Permethrin Cream 5% W/W

Prescription

Brand names: Permethrin

Dosage Form

Topical

Route

TOPICAL

Manufacturer

Encube Ethicals, Inc.

About This Medication

DESCRIPTION Permethrin Cream 5% w/w is a topical scabicidal agent for the treatment of infestation with Sarcoptesscabiei (scabies). It is available in an off-white, vanishing cream base. Permethrin Cream 5% w/w is for topical use only. Chemical Name - The permethrin used is an approximate 1:3 mixture of the cis and trans isomers of the pyrethroid 3-(2,2-dichloroethenyl)-2,2- dimethylcyclopropanecarboxylic acid, ( 3-phenoxyphenyl) methyl ester. Permethrin has a molecular formula of C 21 H 20 Cl 2 O 3 and a molecular weight of 391.29. It is a yellow to light orange-brown, low melting solid or viscous liquid. Active Ingredient - Each gram contains permethrin 50 mg (5%). Inactive Ingredients - Carbomer homopolymer type B, medium-chain triglycerides, glycerin, mono-and diglycerides, isopropyl myristate, lanolin alcohols, mineral oil, polyoxyethylene (20) cetyl ethers, purified water, and sodium hydroxide. Formaldehyde 1 mg (0.1%) is added as a preservative. structure.jpg

Active Ingredients

Ingredient	Strength
Permethrin	-

Indications & Usage

INDICATIONS AND USAGE Permethrin Cream 5% w/w is indicated for the treatment of infestation with Sarcoptesscabiei (scabies).

Dosage & Administration

DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION Adults and children - Thoroughly massage Permethrin Cream 5% w/w 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.

Side Effects Overview

ADVERSE REACTIONS In clinical trials, generally mild and transient burning and stinging followed application with Permethrin Cream 5% w/w 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 (see PRECAUTIONS - General ). Other adverse events reported since marketing Permethrin Cream 5% w/w include: headache, fever, dizziness, abdominal pain, diarrhea and nausea and/or vomiting. Although extremely uncommon and not expected when used as directed (see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION ), rare occurrences of seizure have been reported. None have been medically confirmed as associated with Permethrin Cream 5% w/w treatment.

Warnings & Precautions

WARNINGS If hypersensitivity to Permethrin Cream 5% w/w occurs, discontinue use.

Contraindications

CONTRAINDICATIONS Permethrin Cream 5% w/w is contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity to any of its components, to any synthetic pyrethroid or pyrethrin.

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External Resources

Same Active Ingredient

Permethrin Aurobindo Pharma Limited
Permethrin 5% W/W A-S Medication Solutions

Source: openfda

Last updated: 2026-03-19

Frequently Asked Questions

INDICATIONS AND USAGE Permethrin Cream 5% w/w is indicated for the treatment of infestation with Sarcoptesscabiei (scabies).

DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION Adults and children - Thoroughly massage Permethrin Cream 5% w/w 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 …

WARNINGS If hypersensitivity to Permethrin Cream 5% w/w occurs, discontinue use.

CONTRAINDICATIONS Permethrin Cream 5% w/w is contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity to any of its components, to any synthetic pyrethroid or pyrethrin.

Permethrin Cream 5% W/W is a prescription medication. You will need a valid prescription from a licensed healthcare provider.

References & Data Sources

• DailyMed — Permethrin Cream 5% W/W drug label (National Library of Medicine)
• openFDA — Permethrin Cream 5% W/W label data (U.S. Food & Drug Administration)
• RxNorm — RXCUI 106387 (NLM Normalized Drug Names)
• NDC Directory — Permethrin Cream 5% W/W (FDA National Drug Code)

Medical Disclaimer

The information on this page is intended for educational purposes only and should not be used as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or medication.

Data sources: DailyMed (NLM), openFDA, MFDS