Brand name:
PERMITE (Acticin, Elimite, Nix, Permethrin)
Drug Information provided by: Micromedex
US Brand Names : * Acticin * Elimite
* Nix Creme Rinse
Canadian Brand Names* Nix
* Nix Dermal Cream
Description PERMITE (Acticin, Elimite, Nix,
Permethrin)
Permethrin 1% lotion is used to treat head lice infections. It acts
by destroying both the lice and their eggs. The 5% cream is used to
treat scabies infections by destroying the mites which cause scabies.
This product is available in the following dosage forms:
* Liquid * Lotion
* Cream
Before Using PERMITE (Acticin, Elimite, Nix, Permethrin)
In deciding to use a medicine, the risks of taking the medicine must
be weighed against the good it will do. This is a decision you and
your doctor will make. For this medicine, the following should be considered:
Allergies :Tell your doctor if you have ever had any
unusual or allergic reaction to this medicine or any other medicines.
Also tell your health care
professional if you have any other types of allergies, such as to foods,
dyes, preservatives, or animals. For non-prescription products, read
the label or package ingredients carefully.
Pediatric : Studies on this medicine have been done only in adult
patients, and there is no specific information comparing use of topical
permethrin
in children with use in other age groups.
Geriatric : Many medicines have not been studied specifically in older
people. Therefore, it may not be known whether they work exactly the
same way
they do in younger adults or if they cause different side effects or
problems in older people. There is no specific information comparing
use of topical permethrin in the elderly with use in other age groups.
Pregnancy :
Pregnancy Category Explanation
All Trimesters B Animal studies have revealed no evidence of harm to the fetus,
however, there are no adequate studies in pregnant women OR animal studies
have shown an adverse effect, but adequate studies in pregnant women have failed
to demonstrate a risk to the fetus.
Breastfeeding
There are no adequate studies in women for determining infant risk
when using this medication during breastfeeding. Weigh the potential
benefits against the potential risks before taking this medication
while breastfeeding.
PERMITE (Acticin, Elimite, Nix, Permethrin) Interactions
Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in
other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an
interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change
the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. Tell your healthcare
professional if you are taking any other prescription or nonprescription
(over-the-counter [OTC]) medicine.
Other Interactions PERMITE (Acticin, Elimite, Nix, Permethrin)
Certain medicines should not be used at or around the time of eating
food or eating certain types of food since interactions may occur.
Using alcohol or tobacco with certain medicines may also cause interactions
to occur. Discuss with your healthcare professional the use of your
medicine with food, alcohol, or tobacco.
Other Medical Problems
The presence of other medical problems may affect the use of this
medicine. Make sure you tell your doctor if you have any other medical
problems, especially: The presence of other medical problems may affect
the use of topical permethrin. Make sure you tell your doctor if you
have other medical
problems, especially:* Severe inflammation of the scalp—Use of
permethrin may make the condition worse
Proper Use PERMITE (Acticin, Elimite, Nix, Permethrin)
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):
o 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.
o 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 PERMITE (Acticin, Elimite, Nix, Permethrin)
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.
Precautions PERMITE (Acticin, Elimite, Nix, Permethrin)
To prevent reinfection or spreading of the infection to other people,
good health habits are required. These include the following:
* Machine wash all clothing (including hats, scarves, and coats),
bedding, towels, and washcloths in very hot water and dry them by using
the hot cycle of a dryer for at least 20 minutes. Clothing or bedding
that cannot be washed should be dry cleaned or sealed in an airtight
plastic bag for 2 weeks.
* Shampoo all wigs and hairpieces.
* Wash all hairbrushes and combs in very hot soapy water (above 130 °F)
for 5 to 10 minutes and do not share them with other people.
* Clean the house or room by thoroughly vacuuming upholstered furniture, rugs,
and floors.
* Wash all toys in very hot soapy water (above 130 °F) for 5 to 10 minutes
or seal in an airtight plastic bag for 2 weeks. This is especially important
for stuffed toys used on the bed.
Side Effects PERMITE (Acticin, Elimite, Nix, Permethrin)
Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted
effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they
do occur they may need medical attention.
Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention.
These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts
to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to
tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects.
Check with your health care professional if any of the following side
effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about
them:
Less common or rare
