Anthropometric Measurements as Predictors of Low Birth Weight Among Tanzanian Neonates: A Hospital-Based Study
November 7, 2025
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Brand Name :
Elimite, Nix
Synonyms :
permethrin
Class :
Pediculicides, Scabicidal Agents, Topical
Dosage Forms & Strengths Â
lotion Â
1%Â Â
liquid Â
1%Â Â
cream Â
5%Â Â
Indicated for Scabies
Cream: From head to the toe area, apply the 5% cream, leave it for 8-14 hours, and wash it; if live mites are reappeared, reapply in 7 days
One-time application is generally sufficient for a curative effect
Head Lice and Nits (Eggs)
Cream/ liquid or lotion: Apply to rinsed hair, and leave it for nearly 10 minutes; wash and comb it to remove nits and eggs; if live mites are reappeared, reapply in 7 days
One-time application is generally sufficient for a curative effect
Dosage Forms & Strengths Â
lotion Â
1%Â Â
liquid Â
1%Â Â
cream Â
5%Â Â
Indicated for Scabies
Age >2 months
Cream: From head to the toe area, apply the 5% cream, leave it for 8-14 hours, and wash it; if live mites are reappeared, reapply in 7 days
One-time application is generally sufficient for a curative effect
Age <2 months
Safety and efficacy not established
Head Lice and Nits (Eggs)
Age >2 months
Cream/ liquid or lotion: Apply to rinsed hair, and leave it for nearly 10 minutes; wash and comb it to remove nits and eggs; if live mites are reappeared, reapply in 7 days
One-time application is generally sufficient for a curative effect
Age <2 months
Safety and efficacy not established
Refer to adult dosing Â
it may diminish the excretion rate when combined with permethrin, resulting in an enhanced serum level
it may diminish the excretion rate when combined with permethrin, resulting in an enhanced serum level
it may diminish the excretion rate when combined with permethrin, resulting in an enhanced serum level
it may diminish the excretion rate when combined with permethrin, resulting in an enhanced serum level
it may diminish the excretion rate when combined with permethrin, resulting in an enhanced serum level
it may diminish the excretion rate when combined with permethrin, resulting in an enhanced serum level
it may diminish the excretion rate when combined with permethrin, resulting in an enhanced serum level
it may diminish the excretion rate when combined with permethrin, resulting in an enhanced serum level
it may diminish the excretion rate when combined with permethrin, resulting in an enhanced serum level
it may diminish the excretion rate when combined with permethrin, resulting in an enhanced serum level
it may diminish the excretion rate when combined with permethrin, resulting in an enhanced serum level
it may diminish the excretion rate when combined with permethrin, resulting in an enhanced serum level
it may diminish the excretion rate when combined with permethrin, resulting in an enhanced serum level
it may diminish the excretion rate when combined with permethrin, resulting in an enhanced serum level
it may diminish the excretion rate when combined with permethrin, resulting in an enhanced serum level
it may diminish the excretion rate when combined with permethrin, resulting in an enhanced serum level
it may diminish the excretion rate when combined with permethrin, resulting in an enhanced serum level
it may diminish the excretion rate when combined with permethrin, resulting in an enhanced serum level
it may diminish the excretion rate when combined with permethrin, resulting in an enhanced serum level
it may diminish the excretion rate when combined with permethrin, resulting in an enhanced serum level
it may diminish the excretion rate when combined with permethrin, resulting in an enhanced serum level
it may diminish the excretion rate when combined with permethrin, resulting in an enhanced serum level
it may diminish the excretion rate when combined with permethrin, resulting in an enhanced serum level
it may diminish the excretion rate when combined with permethrin, resulting in an enhanced serum level
it may diminish the excretion rate when combined with permethrin, resulting in an enhanced serum level
it may diminish the excretion rate when combined with permethrin, resulting in an enhanced serum level
it may diminish the excretion rate when combined with permethrin, resulting in an enhanced serum level
it may diminish the excretion rate when combined with permethrin, resulting in an enhanced serum level
Actions and SpectrumÂ
Like natural pyrethrins, permethrin acts as a neurotoxin to affect the depolarization of the nerve cell membranes of parasites. It interferes with the usual sodium ion flow across the cell membrane by collapsing channels that are necessary for controlling the repolarization of the membrane. These causes a delayed repolarization which in turn inhibits the muscles of the exoskeletal respiratory system of the parasites hence leading to their death.Â
Frequency defined Â
1-10%Â Â
Pruritus  Â
Burning Â
Stinging Â
Black Box Warning:Â
NoneÂ
Contraindication/Caution:Â Â
Contraindication Â
Caution Â
Pregnancy/ Lactation Â
Pregnancy consideration:Â There was no evidence of risk to the fetus in animal studies, and there were not enough studies on pregnant women.Â
Pregnancy Category: US FDA-BÂ Â
Lactation:   Excretion of the drug into human milk is not knownÂ
Pregnancy category:Â Â
PharmacologyÂ
permethrin is a synthetic Pyrethroid Insecticide that exerts its effectiveness on altering the nervous systems of insects and other arthropods.Â
permethrin therefore has an insecticidal effect through interference with the normal functioning of the nervous systems. It selectively binds to the voltage-gated sodium channel receptors that are found in the nerve cells of the insects. permethrin is known to act by binding to these channels and makes the sodium channels to remain open hence causing a prolonged depolarization of the nerve cell membrane. This interferes with the normal flow of impulses that come from the nerves and results in paralysis, and eventually, death of the insect.Â
PharmacodynamicsÂ
Permethrin works by killing the nerve cells in the insects and other arthropods through interacting with their voltage-gated sodium channel which leads to depolarization of the neurons and hence nerve paralysis. This results into the paralysis and ultimately, the death of the pests that are affected. This is because it possesses a higher affinity for sodium channels in insects, and undergoes slower metabolism in insects than in mammals.Â
PharmacokineticsÂ
AbsorptionÂ
Permethrin does not easily penetrate the skin as only a small percentage of this pesticide is absorbed.Â
DistributionÂ
There is no information of the volume of distribution and protein binding data also not available.Â
MetabolismÂ
As a synthetic pyrethroid, permethrin undergoes rapid biodegradation through ester hydrolysis and forms non-toxic metabolites.Â
Elimination/ExcretionÂ
The inactive metabolites are mostly eliminated through the kidneys and are found in the urine.Â
AdministrationÂ
It is applied topically and available in the form of lotions, creams and shampoos.Â
Patient information leaflet Â
Generic Name: permethrin Â
Pronounced: [ per-METH-rin ] Â
Why do we use permethrin? Â
Permethrin is mainly used to treat and control the prevalence of lice, scabies, and other parasitic insects. It is also employed in insecticide repellents and for application to clothes, bed nets, and other pieces of clothing, equipment, and items that are frequently used outdoors against ticks, mosquitoes, and other arthropods.Â
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