Why is this medication prescribed?

Permethrin kills parasites and their eggs. It is used to treat scabies (a skin infestation) and lice infestations of the head, body, and pubic area ('crabs'). Permethrin does not prevent these infestations.

How should I use Elimite
 
Use Elimite topical exactly as directed by your doctor, or follow the directions that accompany the package. If you do not understand these directions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.
 
Never use more of this medication than is recommended.
 
To treat scabies: Apply a thin layer of the cream to all body parts from the neck down to the soles of the feet (scabies does not usually infect the head). Treat infants also on the hairline, neck, scalp, temple, and forehead. Apply the medication to dry skin and rub it in well. Leave the medication on for 8 to 14 hours, then wash it off completely. Scabies is usually cured with one application.
 
To treat head lice: Shampoo, rinse, and towel dry the hair as usual. Apply enough lotion to saturate the hair and allow it to sit for 10 minutes. Thoroughly rinse with water. Combing of the hair to remove nits is not necessary. One treatment should cure the infection.
 
Do not apply this medication to the eyes, nose, or mouth. Flush with water if you get medication in these areas.
 
To prevent reinfection, wash all clothing, hats, bed clothes, bed linens, hair brushes, or combs in hot water with a strong cleanser to remove any mites or eggs.
 
Do not apply permethrin topical to open cuts or wounds. Doing so could cause too much medication to be absorbed by your body, which could be very dangerous.
 
Store Elimite topical at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
 
What special precautions should I follow?

Before using Elimite,

• tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to permethrin or any other drugs.
• tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications you are taking, including vitamins.
• tell your doctor if you are pregnant or are breast-feeding. If you are pregnant, wear gloves when applying permethrin to another person to prevent its absorption through your skin.

What side effects can this medication cause?

Although side effects from permethrin are not common, they can occur. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:

• skin irritation
• rash
• redness
• swelling

What storage conditions are needed for Elimite?

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). Throw away any medication that is outdated or no longer needed. Talk to your pharmacist about the proper disposal of your medication.

What other information should I know?

Keep all appointments with your doctor. Permethrin is for external use only. Do not let permethrin get into your eyes, nose, or mouth, and do not swallow it. Do not apply dressings, bandages, cosmetics, lotions, or other skin medications to the area being treated unless your doctor tells you.

After using Elimite, machine-wash (or dry clean) all clothing, bed linen, and towels that you have used in the last 2 days. Use hot water. Dry everything in a hot dryer for at least 20 minutes. Thoroughly clean all bathtubs, showers, and toilets in your home with rubbing alcohol.

You may have transmitted the parasites to family members and close contacts (including sexual contacts); advise them to see a doctor if they develop symptoms of infestation.

If you have scabies and your skin has become sensitive to the parasite, itching may persist for several weeks after the treatment. However, this itching does not mean that the treatment was a failure. Call your doctor if you have questions.

Do not let anyone else use your medication. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about permethrin.