Elimite (Permethrin) Drug Information: Description, User Reviews, Drug Side Effects, Interactions

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February 3, 2012

Elimite

Scabies »

Scabies facts

Scabies is an itchy, highly contagious skin condition caused by an infestation by the itch mite Sarcoptes scabiei.
Direct skin-to-skin contact is the mode of transmission.
A severe and relentless itch is the predominant symptom of scabies.
Sexual contact is the most common form of transmission among sexually active young people, and scabies has been considered by many to be a sexually transmitted disease (STD).
Scabies produces a skin rash composed of small red bumps and blisters and affects specific areas of the body.
Treatment includes oral or topical scabicidal drugs.

What is scabies?

Scabies is an itchy, highly contagious skin disease caused by an infestation by the itch mite Sarcoptes scabiei. Mites are small eight-legged parasites (in contrast to insects, which have six legs). They are tiny, just 1/3 millimeter long, and burrow into the sk...

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Elimite User Reviews >>

Elimite

Adult Skin Problems Slideshow Pictures

Quiz: Can You Identify These Skin Conditions?

Gallery of Skin Problems and Image Collection

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ELIMITE
(permethrin) Cream

DRUG DESCRIPTION

ELIMITE® (permethrin) 5% Cream is a topical scabicidal agent for the treatment of infestation with Sarcoptes scabiei (scabies). It is available in an off-white, vanishing cream base. ELIMITE® (permethrin) 5% Cream is for topical use only.

Structural formula:

Chemical Name: The permethrin used is an approximate 1:3 mixture of the cis and trans isomers of the pyrethroid 3-(2,2-dichloroethenyl)-2,2-dimethylcyclopropanecarboxylic acid, (3-phenoxyphenyl) methyl ester. Permethrin has a molecular formula of C21H20CI2O3 and a molecular weight of 391.29. It is a yellow to light orange-brown, low melting solid or viscous liquid.

Active Ingredient: Each gram contains permethrin 50 mg (5%).

Inactive Ingredients: Butylated hydroxytoluene, carbomer 934 P, fractionated coconut oil, glycerin, glyceryl monostearate, isopropyl myristate, lanolin alcohols, mineral oil, polyoxyethylene cetyl ethers, purified water, and sodium hydroxide. Formaldehyde 1 mg (0.1%) is added as a preservative.

What are the possible side effects of permethrin topical?

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these 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.

Less serious side effects may include:

itching or mild skin rash;
mild burning, stinging, or redness; or
numbness or tingling where the medication was applied.

This is not a complete list of side effects and...

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What are the precautions when taking permethrin (Elimite)?

Before using permethrin, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: skin infections, asthma.

Constant or forceful scratching of the skin/scalp may lead to a bacterial skin infection. Tell your doctor immediately if you develop worsening redness or pus.

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant before using this medication.

It is unknown if this drug passes into breast milk but is unlikely to harm a nursing infant. Consult your doctor before...

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Last reviewed on RxList: 4/30/2009
This monograph has been modified to include the generic and brand name in many instances.