What it means
An insecticide that paralyzes and kills lice, mites and their eggs. A 5% cream treats scabies: it is rubbed on from the neck down (and on the scalp in infants), left on for 8 to 14 hours and washed off. A 1% rinse treats head lice: it goes on washed, towel-dried hair for about 10 minutes and is rinsed out. It is also used to treat clothing to repel insects.
For the nurse
Teach that itching from scabies can last a few weeks after treatment and does not mean it failed. Wash bedding and clothes in hot water, bag items that cannot be washed, and treat close contacts at the same time as directed. A second treatment may be needed in 7 to 14 days.
At a glance
| Drug class | pediculicide and scabicide |
|---|---|
| Brand names | Elimite (5% cream), Nix (1% rinse) |
| Spanish | permetrina |
| Also written | Elimite |
Related terms
lindane
A shampoo or lotion that kills lice and scabies mites, used only when safer treatments have failed or cannot be used.
ivermectin
An antiparasitic drug, taken by mouth or put on the skin, that kills certain worms, lice and mites.