Name of drug
Permed lotion (Permethrin 5% w/v)
Name of active salt in it
Permethrin 5% w/v
Other contents
Emulsion base qs
Class of drug
Insecticide and anti parasite, Type I pyrethroidal neurotoxic insecticide.
Manufactured by
Med Manor Organics Pvt Ltd.
Used for
Permed lotion contains permethrin 5% as active ingredient is an insecticide it is used for the treatment of the parasitic infection scabies.
Mechanism of action
Permethrin is an effective insecticide that acts on the nervous system. Insects and parasites are affected more effectively than humans and dogs because insects can not remove toxins very effectively.
Acting on the nervous system of the insects it paralyses the insect causing their death. Thus applied on skin infected with scabies it cures scabies. The insects dwelling in human skin as parasites causing scabies die quickly but itching may persist for 2-4 weeks.
Available as
It is available as lotion for skin in concentration 5% w/v.
Administered as
It is applied on skin below the neck to the entire body before going to bed. In the morning after 8-14 hours it is washed away while bathing.
Pregnancy
Permed is a category B drug in pregnancy. It is found to be safe in animals but yet human studies are not available.
Lactation
It is considered as safe during lactation taking care that it does not go in the infant’s mouth.
Elderly
It is generally considered as safe in elderly people in treatment dosages.
Liver failure
No adverse effect found when applied to skin.
Kidney failure
No adverse effects found in kidney failure when applied to skin.
Side effects
At normal recommended dosages side effects of permethrin are minimal.
Taken in overdosages it can cause permethrin (Permed lotion) can cause Following side effects:
- Nausea
- Headache
- Muscle weakness
- Excessive salivation
- Shortness of breath
- Seizures.
Signs of poisoning
Toxic doses of Permed can cause following symptoms:
- Increased lacrimation
- Salivation
- Bronchorrhea
- Vomiting
- Stomach cramps
- Significant respiratory depression
- Altered mental status
- Seizures
These effects are because of cholinergic effects of the pyrethroid drug. They are very similar to OPC poisoning.
Antidote
Currently no antidote is available for the treatment of poisoning symptomatic treatment is given. Atropine with symptomatic treatment is the prefered choice.
Patients may need respiratory support with ventilators in case of respiratory failure and antiepileptic drugs for the treatment of seizures induced by the drug.
Usual drug dosages
Thin layer of lotion is applied on the skin below the neck. It is to be applied at night. It is washed at the time of the bath. Thin layer is applied on the skin.
Safety tips for permed lotion
Following are some safety tips for the use of Permed lotion:
- It is for external use, do not ingest orally.
- Keep away from children.
- Keep a cool place away from sunlight at room temperature.
- Avoid contact with eyes.
- Contact your doctor if you have any development of unusual symptoms.
- Use as per the suggestion of your doctor.
- Follow the dosages, frequency, duration as suggested by your doctor.