Permethrin

DRUG INFORMATION

  ADULT
    - 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.
      Source: US FDA label for permethrin (ELIMITE), section 'dosage and
      administration', retrieved 2026-08-29

  CHILD
    - ELIMITE ® (permethrin) 5% Cream is safe and effective in pediatric patients two
      months of age and older. Safety and effectiveness in infants less than two months
      of age have not been established.
      Source: US FDA label for permethrin (ELIMITE), section 'pediatric use', retrieved
      2026-08-29
    - 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.
      Source: US FDA label for permethrin (ELIMITE), section 'dosage and
      administration', retrieved 2026-08-29

  RENAL IMPAIRMENT
    - No kidney-impairment dose in this label. Not a statement that none is needed.
      Source: Read and found silent: the US FDA label for permethrin (ELIMITE),
      retrieved 2026-08-29

  HEPATIC IMPAIRMENT
    - No liver-impairment dose in this label. Not a statement that none is needed.
      Source: Read and found silent: the US FDA label for permethrin (ELIMITE),
      retrieved 2026-08-29

  PREGNANCY   [ CAUTION ]
    The label allows it only when the benefit is judged to outweigh the risk. Read the
      quote below.
    - 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.
      Source: US FDA label for permethrin (ELIMITE), section 'pregnancy', retrieved
      2026-08-29
    - There are, however, no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women.
      Source: US FDA label for permethrin (ELIMITE), section 'pregnancy', retrieved
      2026-08-29
    - Because animal reproduction studies are not always predictive of human response,
      this drug should be used during pregnancy only if clearly needed.
      Source: US FDA label for permethrin (ELIMITE), section 'pregnancy', retrieved
      2026-08-29

  BREASTFEEDING
    - It is not known whether this drug is excreted in human milk.
      Source: US FDA label for permethrin (ELIMITE), section 'nursing mothers',
      retrieved 2026-08-29
    - 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.
      Source: US FDA label for permethrin (ELIMITE), section 'nursing mothers',
      retrieved 2026-08-29