Permethrin

Also sold as: Lyclear, Elimite

No prescription neededSkin medicines

Comes as:CreamLotion

Usual adult dose

Scabies: apply 5% cream to the whole body from the neck down (including between fingers and under nails) on cool, dry skin, and wash off after 8 to 14 hours. Repeat after 7 days. Treat everyone in the household at the same time. Babies under 2 months: ask a doctor.

Your doctor may give you a different dose. Children's doses depend on weight.

Side effects

Common

mild burning
stinging or itching after use
redness

Serious — get help

Stop taking it and see a doctor straight away if you notice:

severe allergic reaction
skin rash that spreads or blisters

Do not take it, or take care, if

Allergy to permethrin or chrysanthemum flowers
Babies under 2 months (ask a doctor)
Do not put in the eyes or mouth

Interactions

No important interactions are listed in our database. Still tell your doctor or pharmacist everything you take.