Medical Editor: John P. Cunha, DO, FACOEP
Elimite (permethrin) 5% Cream topical (for the skin) is an anti-parasite medication used to treat head lice and scabies. Elimite Cream is available in generic form. Common side effects of Elimite Cream include:
- skin irritation, including itching, swelling, and redness, with scabies and may temporarily worsen after treatment.
Other side effects of Elimite Cream include:
- mild burning,
- stinging,
- redness,
- itching,
- skin rash,
- numbness, or
- tingling where the medicine was applied.
Thoroughly massage Elimite 5% Cream into the skin from the head to the soles of the feet. Usually a 30-gram dose is sufficient for an average adult. The cream should be removed by washing (shower or bath) after 8 to 14 hours. One application is generally curative. It is not likely that other drugs you take orally or inject will have an effect on topically applied Elimite. But many drugs can interact with each other. Tell your doctor all prescription and over-the-counter medications and supplements you use. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant before using Elimite. It is unknown if this drug passes into breast milk but is unlikely to harm a nursing infant. Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.
Our Elimite (permethrin) Side Effects Drug Center provides a comprehensive view of available drug information on the potential side effects when taking this medication.
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
QUESTION
Ringworm is caused by a fungus. See AnswerGet emergency medical help if you have 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.
Common side effects may include:
- mild burning, stinging, itching or mild rash;
- numbness or tingling where the medicine was applied;
- headache, dizziness;
- fever; or
- stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea.
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
SLIDESHOW
Rosacea, Acne, Shingles, Covid-19 Rashes: Common Adult Skin Diseases See SlideshowSIDE EFFECTS
In clinical trials, generally mild and transient burning and stinging followed application with ELIMITE™ (permethrin) 5% Cream in 10% of patients and was associated with the severity of infestation. Pruritus was reported in 7% of patients at various times post-application. Erythema, numbness, tingling, and rash were reported in 1 to 2% or less of patients (see PRECAUTIONS - General). Other adverse events reported since marketing ELIMITE™ (permethrin) 5% Cream include: headache, fever, dizziness, abdominal pain, diarrhea and nausea and/or vomiting. Although extremely uncommon and not expected when used as directed (see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION), rare occurrences of seizure have been reported. None have been medically confirmed as associated with ELIMITE™ treatment.
Read the entire FDA prescribing information for Elimite (Permethrin)
© Elimite Patient Information is supplied by Cerner Multum, Inc. and Elimite Consumer information is supplied by First Databank, Inc., used under license and subject to their respective copyrights.
Health Solutions From Our Sponsors