What it means
An organochlorine insecticide absorbed through the skin. It can harm the nervous system and cause seizures and, rarely, death, especially in infants, older adults, people who weigh under 50 kg, and people with broken or inflamed skin. It is therefore a last-choice treatment after drugs such as permethrinper-METH-rinA cream or lotion put on the skin or hair to kill lice and the mites that cause scabies.Full entry .
For the nurse
Apply only a thin layer once, for the stated time, then wash it off; never reapply. Do not use right after a bath, when skin absorbs more. Wear gloves when applying it. Teach the family to keep it away from children.
At a glance
| Drug class | pediculicide and scabicide |
|---|
Related terms
permethrin
A cream or lotion put on the skin or hair to kill lice and the mites that cause scabies.
ivermectin
An antiparasitic drug, taken by mouth or put on the skin, that kills certain worms, lice and mites.