How does METRIN Cream work? What will it do for me?
Permethrin 5% belongs to a group of medications called synthetic pyrethroids, which are insecticides. Permethrin 5% works by paralyzing mites that cause scabies, killing them and their eggs. This product should get rid of scabies infestation after one application. However, skin itching may take up to 2 weeks to disappear after treatment.
A second application may be needed 7 to 10 days after the first treatment if you still see live scabies mites or new lesions on your skin
How should I use METRIN Cream?
For adults and children 12 years of age and older, the usual amount of cream needed per treatment is approximately one tube (30 g). For children 5 to 12 years of age, the usual amount of cream needed per treatment is ½ of a tube (15 g), and for children 2 to 4 years of age is ¼ of a tube (7.5 g). If the head, neck, scalp, and outer ears require treatment, more cream may be needed to cover these areas.
Before using this product, make sure that your skin is clean, dry, and cool. Do not take a hot bath or shower before using Permethrin.
For the lotion form of this medication, shake the bottle before use. For both the lotion and the cream, massage the product into the skin covering the entire area from the neck to the soles of the feet. Pay extra attention to the areas between the fingers and toes, underneath the fingernails and toenails, wrists, armpits, genital area, and buttocks.
Do not apply Permethrin to the head or face.
Permethrin will disappear as it is absorbed into the skin, and it is not necessary to coat the skin in a visible layer. If you wash your hands within 8 hours of applying the cream or lotion, reapply the product to the hands. After applying permethrin, put on clean clothes and leave the cream or lotion on for 12 to 14 hours. After this length of time, wash the permethrin off in the bath or shower, and put on a new set of clean clothes.
Many things can affect the dose of a medication that a person needs, such as body weight, other medical conditions and other medications. If your doctor or pharmacist has recommended a dose different from the ones listed here, do not change the way that you are using the medication without consulting your doctor or pharmacist.
This medication often gets rid of a scabies infestation after one application. Most people do not need a second application. need a second application. However, if you see live scabies mites or new lesions on your skin 7 to 10 days after the first application, a second application should be used, in the same manner as the first treatment.
If you are using any other topical medications or cosmetic products, discuss with your doctor or pharmacist whether you should continue to use them while you are using this medication. Most other products should be discontinued when using Permethrin.
Since scabies are spread through contact, you should make sure that your family members and sexual partner(s) are examined for scabies infestation. If they are infested, they should speak to their doctor or pharmacist immediately about using this product.
To prevent reinfestation, all clothing, bedding and towels used by an infested person 2 days before treatment should be machine-washed with hot water, and dried in the dryer on the hot cycle for at least 20 minutes, or dry-cleaned. Mattresses used by an infested person should not be used for 48 hours, and toilet seats and combs should be disinfected.
