Permethrin Topical Dosage

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Aug 9, 2023.

Usual Adult Dose for Scabies

Permethrin topical 5% cream:
Thoroughly massage into the skin from the neck to the soles of the feet. The cream should be removed by washing (shower or bath) after 8 to 14 hours.

Usual Adult Dose for Lice

Permethrin topical 1% kit:
Apply lotion/creme rinse to shampooed and towel-dried hair until hair and scalp are saturated (especially behind the ears and on the nape of the neck). Leave on hair for 10 minutes and rinse with water. Use comb and/or gloves provided to remove remaining nits.

Permethrin topical 1% solution:
Apply to shampooed and towel-dried hair until hair and scalp are saturated (especially behind the ears and on the nape of the neck). Leave on hair for 10 minutes and rinse with water.

Usual Pediatric Dose for Scabies

Permethrin topical 5% cream
Infants: Thoroughly massage along the hairline, neck, temple, and forehead. The cream should be removed by washing after 8 to 14 hours.

Usual Pediatric Dose for Lice

Permethrin topical 1% kit:
2 months or older: Apply lotion/creme rinse to shampooed and towel-dried hair until hair and scalp are saturated (especially behind the ears and on the nape of the neck). Leave on hair for 10 minutes and rinse with water. Use comb and/or gloves provided to remove remaining nits.

Renal Dose Adjustments

Data not available

Liver Dose Adjustments

Data not available

Precautions

For external use only. Avoid contact with the eyes and mucous membranes. If contact occurs, wash the area thoroughly with water.

Usually 30 grams of permethrin cream is sufficient for an average adult.

Scabies rarely infest the scalp of adults, although the hairline, neck, temple, and forehead may be infested in geriatric patients and infants.

One application is generally curative. A second treatment of permethrin lotion may be given for patients that present with live lice 7 days after the initial treatment.

Patients may experience persistent pruritus after treatment for scabies. Demonstrable living mites after 14 days indicate retreatment is necessary.

Safety and efficacy in children under the age of 2 months have not been established.

Dialysis

Data not available

Other Comments

Concomitant treatment of individuals in the household is recommended to avoid reinfestation. Thorough cleaning of all clothing and bedding is required once treatment has begun.

For proper head lice management, nits should be removed with a nit comb.

Frequently asked questions

• Can you use Nix (permethrin) lice shampoo on your body as a lotion to kill scabies?

Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer