites after 14 days indicate that retreatment is necessary.

Animal reproduction studies found no evidence of impaired fertility or harm to the fetus due to permethrin, but adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women are not available. The label states that permethrin should be used during pregnancy only if clearly needed.

A doctor or pharmacist can discuss whether treatment is appropriate during pregnancy. Lactation information is not specified on the label, so advice should be sought from a doctor or pharmacist.