1 May 2026Drugs for external use and antiseptics
Permethrin 1%, lotion
Permethrin 1% lotion guidance for head lice, with 10-minute contact time and repeat treatment after 7 days.
This guide page is for structured reference only and does not replace a clinician, pharmacist, or emergency review. Dose choice, route choice, interactions, and safety decisions still need professional judgment.
Therapeutic action
Pediculicide (pyrethroid insecticide).
Indications
Head pediculosis (lice).
Forms and strengths
1% lotion.
Use
Child 2 months and over and adult: apply lotion to scalp and entire length of the hair shaft, paying particular attention to the areas behind the ears and around the nape of the neck.
Leave on hair for 10 minutes, then rinse thoroughly with water.
Repeat the application after 7 days.
Contra-indications, adverse effects, precautions
- Use with caution and under medical supervision in children under 6 months.
- May cause scalp irritation, pruritus, skin rash and redness, and rarely oedema or hypersensitivity reactions.
- Avoid contact with eyes. In case of accidental contact, flush immediately with plenty of water.
- Pregnancy and breast-feeding: prefer dimeticone.
Source
MSF Essential drugs practical guidelines (January 2026)
This page reproduces the structured reference information for this batch while leaving out the Storage and Remarks sections.
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