ELIMITE DRUG INFO

IMPORTANT NOTE: The following information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist or other healthcare professional. It should not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. Consult your healthcare professional before using this drug.

Permethrin - Topical (per meth' rin)
COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Elimite

USES: Permethrin kills parasites and their eggs. Although Permethrin does not prevent these infestations, it is used to treat scabies (a skin infestation) and lice infestations of the head, body, and pubic area ('crabs').

HOW TO USE: Permethrin is available in a cream and liquid (cream rinse) for external use. In most cases, one application of permethrin completely eliminates the parasites. However, the treatment may need to be repeated after 1 week. Inform your doctor if signs of infestation (live parasites) reappear. Follow the directions on the package or on your prescription label carefully, and consult with your doctor or pharmacist if there is any information that you do not fully comprehend. Use permethrin exactly as directed. Do not use more or less of the medication or use it more frequently than is directed by your doctor.
If you have open cuts or scratches on your hands, wear rubber gloves when applying the medication. Should it accidentally get in your eyes, rinse them thoroughly with water for at least 5 minutes.
If you are to use the liquid, follow these steps:
- Shampoo your hair using your regular shampoo.
- Thoroughly rinse and towel dry your hair and scalp.
- Allow your hair to air dry for a few minutes.
- Lean over a sink to apply permethrin to your head. Do not stand (or sit) in a shower or bathtub.
- Shake the bottle of liquid well.
- Thoroughly wet the hair and scalp with the liquid. Cover the areas behind your ears and the back of your neck.
- Before rinsing it off thoroughly with water, keep permethrin on your hair for 10 minutes.
- Dry your hair with a clean towel.
- Comb your hair with a fine tooth comb to remove nits (lice eggs and larvae).
- Wash your hands to remove the medication.
If you are to use the cream, follow these steps:
- Wash your entire body or take a shower.
- Thoroughly massage the cream into your skin over your entire body, from your head to your toes.
- Leave the cream on for 8-14 hours.
- Wash the cream off after 8-14 hours by taking another shower.
If you have head lice, wash combs and brushes with permethrin liquid and thoroughly rinse them with water to remove the medication.

SIDE EFFECTS: Although side effects from permethrin are uncommon, they can occur. Notify your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:
- skin irritation
- rash
- redness
- swelling

PRECAUTIONS: Before using Elimite:
- Inform your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to permethrin or any other drugs.
- Inform your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking prescription and nonprescription medications, including vitamins.
- Inform your doctor if you are pregnant or are breast-feeding. Wear gloves when applying permethrin to another person if you are pregnant to prevent absorption of the medication through your skin.

OVERDOSE: No instance of accidental ingestion of ELIMITE® Cream has been reported. Gastric lavage and general supportive measures should be employed if the medication is ingested. Excessive topical use (see recommended dosage) may result in increased irritation and erythema. Discontinue use if hypersensitivity to ELIMITE® Cream occurs.

NOTES: Keep all appointments with your doctor. Permethrin is for external use only. Do not let permethrin get into your eyes, nose, or mouth, and do not swallow it. Refrain from applying dressings, bandages, cosmetics, lotions, or other skin medications to the area being treated unless your doctor tells you.
After using permethrin, machine-wash (or dry clean) all clothing, bed linen, and towels that you have used in the last 2 days. Use hot water. Dry everything in a hot dryer for at least 20 minutes. Thoroughly clean all bathtubs, showers, and toilets in your home with rubbing alcohol.
If you have reason to believe that you may have transmitted the parasites to family members and close contacts (including sexual contacts); advise them to see a doctor if they develop symptoms of infestation.
If you have scabies and your skin has become sensitive to the parasite, itching may persist for several weeks following treatment. You should be aware that this itching does not mean that the treatment was a failure. Contact your doctor if you have questions.
Do not share your medication with anyone. Consult your pharmacist regarding any questions you may have about permethrin.

STORAGE: Store the medication in the container it came in. Keep the container tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). Discard any outdated or unused medication. Ask your pharmacist about the proper disposal of your medication.