Permethrin 5%, cream

Therapeutic action

Scabicide (pyrethroid insecticide).

Indications

Scabies.

Forms and strengths

5% cream.

Use

Child 2 months and over and adult: apply the cream to the whole body, including scalp, postauricular areas, palms of the hands and soles of the feet, paying particular attention to skin creases and interdigital web spaces. Leave on for at least 8 hours (e.g. overnight) then rinse thoroughly with water.

In child under 2 years: wrap hands to avoid accidental ingestion and contact with eyes.

Repeat the application after 7 days.

Contra-indications, adverse effects, precautions

• Do not use in children under 2 months.
• Do not apply to the face and mucous membranes, nor on broken skin.
• May cause paraesthesia, pruritus, redness, burning sensation, skin dryness, and rarely oedema or hypersensitivity reactions.
• Avoid contact with eyes. In case of accidental contact, flush immediately with plenty of water.
• Pregnancy: no contra-indication.
• Breast-feeding: no contra-indication. Do not apply to the breasts.