🧴 Permethrin Lotion 1%
🔹 1. Prescription / Indication:
Permethrin 1% lotion is a topical antiparasitic medication used primarily for:
- Head lice (Pediculosis capitis)
- Pubic lice (Pediculosis pubis)
- Mild scabies infections (off-label in some cases)
🔸 Permethrin 5% is used for scabies, while 1% is usually for lice.
🔹 2. Description:
- Form: Lotion (may appear creamy or milky white)
- Active ingredient: Permethrin 1% w/v
- Application: External use only
- Odorless, non-greasy, and easy to apply
- Usually available without a prescription in many countries for lice
🔹 3. Composition:
| Component | Function |
|---|---|
| Permethrin 1% | Neurotoxic to lice and mites |
| Lotion base | Vehicle for uniform application |
| May include preservatives, emulsifiers, stabilizers |
🔹 4. Advantages:
- Highly effective against lice and nits
- Low toxicity to humans; safe for children >2 months
- One-time application is often enough for lice
- Minimal absorption through skin
- Odorless and cosmetically acceptable
🔹 5. Nature / Drug Class:
- Type: Topical pediculicide (lice-killing) and scabicide
- Class: Synthetic pyrethroid
- Mechanism: Disrupts sodium channel function in lice → paralysis → death
🔹 6. Common Packaging:
- Bottles: Usually in 60 mL to 120 mL plastic bottles
- Often comes with a fine-tooth lice comb
- Clearly labeled: “For external use only”, “1% Permethrin”
🔹 7. Storage:
- Store below 25°C in a cool, dry place
- Keep away from direct sunlight and heat
- Keep tightly closed when not in use
- Keep out of reach of children
🔹 8. Patient Advice / Counseling:
🧴 For Head Lice Treatment:
- Wash hair with shampoo only (no conditioner), then towel-dry
- Apply Permethrin 1% lotion to scalp and hair—especially behind ears and nape of neck
- Leave on for 10 minutes
- Rinse thoroughly with water
- Comb hair with lice comb to remove dead lice and eggs (nits)
- Repeat after 7 days if live lice persist
⚠️ Advice:
- Avoid contact with eyes, mouth, and mucous membranes
- If contact occurs, rinse immediately
- Not for use on infants <2 months, unless directed
- Wash clothing, bedding, combs, and towels in hot water to prevent reinfestation
- Do not use conditioner before treatment—it may reduce effectiveness
🔹 9. Purpose / Clinical Use:
| Condition | Permethrin Strength | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Head lice | 1% lotion | First-line treatment |
| Pubic lice | 1% lotion | Apply to all affected areas |
| Scabies | 5% cream | Not the preferred use of 1% lotion |