Permethrin is a medicated skin cream that treats scabies. Scabies is a condition caused by tiny insects called mites that infest and irritate your skin causing small red bumps and severe itching.¹ Permethrin works by paralyzing and killing the mites and their eggs.²

This medication is for use on the skin only. Apply this medication as soon as possible after it is prescribed. Follow the directions on the prescription label. A bath or shower is NOT recommended before applying this medicine. Thoroughly rub the cream into all skin surfaces, from your head to the soles of your feet. It is important to apply it everywhere on your body, not just where the rash is.³

Apply the medicine from your head to the soles of your feet, including under your nails and in skin folds, such as between the toes, as directed. Massage the cream into the skin. Do not use more medication than prescribed.

Leave it on for eight to 14 hours, then remove it by bathing and shampooing. Do not get this medicine in your eyes. If you do, rinse out with plenty of cool tap water.⁴

Leave the permethrin cream on the skin for eight to 14 hours. Itching may continue for up to four weeks.⁵

Permethrin cream is not available over the counter and requires a prescription.⁶ It can be purchased online, if prescribed, through RedBox Rx. Start an online consult to see if permethrin cream is right for you.

Before using permethrin cream:

• Tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to permethrin, pyrethrins (A-200, Licide, Pronto, RID), ragweed, any other medications, or any of the ingredients in permethrin cream or lotion. Ask your pharmacist for a list of the ingredients.

• Tell your doctor and pharmacist what other prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking or plan to take.

• Tell your doctor if you have or have ever had skin conditions or sensitivities.

• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant or are breastfeeding. If you become pregnant while using permethrin, call your doctor.
  

Permethrin cream may cause side effects, including:

• Itching.

• Redness or mild swelling of skin.

• Numbness.

• Tingling sensation.

• Rash.

• Stinging or burning.

Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away.

Permethrin cream may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while taking this medication.

Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom).

It is important to keep all medication out of sight and reach of children, as many containers (such as weekly pill minders and those for eye drops, creams, patches and inhalers) are not child-resistant and young children can open them easily. To protect young children from poisoning, always lock safety caps and immediately place the medication in a safe location — one that is up, and out of their sight and reach.

Unneeded medications should be disposed of in special ways to ensure that pets, children and other people cannot consume them. However, you should not flush this medication down the toilet. Instead, the best way to dispose of your medication is through a medicine take-back program. Talk to your pharmacist or contact your local garbage/recycling department to learn about take-back programs in your community.

If someone swallows permethrin cream, call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. If the victim has collapsed or is not breathing, call local emergency services at 911.

Do not let anyone else use your permethrin cream. If you feel you need additional treatment, call your doctor.

If you have scabies, tell your doctor if you have a sexual partner. This person should also be treated.

It is important for you to keep a written list of all the prescription and nonprescription (over the counter) medicines you are taking, as well as any products such as vitamins, minerals or other dietary supplements. You should bring this list with you each time you visit a doctor or if you are admitted to a hospital. It is also important information to carry with you in case of emergencies.

• Acticin®

• Elimite®

• Hydrocortisone 2.5% Cream.

• Triamcinolone 0.1% Cream.

• Triamcinolone 0.1% Ointment.

• Hydroxyzine tablet (Atarax®).

• Prednisone tablet.

• Clotrimazole 1% Antifungal Cream.

• Ketoconazole 2% Cream (generic Nizoral®).

• Antibiotics for bacterial infections.

• Antiviral medication for shingles

1. Cleveland Clinic

2. WebMD

3. Cleveland Clinic

4. Cleveland Clinic

5. WebMD

6. CDC

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