Overview
DESCRIPTION: Permethrin Cream, 5% is a topical scabicidal agent for the treatment of infestation with Sarcoptes scabiei (scabies). It is available in an off-white, greaseless, uniform mass. Permethrin Cream, 5% is for topical use only. Chemical Name - The permethrin used is an approximate 1:3 mixture of the cis and trans isomers of the pyrethroid...
Mechanism of Action
CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY: Permethrin, a pyrethroid, is active against a broad range of pests including lice, ticks, fleas, mites, and other arthropods. It acts on the nerve cell membrane to disrupt the sodium channel current by which the polarization of the membrane is regulated. Delayed repolarization and paralysis of the pests are the consequences of this disturbance. Permethrin is rapidly metabolized by ester hydrolysis to inactive metabolites which are excreted primarily in the urine. Although the amount of permethrin absorbed after a single application of the 5% cream has not been determined precisely, data from studies with 14 C-labeled permethrin and absorption studies of the cream applied to patients with moderate to severe scabies indicate it is 2% or less of the amount applied.
Indications
- INDICATIONS AND USAGE: Permethrin Cream, 5% is indicated for the treatment of infestation with Sarcoptes scabiei (scabies).
Common Doses
- Refer to label
Dosage
DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION: Adults and Children - Thoroughly massage Permethrin Cream, 5% into the skin from the head to the soles of the feet. Scabies rarely infests the scalp of adults, although the hairline, neck, temple, and forehead may be infested in infants and geriatric patients. Usually 30 grams is sufficient for an average adult. The cream should be removed by washing (shower or bath) after 8 to 14 hours. Infants should be treated on the scalp, temple, and forehead. ONE APPLICATION IS GENERALLY CURATIVE. Patients may experience persistent pruritus after treatment.
Contraindications
- CONTRAINDICATIONS: Permethrin Cream, 5% is contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity to any of its components, to any synthetic pyrethroid or pyrethrin.
Side Effects
- ADVERSE REACTIONS: In clinical trials, generally mild and transient burning and stinging followed application with Permethrin Cream, 5% in 10% of patients and was associated with the severity of infestation. Pruritus was reported in 7% of patients at various times post-application. Erythema, numbness, tingling, and rash were reported in 1 to 2% or less of patients (see PRECAUTIONS: General ). Other adverse events reported since marketing Permethrin Cream, 5% include: headache, fever, dizziness, abdominal pain, diarrhea and nausea and/or vomiting.
Interactions
- No major interactions listed on the FDA label. Always consult a healthcare professional.