Category- Allopathy
About Permethrin 5 % Cream
Permethrin 5% Cream is a topical medicine used to treat scabies (a skin infestation caused by tiny mites). It helps kill the mites and their eggs, reducing symptoms such as intense itching, redness, and skin irritation.
Permethrin works by affecting the nervous system of scabies mites, causing them to die. It is applied to the skin as directed by a doctor. Some people may experience mild and temporary burning, stinging, redness, itching, dryness, or irritation after application.
Medicine Highlights
| Uses | 1. To treat scabies mites and their eggs and control itching and skin irritation caused by scabies |
| Common Side Effects | 1. Mild burning or stinging 2. Itching 3. Redness 4. Dryness 5. Skin irritation 6. Tingling at the application site 7. Skin rash |
| Additional Information | 1. This cream is for external use only. 2. Avoid applying it to open wounds, infected skin, blistered skin, or severely damaged areas. 3. Avoid contact with the eyes, mouth, nose, and other sensitive areas. 4. Wash your hands after applying the cream unless your hands are the treated area. 5. Do not swallow the cream or use it inside the body. Seek medical help if it is accidentally swallowed. |
| Storage | 1. The medicine should be stored at room temperature. 2. Keep away from sunlight and moisture. 3. Keep away from the reach of children. |
| How to Take This Medicine | Apply a thin layer of the cream to the affected skin as directed by your doctor. |
Permethrin 5 % Cream Uses
This cream is used to treat:
- Kill scabies mites and their eggs
- Itching and skin irritation caused by scabies
Permethrin 5 % Cream side effects
More Common
- Mild burning or stinging
- Itching
- Redness
- Dryness
- Skin irritation
- Tingling at the application site
Less Common
- Skin rash
- Swelling
- Persistent or severe irritation
- Increased skin sensitivity
- Other skin reactions
- Signs of an allergic reaction
How Permethrin 5 % Cream works
Permethrin is an antiparasitic medicine. It paralyzes the nervous system of scabies mites, resulting in their death. It also helps kill the eggs of the mites.
By reducing the number of mites on the skin, Permethrin 5% Cream helps control the infestation and gradually reduces the itching and irritation associated with scabies.
Safety Measures and Warning
Allergy or Hypersensitivity
If you are allergic to permethrin, other pyrethrins or pyrethroids, or any ingredient in the cream, tell your doctor before using it.
Eyes and sensitive areas
Avoid contact with the eyes, mouth, nose, and other sensitive areas. If the cream accidentally gets into your eyes, rinse thoroughly with clean water.
Damaged skin
Do not apply the cream to severely damaged or inflamed skin unless your doctor has advised you to do so.
Children
Use Permethrin 5% Cream in children only according to the age-specific instructions provided by the doctor or product label. Extra care may be needed when treating young children.
Pregnancy
If you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, tell your doctor before using this medicine. Use it only when recommended.
Breastfeeding
If you are breastfeeding, speak with your doctor before using the cream. Avoid applying it to the breast or nipple area unless specifically advised.
Persistent Itching
Itching may continue after treatment even when the mites have been eliminated. If new burrows, new skin lesions, or worsening symptoms appear, consult your doctor.
Reinfection
Scabies can spread between people through close contact. Household members and close contacts may need medical evaluation or treatment, depending on the situation.
Permethrin 5 % Cream Interaction with Food Product
As this medicine is applied to the skin, significant food interactions are not expected when it is used as directed.
Permethrin 5 % Cream Interaction with Other Medicines
Avoid taking Permethrin 5 % Cream with the following medicines, as it may increase or decrease the desired effect, or in worse cases, it could be fatal:
Permethrin 5 % Cream Chemical Structure
IUPAC (International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry)/ Chemical name
Permethrin: 3-phenoxybenzyl (1RS,3RS;1RS,3SR)-3-(2,2-dichlorovinyl)-2,2-dimethylcyclopropanecarboxylate
Intake routine/cycle
Daily dose
Take Permethrin 5 % Cream exactly as your doctor recommends. The dose may change based on your condition and how well you respond. Do not take more than prescribed without consulting your doctor.
Missed Dose
If you forget to take your medicine, take the medication soon as you remember. If it’s nearly time for your next dose, skip the missed one and continue with your regular schedule. Always consult the doctor before making any changes to your dosage.
Overdose
Using too much of the cream may increase burning, irritation, or other local side effects. If you accidentally swallow a large amount or develop severe symptoms after excessive use, seek medical attention promptly.
Storage
- Store the medicine at room temperature.
- Keep away from sunlight and moisture.
- Keep out of reach of children
Directions for use
- Clean and gently dry the affected area.
- Apply a thin layer of cream to the affected skin as directed by your doctor.
- Gently spread the cream over the affected area.
- Wash your hands after applying it unless your hands are the treated area.
- Do not apply more cream than recommended. Using extra medicine will not make the infection clear faster and may increase the risk of side effects.
- Do not stop or extend treatment on your own without speaking with your doctor.
FAQ’s
What are the uses Permethrin 5% Cream?
Permethrin 5% Cream is primarily used to treat scabies, a skin infestation caused by mites. It kills scabies mites and their eggs and helps control the itching and skin irritation associated with the infestation.
What are the recommended application instructions for Permethrin 5% Cream during pregnancy?
If you are pregnant, consult your doctor before using Permethrin 5% Cream. If prescribed, apply it exactly as directed and avoid contact with the eyes, mouth, and other sensitive areas. Do not use more cream or repeat the treatment without medical advice.
How long does Permethrin 5% Cream take to show effectiveness?
Permethrin starts working after application by killing scabies mites. However, itching may continue for a few weeks even after successful treatment because the skin can remain irritated. If new burrows or rashes continue to appear or symptoms worsen, consult your doctor.
Are there common side effects associated with Permethrin 5% Cream?
Yes. Some people may experience mild burning, stinging, itching, redness, dryness, or skin irritation at the application site. These effects are usually temporary. Seek medical advice if irritation is severe, persistent, or accompanied by swelling or other signs of an allergic reaction.
How to properly apply Permethrin 5% Cream for best results?
Apply a thin, even layer to the areas recommended by your doctor or the product instructions. Leave it on for the recommended duration and wash it off as directed. Avoid applying extra cream, and follow the complete treatment instructions. Close household contacts may also need evaluation or treatment to help prevent reinfection.
Where can I buy Permethrin 5% Cream online in India?
You can buy Permethrin 5% Cream online in India from SayaCare at up to 80% off along with a quality-assured report with every medicine. You can check the available products, compare prices, and place an order for convenient doorstep delivery.
Reference
- PubChem. Permethrin [Internet]. Nih.gov. PubChem; 2026 [cited 2026 Sept 16]. Available from
- Permethrin: Scabies Treatment & Side Effects [Internet]. Cleveland Clinic. [cited 2026 Sept 16]. Available from
- Permethrin (topical route) [Internet]. Mayo Clinic. 2024 [cited 2026 Sept 16]. Available from
- Permethrin 5% w/w Cream [Internet]. [cited 2026 Sept 16]. Available from
Authors
Pranathi is a final year Pharm D student at Chalapathi Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences. She loves learning and applying her knowledge in pharmacy and has a passion for writing, which allows her to express ideas clearly and creatively. She enjoys combining her technical skills with her love for writing and communication to make a meaningful impact. Currently she is working on a research paper about “Consanguineous marriages and its impact on children’s health” which will be published by the end of 2025.