Elimite

Elimite

     * Generic Name: permethrin
     * Brand Name: Elimite


     * What is permethrin topical?
     * What are the possible side effects of permethrin topical?
     * What is the most important information I should know about
       permethrin topical?
     * What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before using
       permethrin topical?
     * How should I use permethrin topical?
     * What happens if I miss a dose?
     * What happens if I overdose?
     * What should I avoid while using permethrin topical?
     * What other drugs will affect permethrin topical?
     * Where can I get more information?

What is permethrin topical?

   Permethrin is an anti-parasite medication.

   Permethrin topical (for the skin) is used to treat head lice and
   scabies.

   Permethrin topical may also be used for other purposes not listed in
   this medication guide.

What are the possible side effects of permethrin topical?

   Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction:
   hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or
   throat.

   Call your doctor at once if you have severe burning, stinging, redness,
   or swelling after applying permethrin topical.

   Common side effects may include:
     * mild burning, stinging, itching or mild rash;
     * numbness or tingling where the medicine was applied;
     * headache, dizziness;
     * fever; or
     * stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea.

   This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call
   your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side
   effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What is the most important information I should know about permethrin
topical?

   Follow all directions on your medicine label and package. Tell each of
   your healthcare providers about all your medical conditions, allergies,
   and all medicines you use.

   Elimite Patient Information including How Should I Take
   Adult Skin Problems: Recognize These Skin Conditions?

   Adult Skin Problems Slideshow
   RxList

   Quiz: Is Ringworm Contagious?
   RxList

   Gallery of Skin Problems and Image Collection

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before using permethrin
topical?

   You should not use this medicine if you are allergic to permethrin or
   to chrysanthemums.

   Ask a doctor or pharmacist if it is safe for you to use this medicine
   if you have other medical conditions.

   Permethrin topical is not expected to be harmful to an unborn baby.
   Tell your doctor if you are pregnant.

   It is not known whether permethrin topical passes into breast milk or
   if it could harm a nursing baby. You should not breast-feed while using
   this medicine.

   Permethrin topical should not be used on a child younger than 2 months
   old.

How should I use permethrin topical?

   Use exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor.
   Do not use in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.

   You may have a temporary increase in itching, swelling, or redness of
   treated skin when you first start using permethrin topical.

   Do not take by mouth. This medicine is for use only on the skin. Do not
   apply to open cuts or wounds. If the medicine gets in your eyes or
   mouth, rinse with water. Use the surface spray only on household
   surfaces and not on your skin.

   You may need to shake the medicine before each use. Follow the
   directions on the medicine label.

   To treat scabies:
     * Clean and dry the skin. Apply a thin layer of this medicine to all
       body parts from the neck down to the soles of the feet. Rub in
       completely. Leave the medicine on your skin for 8 to 14 hours, then
       wash it off completely.
     * When using permethrin topical on an infant, also apply the medicine
       to the scalp, temples, and forehead. Avoid applying near the eyes,
       nose, mouth, or genitals.
     * If your condition does not clear up within 14 days, apply
       permethrin topical again.

   To treat head lice:
     * Wash your hair using shampoo only (no conditioner or 2-in-1
       shampoo). Rinse thoroughly and towel dry the hair, leaving it damp.
     * Protect your eyes with a towel or washcloth. Apply the medicine to
       completely saturate all hair, and leave it in for 10 minutes. Then
       rinse with warm water.
     * You may also use a nit comb to remove lice eggs from the hair.
       Your hair should be slightly damp while using a nit comb. Work on
       only one section of hair at a time, combing through 1 to 2-inch
       strands from the scalp to the ends.
     * Rinse the nit comb often during use. Place removed nits into a
       sealed plastic bag and throw it into the trash.
     * Check the scalp again daily to make sure all nits have been
       removed.
     * If you still see lice 7 days after your first treatment, use a
       second application.

   To treat pubic lice (crabs):
     * All sexual partners should be treated.
     * Wash and dry the treatment area. Apply permethrin topical to all
       pubic hair and any surrounding hairs on the thighs and around the
       anus (avoid areas inside the rectum or vagina).
     * Leave the medicine on for 10 minutes. Then work into a lather and
       rinse thoroughly with warm water.
     * You may also use a nit comb to remove lice eggs from pubic hair
       (hair should be slightly damp).

   To prevent reinfection, wash all clothing, hats, bed clothes, bed
   linens, and towels in hot water and dry in high heat. Dry-clean any
   non-washable clothing. Soak all hair brushes, combs, and hair
   accessories in hot water for at least 10 minutes.

   Use permethrin surface spray to disinfect non-washable items such as:
     * furniture;
     * mattresses and pillows;
     * stuffed toys;
     * hats, gloves, and scarves;
     * headphones or headbands;
     * the inside of a bike helmet; or
     * seats and carpets inside your car.

   Stuffed toys or pillows that cannot be washed should be sealed in
   air-tight plastic bags for 4 weeks. After removing from the bag,
   vigorously shake the item outdoors.

   Vacuum all rugs, carpets, and car seats. Then throw away the vacuum
   cleaner bag.

   For the most complete treatment of lice or scabies, you must treat your
   environment (clothing, bedding, etc) at the same time you treat
   your hair and/or body.

   Store permethrin topical at room temperature away from moisture and
   heat.

   Elimite Patient Information including If I Miss a Dose
   Adult Skin Problems: Recognize These Skin Conditions?

   Adult Skin Problems Slideshow
   RxList

   Quiz: Is Ringworm Contagious?
   RxList

   Gallery of Skin Problems and Image Collection

What happens if I miss a dose?

   Since permethrin topical is usually needed only once, you are not
   likely to be on a dosing schedule. Wait at least 7 days before using a
   second application.

What happens if I overdose?

   Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at
   1-800-222-1222 if you think you have used too much, or if anyone has
   accidentally swallowed the medication.

What should I avoid while using permethrin topical?

   Rinse with water if this medicine gets in your eyes.

   Lice and scabies infections are highly contagious. Avoid sexual or
   intimate contact with others until your lice or scabies infection has
   cleared up. Avoid sharing hair brushes, combs, hair accessories, hats,
   clothing, bed linens, and other articles of personal use.

   Avoid using other medications on the areas you treat with permethrin
   topical, unless your doctor tells you to.

What other drugs will affect permethrin topical?

   It is not likely that other drugs you take orally or inject will have
   an effect on topically applied permethrin topical. But many drugs can
   interact with each other. Tell each of your health care providers about
   all medicines you use, including prescription and over-the-counter
   medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

Where can I get more information?

   Your pharmacist can provide more information about permethrin topical.
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