Pharmacy Guide
Patient leaflets and SmPCs, drug interaction checker, official dosages and NHS pharmacy opening hours — all in one place.
Pharmacy Guide
Patient leaflets and SmPCs, drug interaction checker, official dosages and NHS pharmacy opening hours — all in one place.
Permethrin 5% w/w Cream
⚠ This medicine appears to have been discontinued
The electronic medicines compendium (emc) no longer publishes a Summary of Product Characteristics for this product, which usually means it is no longer marketed in the UK. The patient leaflet below is kept for reference, but the product may not be available.
If you were prescribed this medicine, other products containing Permethrin may still be available. Do not stop your treatment — ask your pharmacist or GP what to use instead.
What it is and what it is used for
for Permethrin 5% w/w Cream is used to treat infestations of scabies and crab lice on the body. It contains the ingredient permethrin which belongs to a group of medicines called pyrethroids which kill mites such as scabies and crab lice. You must talk to a doctor if the symptoms worsen or do not improve.
What you need to know before you take it
e Permethrin Cream Do not use Permethrin Cream
- If you are allergic to Permethrin or any of the other ingredients of this medicine (listed in section 6). Warnings and precautions Talk to your doctor or pharmacist before using Permethrin Cream:
- If you are treating infants – see below in the section "Children up to 23 months of age";
- If you are known to be allergic to chrysanthemums or other compositae – you should only use Permethrin Cream after speaking to your doctor. Carers who apply permethrin are advised to wear gloves. Warning Do not smoke or go near naked flames – risk of severe burns. Fabric (clothing, bedding, dressings etc) that has been in contact with this product burns more easily and is a serious fire hazard. Washing clothing and bedding may reduce product build-up but not totally remove it. For cutaneous use only. Do not swallow this medicine. Avoid contact with eyes or mucous membranes (inside the nose or throat, genital region) or open wounds. Permethrin Cream may worsen symptoms of asthma or eczema. Children up to 23 months of age Do not use Permethrin Cream in newborns and infants less than 2 months of age, unless your doctor tells you so. There is no adequate experience in infants and toddlers. Treatment to children up to 23 months of age should only be given under close medical supervision. Other medicines and Permethrin Cream Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are using, have recently used or might use any other medicines. Corticosteroids (steroids) should not be used to treat skin conditions like eczema when Permethrin Cream is being used because they may make the infestation of scabies and lice worse by interfering with the body's natural defence to scabies and crab lice.
Permethrin Cream is not known to interact with any medicines. Pregnancy, breast-feeding and fertility For precautionary reasons, you should not use Permethrin Cream during pregnancy unless your doctor advise you to do so. If you are pregnant or breast-feeding, think you may be pregnant or are planning to have a baby, ask your doctor for advice before using this medicine. Driving and using machines No effect on the ability to drive and use machines is to be expected. Permethrin Cream contains butylhydroxytoluene (E321) Permethrin Cream contains butylhydroxytoluene (E321) which may cause local skin reactions (e.g. contact dermatitis), or irritation to the eyes and mucous membranes (lining of the nose, mouth and genital areas). Permethrin Cream contains lanolin Permethrin Cream contains lanolin as lanolin alcohols/liquid paraffin mixture which may cause local skin reactions (e.g. contact dermatitis). These excipients of the cream can reduce the efficiency and hence the reliability of latex products (e. g. condoms, diaphragms) used at the same time. Permethrin Cream contains cetostearyl alcohol Permethrin Cream contains cetostearyl alcohol as macrogol cetostearyl ether which may cause local skin reactions (e.g. contact dermatitis). Permethrin Cream contains methyl parahydroxybenzoate (E218) and propyl parahydroxybenzoate Permethrin Cream contains methyl parahydroxybenzoate (E218) and propyl parahydroxybenzoate. These excipients of the cream can may cause allergic reactions (possibly delayed). The container of this medicinal product contains latex rubber. May cause severe allergic reactions. Permethrin Cream is harmful to all types of insects and also to animals living in water e.g. fish. Take care that Permethrin Cream does not get into aquaria or terraria.
How to take it
Permethrin Cream Always use Permethrin Cream exactly as described in this leaflet or as your doctor has told you. Check with your doctor or pharmacist if you are not sure. To pierce tube, remove the cap and reverse it over the nozzle, push firmly and turn. Apply the cream to clean, dry, cool skin. Do not take a hot bath or shower immediately before treatment. Carefully apply a thin layer of cream to the skin (see "How and when should you use Permethrin Cream?"). To treat scabies Adults and adolescents over 12 years of age: Apply up to 30 g of cream (corresponding to one tube of 30 g). The application should be repeated 7 – 14 days after the first treatment. Children aged from 6 – 12 years: Apply up to 15 g of cream (corresponding to 1⁄2 tube of 30 g). The application should be repeated 7 – 14 days after the first treatment. Children aged from 2 months – 5 years: Apply up to 7.5 g of cream (corresponding to 1⁄4 tube of 30 g). The application should be repeated 7 – 14 days after the first treatment. Newborns and infants under 2 months of age: There is only limited amount of data available in this age group and no dose can be recommended (see also section 2 under "warnings and precautions"). The above information is merely a guide. The dose can be adjusted according to the needs of the individual patient and the individual body surface area. For example, some adults require a larger amount of cream.
To treat crab lice Adults over 18 years of age: Apply up to 30 g of cream (corresponding to one tube of 30 g). How and when should you use Permethrin Cream? Permethrin Cream is for cutaneous use only. Take care not to allow the cream to get into the eyes or come into contact with mucous membranes (inside the nose or throat, genital region) or open wounds. If accidental contact occurs, rinse thoroughly with water. For treatment of scabies: Adults, adolescents and children over 2 years should apply the cream to the whole body including the neck, palms of the hands and soles of the feet. The head and face can be spared unless this area includes places affected by scabies (itch mites). When applying the cream, the areas between the fingers and toes (also under the finger and toe-nails), the wrists, elbows, armpits, external genitalia and buttocks should be especially carefully treated. Children under 2 years of age, should apply the cream uniformly to the whole body, including the palms of the hands, soles of the feet, neck, face, ears, and scalp. Parts of the skin around the mouth (because the cream could be licked off) and the eyes should be spared. Keep your child from licking the cream from the hands. If necessary, children should wear gloves. There is no adequate experience in infants and toddlers. Treatment to children up to the age of 23 months should therefore only be treated under close medical supervision. Elderly: Elderly patients (over 65 years) should use the cream in the same way as adults but in addition, the face, ears and scalp should also be treated. Care should be taken to avoid applying the cream to areas of skin around the eyes. For treatment of crab lice in adults: Any facial hair (beards moustaches) and eyelashes should be checked for the presence of live lice and eggs. Cream should be applied to any facial hair, carefully avoiding eyes. If live lice or eggs are found on the eyelashes they should be removed carefully using tweezers. Cream should not be applied to the eye lashes because the cream can cause moderate eye irritation. How long should you use Permethrin Cream? One application of Permethrin Cream is usually sufficient. For scabies: Leave the cream on the skin for at least eight hours, for example, overnight. Avoid bathing, showering or washing during this period, because this could endanger the success of treatment. If, by way of an exception, you have to wash your hands within the 8-12 hour period, then reapply the cream to the hands and wrist area. The same applies if you have to wash other parts of treated skin (buttocks, external genitalia). After at least eight hours, take a shower or wash the skin with soap and water. For crab lice: The cream should be left on for 24 hours and then washed off with soap and water. Provided these instructions for use are followed, a single application is generally sufficient for successful treatment. However, in cases of persistent or renewed infestation, it may be necessary to repeat the treatment after 7 days. If you use more Permethrin Cream than you should If too much cream is applied, it should be washed off with soap and warm water. If there are any signs of irritation, talk to your doctor. If the contents of the tube are swallowed by a child get medical aid from the doctor or Accident and Emergency Department of the nearest hospital immediately. If you forget to apply Permethrin Cream Do not apply a double quantity to make up for a forgotten application. If you have any further questions on the use of this medicine, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
Possible side effects
Like all medicines, this medicine can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them. If severe hypersensitivity reactions occur, please consult a doctor immediately. In this case you must not use Permethrin Cream any more. Common (may affect up to 1 in 10 people): Itching (pruritus), reddening of the skin or unusual sensations on the skin (paraesthesias) such as tingling, pricking, skin burning sensation as well as dry skin are common. However,
such symptoms can also occur as a result of the disease itself. Moisturisers and oil baths are recommended as follow up treatment for dry skin. The itching and a skin rash (postscabies eczema) may persist for up to four weeks after the end of treatment. This is caused by a reaction to the killed scabies mites. If after using Permethrin Cream you have the impression that the disease is persisting, please speak to your doctor before applying it again. Rare (may affect up to 1 in 1,000 people): Headache can occur rarely. Very rare (may affect up to 1 in 10,000 people): Very rarely, skin lesions (excoriations), inflammation of the hair follicles (folliculitis) and reduced skin pigmentation have been reported at the time Permethrin Cream is used. Sensitive/allergic persons have reported breathing difficulties at the time substances from the pyrethrin group were being used. Not known (frequency cannot be estimated from the available data): Intolerability reactions may occur on the skin (contact allergy reactions) that are expressed as itching, reddening, blisters or nettle rash (urticaria). These reactions may also spread beyond the area of skin treated. Nausea may appear. Vomiting was not reported after the use of Permethrin Cream but is known in connection with other permethrin-containing drugs. Reporting of side effects If you get any side effects, talk to your doctor or pharmacist. This includes any possible side effects not listed in this leaflet. You can also report side effects directly via the Yellow Card Scheme at: www.mhra.gov.uk/yellowcard or search for MHRA Yellow Card in the Google Play or Apple App Store. By reporting side effects you can help provide more information on the safety of this medicine.
How to store it
Permethrin Cream This medicinal product does not require any special storage conditions. Keep this medicine out of the sight and reach of children. Do not use Permethrin Cream after the date printed after "Exp" on the carton. If the expiry date has passed, take the product back to your pharmacist for safe disposal. The expiry date refers to the last day of that month. Do not throw away any medicines via wastewater. Ask your pharmacist how to throw away medicines you no longer use. These measures will help protect the environment.
Contents of the pack and other information
What Permethrin Cream contains The active substance is permethrin. Each g of cream contains 50mg permethrin. The other ingredients are: butylhydroxytoluene (E321); carbomers; coconut oil, refined; glycerol (E422); glycerol monostearate 40-55; isopropyl myristate; lanolin alcohol/ liquid paraffin mixture; macrogol (2) cetyl ether; macrogol cetostearyl ether; methyl parahydroxybenzoate (E218); propyl parahydroxybenzoate; sodium hydroxide (E524) and purified water. What Permethrin Cream looks like and contents of the pack Permethrin Cream is white to off-white, smooth, homogeneous cream. Permethrin Cream is filled and packed in 30g aluminium collapsible tubes, fitted with white conical polypropylene cap. Marketing Authorisation Holder Morningside Healthcare Ltd. Unit C, Harcourt Way Leicester, LE19 1WP, UK Manufacturer Morningside Pharmaceuticals Ltd. 5 Pavilion Way, Castle Business Park Loughborough, LE11 5GW, UK For information in large print, tape, CD or Braille, please contact medical enquiries on 0116 478 0322. This leaflet was last revised in January 2024
M0361LAMUKNA-P1-004
Frequently asked questions about Permethrin 5% w/w Cream
How do I take Permethrin 5% w/w Cream?
Permethrin 5% w/w Cream comes as cream. Always follow the dose your doctor or pharmacist has given you, and read the leaflet that comes with the medicine.
What is the active substance in Permethrin 5% w/w Cream?
The active substance in Permethrin 5% w/w Cream is permethrin.
Where does this information come from?
This leaflet reproduces the patient information leaflet approved for Permethrin 5% w/w Cream, as published on the electronic medicines compendium (emc). The version printed inside your medicine’s packaging is the one that applies to you.
Can I get Permethrin 5% w/w Cream without a prescription?
Whether a medicine is available over the counter or on prescription only depends on its licence. Check the leaflet, or ask your pharmacist — they can tell you straight away.
About this leaflet
The text above reproduces the patient information leaflet approved for this medicine, restructured for easier reading.
- Source: electronic medicines compendium (emc), Datapharm
- Active substance: permethrin
- Official document: view the original leaflet on emc →
⚕For healthcare professionals — Summary of Product Characteristics (SmPC)Full SmPC: dosage, interactions, contraindications, warnings+
4.1. Therapeutic indications
Permethrin Cream is indicated for the treatment of scabies in adults and children aged from 2 months, and crab lice in adults.
4.2. Posology and method of administration
Posology
Treatment of scabies
Adults and adolescents over 12 years of age:
Apply up to 30 g of cream (corresponding to one tube of 30 g). The application should be repeated 7 – 14 days after the first treatment.
Paediatric population
Children aged from 6 - 12 years:
Apply up to 15 g of cream (corresponding to ½ tube of 30 g). The application should be repeated 7 – 14 days after the first treatment.
Children aged from 2 months - 5 years:
Up to 7.5 g of cream (corresponding to ¼ tube of 30 g). The application should be repeated 7 – 14 days after the first treatment.
The safety and efficacy of Permethrin Cream in children under 2 months of age have not been established. No data are available.
Treatment of crab lice
Adults over 18 years of age:
Apply up to 30 g of cream (corresponding to one tube of 30 g).
Method of administration
For cutaneous use only. The medicinal product must not be swallowed.
Carefully apply a thin layer of cream to the skin (cutaneous use).
For treatment of scabies:
Adults, adolescents and children over 2 years should apply the cream uniformly to the whole body including the neck, palms of the hands and soles of the feet. The head and face can be spared unless scabies efflorescences are present in this region.
On application, the areas between the fingers and toes (also under the finger- and toe-nails), the wrists, elbows, armpits, external genitalia and the buttocks should be especially carefully treated.
Paediatric population
Children under 2 years of age should apply the cream uniformly to the whole body, including the palms of the hands, soles of the feet, neck, face, ears, and scalp. Parts of the skin around the mouth (because the cream could be licked off) and the eyes should be spared. Children should be kept from licking the cream from the hands. If necessary, children should wear gloves.
Only limited experience is available with Permethrin 5% w/w Cream in children aged 2 months to 23 months. Therefore treatment must be given only under close medical supervision in this age group.
Elderly:
Elderly patients (over 65 years) should use the cream in the same way as adults, but in addition, the face, ears and scalp should also be treated. Care should be taken to avoid applying the cream to areas of skin around the eyes.
Permethrin Dermal Cream should be applied to clean, dry, cool skin. If the patient has taken a warm bath prior to treatment the skin should be allowed to cool before the cream is applied.
Permethrin Dermal Cream is a vanishing cream and when rubbed gently into the skin it will disappear. Therefore, there is no need to continue to apply cream to the skin until it remains detectable on the surface.
Older children should be supervised by an adult when applying to ensure that a thorough treatment is administered.
The whole body should be washed thoroughly 8 – 12 hours after treatment.
Approximately 90% of individuals are cured with a single application of cream. If necessary, a second application may be given not less than 7 days after the initial application, if there are no signs of the original lesions healing or if new lesions are present.
For treatment of crab lice in adults:
Sufficient cream should be applied to cover the pubic region, peri-anal (around the anus), inner thighs down to the knees and any hair that grows up from the pubic area to the chest/stomach.
For treatment of crab lice in adults, the cream should be left on the skin for 24 hours, after which the treatment areas should be washed thoroughly.
Any facial hair (beards, moustaches) and eyelashes should be checked for the presence of live lice and eggs. Cream should be applied to any facial hair, carefully avoiding eyes. If live lice or eggs are found on the eyelashes they should be removed carefully using tweezers. Cream should not be applied to the eyelashes because the cream can cause moderate eye irritation.
4.3. Contraindications
Hypersensitivity to the active substance permethrin or other substances of the pyrethrin group or to any of the excipients listed in section 6.1. In such cases treatment should be switched to a chemically different antiscabies agent.
4.4. Special warnings and precautions for use
In the case of hypersensitivity to chrysanthemums or other compositae, treatment should only be given if strictly indicated. In such cases treatment should be switched to a chemically different agent.
Nursing staff who routinely use Permethrin 5% w/w Dermal Cream may wish to wear gloves to avoid any possible irritation to the hands.
When using Permethrin 5% w/w Dermal Cream, care should be taken not to allow the cream to get into the eyes or come into contact with mucous membranes (e.g. nasopharyngeal space, genital area) or open wounds. Permethrin is not an eye irritant but contact of Permethrin 5% w/w Dermal Cream with the eyes should be avoided because the cream itself may cause marked irritation. In the event of inadvertent eye contamination, the affected area should be rinsed immediately with plenty of water, or if readily available, normal saline.
Paediatric population
Only limited experience is available with Permethrin 5% w/w Cream in children aged 2 months to 23 months. Therefore, treatment must be given only under close medical supervision in this age group.
For cutaneous use only.
Permethrin 5% w/w Cream is harmful to all types of insects and also for aquatic forms of life (fishes, daphnia, algae). Contamination of aquaria and terraria is to be avoided.
Excipient warnings
Permethrin Cream contains butylhydroxytoluene (E321) which may cause local skin reactions (e.g. contact dermatitis), or irritation to the eyes and mucous membranes (lining of the nose, mouth and genital areas).
Permethrin Cream contains lanolin as lanolin alcohols/liquid paraffin mixture which may cause local skin reactions (e.g. contact dermatitis). These excipients of the cream (liquid paraffin, white soft paraffin) can reduce the functioning and hence the reliability of latex products (e. g. condoms, diaphragms) used at the same time.
Permethrin Cream contains cetostearyl alcohol as macrogol cetostearyl ether which may cause local skin reactions (e.g. contact dermatitis).
Permethrin Cream contains methyl parahydroxybenzoate (E218) and propyl parahydroxybenzoate. These excipients of the cream can may cause allergic reactions (possibly delayed).
The container of this medicinal product contains latex rubber. May cause severe allergic reactions.
Instruct patients not to smoke or go near naked flames - risk of severe burns. Fabric (clothing, bedding, dressings etc) that has been in contact with this product burns more easily and is a serious fire hazard. Washing clothing and bedding may reduce product build-up but not totally remove it.
4.5. Interaction with other medicinal products and other forms of interaction
No interactions are known.
The treatment of eczematous-like reactions with corticosteroids should be withheld prior to treatment with Permethrin 5% w/w Dermal Cream, as there is a risk of exacerbating the scabies infestation by reducing the immune response to the mite. The likelihood of interactions between the two treatments leading to potentiated adverse reactions or reduced efficacy is, however, small.
4.6. Fertility, pregnancy and lactation
Pregnancy
Reproduction studies have been performed in mice, rats and rabbits (200 - 400 mg/kg/day orally) and have revealed no evidence of harm to the foetus due to Permethrin. There are however, only limited data on the use of Permethrin 5% w/w Cream in pregnant women. Because animal studies are not always predictive of the human response, treatment should be considered during pregnancy only if clearly needed. Furthermore the amount of permethrin absorbed systemically following a whole body application is extremely low. Some permethrin may cross the placental barrier. The negative mutagenicity tests and the very low mammalian toxicity would suggest that any risk to the foetus following treatment with Permethrin 5% w/w Cream is minimal.
Breast-feeding
Studies, following oral administration of permethrin in cattle have indicated that very low concentrations of permethrin are excreted in milk. It is not known whether permethrin is excreted in human breast milk. However, because only extremely small amounts of permethrin are absorbed systemically following treatment with Permethrin 5% w/w Cream and in theory only a very small percentage of this systemic permethrin may pass into the breast milk, it is unlikely that the concentrations of permethrin the milk will present any risk to the neonate/infant. Consideration should be given to withholding treatment during nursing or temporarily discontinuing nursing.
Fertility
Reproduction studies in mice, rats and rabbits given oral dosage of 200 to 400 mg/kg bodyweight/day revealed no evidence of impaired fertility. In addition permethrin did not show any adverse effects on the reproductive function of rats given an oral dosage of 180 mg/kg bodyweight/day in a three generation study.
There was no evidence of teratogenicity in reproduction studies in mice, rats and rabbits.
4.7. Effects on ability to drive and use machines
None known
4.8. Undesirable effects
In scabies patients, skin discomfort, usually described as burning, stinging or tingling, occurs in a few individuals soon after Permethrin 5% w/w Cream is applied. This occurs more frequently in patients with severe scabies and is usually mild and transient.
Other transient signs and symptoms of irritation, including erythema, oedema, eczema, rash and pruritus which may follow treatment of scabies with Permethrin 5% w/w Cream are generally considered to be part of the natural history of scabies.
In patients treated for scabies, itching may persist for up to 4 weeks post-treatment. This is generally regarded as due to an allergic reaction to the dead mites under the skin and is not necessarily indicative of a treatment failure.
System Organ Class
Common
(≥1/100 to <1/10)
Rare
(≥1/10,000 to <1/1,000)
Very rare
(<1/10,000)
Not known (cannot be estimated from the available data)
Nervous system disorders
Paraesthesia, skin burning sensation
Headache
Respiratory, thoracic and mediastinal disorders
Dyspnoea (in sensitive/allergic patients)
Gastrointestinal disorders
Nausea
Skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders
Pruritus, erythematous rash, dry skin
Excoriation, folliculitis, skin hypopigmentation
Contact dermatitis, urticaria
Reporting of suspected adverse reactions
Reporting suspected adverse reactions after authorisation of the medicinal product is important. It allows continued monitoring of the benefit/risk balance of the medicinal product. Healthcare professionals are asked to report any suspected adverse reactions via the Yellow Card Scheme at www.mhra.gov.uk/yellowcard or search for MHRA Yellow Card in the Google Play or Apple App Store.
4.9. Overdose
Application of a full tube of cream to a 2 month old would result in a dose of approximately 350 mg/kg bodyweight to skin. It is unlikely that such a dose would cause overt signs of systemic toxicity even if 100% of the permethrin were absorbed.
It is possible that excessive application of Permethrin 5% w/w Cream might result in localised adverse reactions or more severe skin reactions.
Symptomatic treatment is indicated should hypersensitivity-type reactions occur.
In the event of accidental ingestion of the contents of a tube of Permethrin 5% w/w Cream by a child, gastric lavage should be considered if consultation is within 2 hours of ingestion.
Symptoms of overdose may occur in case of accidental or voluntary oral ingestion, and in rare cases of skin absorption due to excessive local application. Some symptoms that have been reported are nausea, vomiting, dizziness and convulsions.
🇵🇱 Known in Poland as
Medicines sold in Poland with the same active substance: W Polsce znany jako
⚠ Same active substance, but a different pharmaceutical form (for example a gel instead of a tablet). Not interchangeable — ask a pharmacist.
- Infectoscab 5% kremPermethrinum
- ExspotPermethrinum · taken by mouth
- InsectinPermethrinum · taken by mouth
- Sora FortePermethrinum
- Permetryna ScabinolPermethrinum
- Dixie Permetryna QuimunsaPermethrinum · taken by mouth
Same active substance. The strength, the form and whether you need a prescription can differ. Always ask a pharmacist before you switch. Polish medicines in the UK →
💬 Ask about this leaflet
Ask anything about Permethrin 5% w/w Cream. The assistant answers only from this leaflet — if the leaflet does not cover it, it will say so. It does not give medical advice.
Answers come from the patient leaflet published on the electronic medicines compendium (emc). They are not medical advice. Ask a pharmacist or your GP if you are unsure. For urgent help call NHS 111, or 999 in an emergency.