PermethrinOver the counter
Pronounced per-METH-rin
Brand names: Nix, Elimite
Type: Antiparasitic (topical) · All Antibiotics & Infection Medicines
What Permethrin is used for
- Head lice
- Scabies
◆ Kidney note
No kidney concerns — it acts on the skin and hair with minimal absorption.
Common side effects
- Mild burning, stinging, or itching of the skin
- Tingling where applied
- Temporary worsening of itching
Important cautions
- Itching can continue for some weeks after scabies is cured and does not always mean treatment failed
How it comes
Cream, lotion, shampoo rinse. This guide lists forms only — it never lists strengths or doses.
Related medicines — Antibiotics & Infection Medicines
Please note: This page is a patient-education summary, not medical advice, and it deliberately contains no doses. Medicines affect everyone differently — always follow your own prescription and talk to your doctor or pharmacist before starting, stopping or changing any medicine.