Get topical permethrin (generic Elimite) online prescriptions for parasites

Permethrin (generic Elimite) is a medication used for parasite infections. Talk to a provider to discuss whether permethrin is right for you.

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Product Overview

Topical Permethrin (generic Elimite)

  • What is topical permethrin (generic Elimite)
    Topical permethrin is used to treat parasite infections. Prescription permethrin cream treats scabies in adults and children over 2 months old. Over-the-counter permethrin lotion treats head lice in the same population group.

    Topical permethrin is available in its generic form or under various brand names. 5% permethrin cream is only available via prescription. This means a written prescription from a licensed healthcare provider is required before purchase. 1% permethrin lotion is widely available over the counter and can be purchased at most pharmacies.

  • What are the common side effects of topical permethrin (generic Elimite)?
    Using topical permethrin has been shown to cause some side effects. Talk to your healthcare provider if these adverse reactions become severe or do not go away within a few days.

    Common side effects include itching, irritation, and skin rash.

    This is not a complete list of side effects. If you are concerned about additional side effects, please contact your provider directly.

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Frequently asked questions about topical permethrin

Medically reviewed by:Jessica Swirble, PharmD

Topical permethrin is used to treat parasite infections. Prescription permethrin cream treats scabies in adults and children over 2 months old. Over-the-counter permethrin lotion treats head lice in the same population group.

Topical permethrin is available in its generic form or under various brand names. 5% permethrin cream is only available via prescription. This means a written prescription from a licensed healthcare provider is required before purchase. 1% permethrin lotion is widely available over the counter and can be purchased at most pharmacies.

Prescription-strength permethrin treats scabies in adults and children over 2 months of age.

Scabies is a contagious skin condition caused by a microscopic mite called Sarcoptes scabiei. These tiny, eight-legged parasites burrow into the top layer of the skin, laying their eggs and triggering an allergic reaction in the host. Scabies are typically transmitted through close personal contact with an infected person, making it common in crowded living conditions, healthcare settings, or among family members.

The primary symptom of scabies is intense itching, which often worsens at night. This itching results from the body's immune response to the mite's presence and their burrowing activity. Other common symptoms include a pimple-like rash, redness, and small, raised tracks or burrows on the skin, particularly in areas with thin skin, such as between fingers, wrists, elbows, knees, and genitalia. Scratching the affected areas can lead to secondary bacterial infections.

Over-the-counter permethrin treats head lice in adults and children over 2 months of age.

Head lice are parasitic insects that infest the human scalp and feed on blood by biting the scalp. They are a common problem, especially among school-aged children. They are usually transmitted through close head-to-head contact or sharing personal items like combs, brushes, hats, or headphones.

Head lice are tiny, wingless insects with a brownish-gray color and are about the size of a sesame seed. When they bite the scalp to feed, they inject saliva that can cause itching, which is often the primary symptom of a head lice infestation. Redness or small red bumps on the scalp and neck are frequently present, along with itching, which can be quite intense. In some cases, individuals with head lice may also develop sores from excessive scratching. Detection of head lice typically involves finding live lice or their eggs (nits) attached to the hair shafts, usually near the scalp.

In both prescription and OTC formulations, permethrin has the same mechanism of action. This synthetic chemical belongs to the pyrethroid family and works by paralyzing the nerves of the respiratory system of the parasites. These drugs work by killing mites and lice.

Topical permethrin has been shown to cause some mild side effects. If these adverse effects do not go away within a few days, talk to your healthcare provider.

Common side effects reported from topical permethrin use include:

  • Itchy skin or scalp
  • Mild redness or swelling in the affected area
  • Numbness or tingling in the affected area
  • Skin rash

More severe side effects include:

  • Skin rash
  • Hives
  • Continued irritation in the affected area
  • Infection in the affected area
  • Difficulty breathing or swallowing

Seek medical attention immediately if you notice any of these symptoms. These are signs of a severe adverse reaction or overdose requiring medical treatment.

As with all medications, inform your prescribing doctor about any medical conditions you have and any medications and supplements you are currently taking before starting treatment with topical permethrin. This drug can interact with other medicines and substances, leading to potentially serious side effects.

You should also tell your healthcare provider about any medical conditions you manage. Specifically, let them know if you have or have had asthma, a previous reaction to permethrin or other insecticides, or a reaction to other topical medications.

Finally, let your doctor know if you are pregnant or plan on becoming pregnant before starting treatment with topical permethrin. If you become pregnant while taking this medication, stop taking it and inform your healthcare provider immediately.

Topical permethrin is supplied as a 1% lotion (for head lice) or 5% ointment (for scabies). The form of permethrin you should use will vary depending on the parasitic infection you are treating.

For head lice, apply topical permethrin to washed hair. Leave the solution on for 10 minutes, then comb out nits and eggs. You may need to do this again after 7-10 days.

For scabies, apply the solution from the neck down. Leave it on overnight and rinse if off in the morning. Another application may be needed after 7-10 days, but one is usually enough.

Follow your doctor’s orders regarding the application of this drug. Thoroughly wash the affected area and let the skin dry before applying topical permethrin.

Permethrin is intended for topical use only. Do not ingest permethrin or apply it under the skin.

Do not discontinue or increase your topical permethrin dosage without consulting your doctor first. Take the medication exactly as prescribed, and inform your doctor if you begin to experience any side effects while taking the drug.

Topical permethrin should be stored in the container it’s supplied in. Keep these containers at room temperature, away from excess heat or moisture.

Do not freeze this medication.

Keep all medicines out of sight and out of the reach of children. Ensure that the caps of all medicine bottles are tightly closed and locked (if applicable).

1% permethrin lotion is available over the counter. This medication is used to treat head lice. You should not use 1% permethrin to treat scabies or any other form of parasitic infection. 1% permethrin lotion is widely available in most pharmacies.

5% permethrin cream is only available via prescription. This means that a licensed healthcare provider must authorize the use of this drug.

Looking for a prescription? Providers on Sesame can write you a prescription during a virtual or in-person visit. You can arrange for same-day pickup at your pharmacy, depending on the medication. Book an online consultation with a licensed provider on Sesame today to determine whether or not topical permethrin might be right for you.

Note that all prescriptions are at the discretion of your healthcare provider. Sesame cannot guarantee that you will be provided a prescription after a video or in-person appointment. Providers on Sesame are unable to prescribe controlled substances. For more information about controlled substances, check out the Drug Enforcement Agency’s scheduling guidelines here.

Providers on Sesame can write a prescription for topical 5% permethrin cream to be picked up near you—often within the same day. Don’t wait to get your prescription filled. Talk to a provider on Sesame and get your prescription ordered right away for fast and convenient pickup from a pharmacy of your choice.

Note that all prescriptions are at the discretion of your doctor.

Topical permethrin is a generic drug. It’s available in its generic form or under brand names like:

  • Acticin (Prescription needed)
  • Elimite (Prescription needed)
  • Nix (OTC)
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