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.