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Care365 medication guide
Permethrin
Treats lice or scabies with the appropriate formulation.
Drug information
Uses, directions and safety information for Permethrin.
What it is used for
Treats lice or scabies with the appropriate formulation.
How to use it
For head lice, apply 1% rinse to shampooed, towel-dried hair for ten minutes and rinse. Follow labelled repeat-treatment instructions.
Before use
Avoid eyes, broken skin and pyrethroid/ingredient allergy. Do not substitute the scabies regimen.
Possible side effects
Temporary burning, itching and stinging.
When to get medical help
Get help for allergic swelling or breathing difficulty; reassess persistent infestation.
Medicines and interactions
Avoid conditioners and other products that interfere with treatment.
Pregnancy and breastfeeding
Discuss pregnancy, breastfeeding and treatment of young children.
Missed doses, storage and accidental exposure
Follow your own product’s missed-dose instructions. If you are unsure, ask a pharmacist before taking an extra dose. Contraceptives, injections and modified-release medicines may need a specific plan.
Keep the original packaging and follow its storage, expiry and disposal instructions. Keep medicines away from children and pets. Ask about refrigeration, after-opening limits and safe sharps disposal when relevant.
For suspected overdose or accidental swallowing, contact poison control or urgent medical care promptly. Call emergency services for breathing difficulty, collapse or a seizure.
Care that starts with a conversation
How Care365 can help
Explore care for your symptoms and prepare for a conversation about treatment. Your healthcare professional will consider your history, current medicines and whether an assessment or referral is appropriate.
Your next steps
Know what to prepare and what to discuss.
Share your history
Prepare your symptoms, allergies, medication list and treatment questions.
Discuss your options
A healthcare professional assesses which care or referral is appropriate.
Plan your follow-up
Follow the advice you receive about treatment, monitoring and next steps.
Related condition guides
Learn about concerns where this medication may be discussed. Treatment depends on your individual assessment.
Prescription renewal and medication review
For a review of Permethrin, have your current dose, reason for treatment, remaining supply, benefits, side effects and pharmacy details ready. Ask your pharmacist or prescriber whether a renewal assessment is available and appropriate. A prescription or renewal is not guaranteed.
Questions about Permethrin
What is Permethrin used for?
Treats lice or scabies with the appropriate formulation.
How should I use Permethrin?
For head lice, apply 1% rinse to shampooed, towel-dried hair for ten minutes and rinse. Follow labelled repeat-treatment instructions.
What side effects can Permethrin cause?
Temporary burning, itching and stinging.
When should I get medical help while using Permethrin?
Get help for allergic swelling or breathing difficulty; reassess persistent infestation.
Can Permethrin interact with other medicines?
Avoid conditioners and other products that interfere with treatment.
What should I know about Permethrin during pregnancy or breastfeeding?
Discuss pregnancy, breastfeeding and treatment of young children.
Sources and product information
Sources checked 2026-09-08. Safety sections are highlights; consult the full product information for complete warnings and instructions.
Check the Canadian Drug Product Database by product name or DIN for current product information.
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