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Medicine

Permethrin

परमेथ्रिन

What it is

Permethrin is a cream or lotion used to treat certain skin conditions. It requires a prescription in India.

What it is used for

Permethrin is used to treat scabies, which is caused by tiny mites burrowing into the skin, and head lice, which are small insects that live on the scalp and hair.

  • Scabies
  • Head lice

How it works

Permethrin works by killing the lice and mites that cause scabies and head lice. It paralyzes and kills these parasites, preventing them from reproducing and spreading.

How it is sold in India

In India Permethrin comes as cream and gel.

Common side effects

Most people using Permethrin do not experience any side effects. However, some may experience itching after treatment. If itching persists or worsens, consult a doctor.

See a doctor straight away if

Seek immediate medical attention if you experience breathing difficulty, eye irritation, or if skin or scalp irritation continues or an infection occurs. If Permethrin is swallowed, get medical help or go to the nearest hospital immediately.

Who should not take it

Do not take Permethrin if you are allergic to permethrin, pyrethrins, ragweed, or any of the ingredients in Permethrin cream or lotion. Do not use Permethrin on children under 2 months of age. Do not apply Permethrin near the eyes, inside the nose, ear, mouth, or vagina. Do not use Permethrin on lice in eyebrows or eyelashes. Tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to permethrin, pyrethrins, ragweed, any other medications, or any of the ingredients in Permethrin cream or lotion. Tell your doctor and pharmacist what other prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking or plan to take. Tell your doctor if you have or have ever had skin conditions or sensitivities. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding.

Questions people ask

Is it safe during pregnancy or while breastfeeding?

Consult your doctor before using Permethrin if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding.

What happens if I take too much?

If Permethrin is swallowed, get medical help or go to the nearest hospital immediately.

Brand names

357 medicines sold in India contain Permethrin.

Brands sold in India include Scabicip, Alscab, Scabigard-P, Permarid, Scarbic, Licerid, Smite, Permelice. Whichever name is on the strip, the medicine inside is the one described on this page.

Where this comes from

We do not publish doses. How much to take depends on your age, weight and other conditions — ask your doctor or pharmacist.

This page is general information, not medical advice, and it is not a substitute for seeing a doctor. It carries no dosage and no prices.

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