Permethrin is an insecticide and acaricide used to treat lice and scabies. It is available as a cream, lotion or spray and is applied to the skin or clothing. Permethrin works by paralyzing and killing the parasites that cause these conditions. It is generally well tolerated and is considered safe for both adults and children.
cis-permethrin 3-phenoxybenzyl (1RS)-cis-3-(2,2-dichlorovinyl)- 2,2- dimethylcyclopropanecarboxylate
trans-permethrin 3-phenoxybenzyl (1RS)-trans-3-(2,2- dichlorovinyl)-2,2- dimethylcyclopropanecarboxylate
Permethrin is synthetic pyrethroid insecticide, synthesized based on the chemical structure of pyrethrin, the main insecticidal component from pyrethrum. Because of its residual efficacy superior to that of pyrethrin, permethrin is widely used as a household insecticide. Permethrin has theoretically four isomers, however, by gas chromatography, two peaks are produced by the cis-isomer and the trans-isomer.
Permethrin is a medication commonly used to treat two parasitic skin conditions: scabies and head lice. Here's a breakdown of its key characteristics:
Function:
- Permethrin belongs to a class of medications called scabicides and pediculicides.
- It works by paralyzing and killing mites and lice, as well as their eggs (nits).
Applications:
- Scabies: Permethrin cream or lotion is applied directly to the skin to eliminate scabies mites and their eggs. Scabies is a contagious skin condition caused by tiny burrowing mites.
- Head lice: Permethrin shampoo or lotion is used to treat head lice infestations. Head lice are small, wingless insects that live on the scalp and feed on blood.
Benefits:
- Permethrin is a topical medication, meaning it's applied directly to the affected area, minimizing side effects throughout the body.
- It's generally effective in eliminating scabies and head lice with a single application.
- Over-the-counter (OTC) permethrin products are available in some regions, making them accessible for self-treatment of lice infestations.