Health Information
Permethrin for Lice
Examples
Permethrin is available in both nonprescription and prescription strengths.
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Permethrin 1% (such as Nix) is a nonprescription creme rinse used to treat Reference lice Opens New Window. Here are general instructions for treating head lice:
- Wash and towel-dry the hair. Do not use any hair conditioner.
- Apply enough of the nonprescription creme rinse to the hair to saturate the hair and scalp.
- Leave the creme rinse on for 10 minutes.
- Rinse the creme rinse off with water.
- Avoid getting permethrin in the eyes. Although the product is not known to be harmful to the eyes, rinse the eyes well with water if the creme rinse gets into them.
Some doctors advise a second treatment 7 to 10 days after the first treatment if a person still has live lice on himself or herself.
Permethrin 5% (Elimite) is a prescription cream that is applied to the skin or hair, left on for 8 to 14 hours, and then rinsed off.
| By: | Reference Healthwise Staff | Last Revised: August 30, 2012 |
| Medical Review: | Reference John Pope, MD - Pediatrics
Reference Susan C. Kim, MD - Pediatrics |
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