Medication

Elimite

Generic name: permethrin · Brand names: Elimite

Pyrethroid [epc]

Information sourced from FDA Structured Product Labeling, updated January 24, 2024.

What is it used for?

INDICATIONS AND USAGE ELIMITE ® (permethrin) 5% Cream is indicated for the treatment of infestation with Sarcoptes scabiei (scabies).

How to take it

Adults and Children - Thoroughly massage ELIMITE ® (permethrin) 5% Cream into the skin from the head to the soles of the feet. Scabies rarely infests the scalp of adults, although the hairline, neck, temple, and forehead may be infested in infants and geriatric patients. Usually 30 grams is sufficient for an average adult.

The cream should be removed by washing (shower or bath) after 8 to 14 hours. Infants should be treated on the scalp, temple, and forehead. ONE APPLICATION IS GENERALLY CURATIVE. Patients may experience persistent pruritus after treatment. This is rarely a sign of treatment failure and is not an indication for retreatment.

Demonstrable living mites after 14 days indicate that retreatment is necessary.

Warnings

If hypersensitivity to ELIMITE ® (permethrin) 5% Cream occurs, discontinue use.

Who should not take it

CONTRAINDICATIONS ELIMITE ® (permethrin) 5% Cream is contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity to any of its components, to any synthetic pyrethroid or pyrethrin.

Pregnancy

Pregnancy - Reproduction studies have been performed in mice, rats, and rabbits (200 to 400 mg/kg/day orally) and have revealed no evidence of impaired fertility or harm to the fetus due to permethrin. There are, however, no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women. Because animal reproduction studies are not always predictive of human response, this drug should be used during pregnancy only if clearly needed.

Breastfeeding

Nursing Mothers - It is not known whether this drug is excreted in human milk. Because many drugs are excreted in human milk and because of the evidence for tumorigenic potential of permethrin in animal studies, consideration should be given to discontinuing nursing temporarily or withholding the drug while the mother is nursing.

Side 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 . 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 , rare occurrences of seizure have been reported. None have been medically confirmed as associated with ELIMITE ® treatment.

All information on this site is provided “as-is” for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment. You should consult with a medical professional if you have any questions about your health. Source: FDA Structured Product Labeling.