Proper Use

Drug information provided by: Merative, Micromedex®

Keep this medicine away from the eyes. If you accidentally get some in your eyes, flush them thoroughly with water at once.

Permethrin lotion which is used to treat lice, comes in a container that holds only one treatment. Use as much of the medicine as you need and discard any remaining lotion properly.

For the treatment of head lice (1% lotion):

  • Shampoo the hair and scalp using regular shampoo.
  • Thoroughly rinse and towel dry the hair and scalp.
  • Allow hair to air dry for a few minutes.
  • Shake the permethrin lotion well before applying.
  • Thoroughly wet the hair and scalp with the permethrin lotion. Be sure to cover the areas behind the ears and on the back of the neck also. Allow the lotion to remain in place for 10 minutes.
  • Then, rinse the hair and scalp thoroughly and dry with a clean towel.
  • When the hair is dry, you may want to comb the hair with a fine-toothed comb to remove any remaining nits (eggs) or nit shells.

Head lice can be easily transferred from one person to another by direct contact with clothing, hats, scarves, bedding, towels, washcloths, hairbrushes and combs, or hairs from infected persons. Therefore, all members of your household should be examined for head lice and should receive treatment if they are found to be infected. If you have any questions about this, check with your doctor.

For the treatment of scabies (5% cream):

  • Read package directions carefully before using.
  • Thoroughly wash and dry skin.
  • Massage the cream into the skin from the head to the soles of the feet, paying special attention to creases in the skin, hands, feet, between fingers and toes, underarms, and groin.
  • Scabies rarely infests the scalp of adults, although the hairline, neck, side of the head, and forehead may be infested in older people and in infants. Infants should be treated on the scalp, side of the head, and forehead.
  • Leave the permethrin cream on the skin for 8 to 14 hours.
  • Wash off by taking a shower or bath.
  • Change into clean clothes.
  • After treatment, itching may continue for up to 4 weeks.

Dosing

The dose of this medicine will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label. The following information includes only the average doses of this medicine. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.

The amount of medicine that you take depends on the strength of the medicine. Also, the number of doses you take each day, the time allowed between doses, and the length of time you take the medicine depend on the medical problem for which you are using the medicine.

  • For topical dosage forms (cream and lotion):
    • For head lice:
      • Adults and children 2 years of age and older—Apply to the hair and scalp one time.
      • Children up to 2 years of age—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
    • For scabies:
      • Adults and children 2 months of age and older—Apply to the skin one time.
      • Children up to 2 months of age—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.

Storage

Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Keep from freezing.

Keep out of the reach of children.

Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.

Portions of this document last updated: Feb. 01, 2024

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