Buy Acticin
Acticin

$13.65
Active Ingredient
Delivery
Airmail (14-21 days) | EMS trackable (5-9 days)
Prescription
Issued on site / Included
Availability
In Stock
Product is shipped in a fully discreet envelope with no content disclosure, including all required documentation inside

Acticin Properties

Active Ingredients
Primary Category
Pharmacological Class
Synthetic Pyrethroid
Indications
Minor Side Effects
Serious Side Effects
Dosage Forms
Cream
Administration Route
Topical
Mechanism of Action
Works by killing the mites that cause scabies and their eggs.
Prescription Status
Rx
Manufacturer
Almirall
Patient Summary
Used to treat scabies, a skin condition caused by tiny mites that burrow into the skin.
Storage Instructions
Store at room temperature
Pregnancy Use
Consult doctor before use during pregnancy or breastfeeding

About Acticin

Generic Acticin (Permethrin) is a topical cream formulated to treat common skin infestations such as scabies and pediculosis. Its active ingredient, permethrin, belongs to the synthetic pyrethroid class and works by disrupting the nerve function of ectoparasites. In Australia, the product is registered with the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) for single-dose application to the skin, typically supplied in a 30 g tube. While its primary indication is parasite eradication, clinicians sometimes use it to manage secondary bacterial skin infections that arise from scratching.

What is Generic Acticin (Permethrin)?

Generic Acticin (Permethrin) is a 1 % permethrin cream approved by the TGA for the treatment of scabies and head-lice infestations in adults and children over two months of age. The formulation is a water-soluble cream, which allows easy spreading over the entire body surface. Unlike over-the-counter lice shampoos, this product delivers a higher concentration of the active ingredient, ensuring rapid knock-down of mites and lice. The cream is marketed under the generic label, confirming bio-equivalence to other permethrin-based products while offering a cost-effective alternative.

How Acticin Works

Permethrin is a synthetic analogue of natural pyrethrins derived from chrysanthemum flowers. It binds to voltage-gated sodium channels on the nerve membranes of insects and mites, prolonging the channel’s open state. This sustained depolarisation leads to repetitive nerve firing, paralysis, and ultimately death of the parasite. Human skin cells lack the specific channel subtypes that permethrin targets, which explains the low toxicity observed with topical use. After application, only a tiny fraction (<2 %) penetrates the stratum corneum, and any absorbed drug is rapidly metabolised by hepatic esterases to inactive metabolites that are excreted in urine. Clinical studies report parasite eradication within 24 hours of a single treatment, with symptoms such as itching beginning to improve within 48-72 hours.

Why Acticin Is Used for Skin Infection Treatment

  • Rapid parasite eradication - The sodium-channel blockade incapacitates mites and lice within hours, breaking the cycle of skin irritation and secondary bacterial colonisation.
  • Low systemic exposure - Minimal dermal absorption reduces the risk of systemic side effects, making it safe for use on large skin areas, even in infants.
  • Guideline endorsement - The Australian Therapeutic Guidelines list permethrin cream as first-line therapy for scabies, reflecting its efficacy and safety profile compared with alternatives such as sulphur ointments or ivermectin.
  • Broad spectrum against ectoparasites - Effective against Sarcoptes scabiei and Pediculus humanus capitis, providing a single solution for patients with mixed infestations.
  • Cost-effective generic option - Bioequivalence studies show comparable cure rates to brand-name products, while the generic formulation lowers out-of-pocket expenses.

Off-Label and Investigational Uses of Acticin

Occasional case series have explored permethrin cream for the management of certain dermatoses that benefit from its anti-inflammatory properties, such as atopic dermatitis complicated by scabies. Small open-label studies suggest a reduction in itch severity beyond parasite clearance, but these findings lack robust RCT confirmation. Off-label use should only be considered under the supervision of a qualified healthcare provider.

Is Acticin Right for You?

Acticin is appropriate for individuals diagnosed with scabies or head lice who can apply a cream to the entire skin surface. It is especially useful for patients who have experienced treatment failure with older agents like sulphur or malathion. Elderly patients tolerate the medication well because systemic absorption remains negligible. Pregnant or lactating women may use the product, although clinicians often prefer to limit exposure during the first trimester unless the benefit outweighs any theoretical risk. Patients with severe hepatic impairment should be monitored, as the small amount of absorbed permethrin is metabolised hepatically.

Taking Acticin Effectively

  1. Application timing - Apply the cream in the evening, after a warm bath, to enhance skin absorption and allow the medication to act overnight.
  2. Full-body coverage - Spread a thin layer over the entire body from the neck down, including the scalp for lice, and ensure the skin folds (between fingers, under nails) receive adequate dose.
  3. Leave-on period - Keep the cream on the skin for 8-12 hours before washing off with mild soap and warm water.
  4. Avoid contact with eyes and mucous membranes - Rinse immediately if accidental exposure occurs.
  5. Missed dose - If the single-dose regimen is missed, a second application can be given after 24 hours, but repeat treatments should not exceed two courses within a month.
  6. Travel considerations - Pack the 30 g tube in a sealed plastic bag to prevent leakage; the product remains stable at room temperature for up to two years.

Understanding Side Effects and How to Manage Them

The most common adverse events are mild skin irritation, burning, or pruritus at the application site. These reactions stem from the same sodium-channel interaction that harms parasites; transient local nerve activation can produce a tingling sensation. To alleviate discomfort, patients can apply a hypoallergenic moisturizer after the wash-off step. Rarely, patients experience allergic contact dermatitis, characterised by erythema, vesicles, and persistent itching. If such signs appear, discontinue the cream and seek medical review; topical corticosteroids may be prescribed to control the inflammatory response. Systemic side effects, such as headache or dizziness, are exceedingly rare due to limited absorption. Immediate medical attention is warranted for signs of severe hypersensitivity, including facial swelling or difficulty breathing.

Buying Acticin from Our Online Pharmacy

Why Choose Our Service?

Our online pharmacy bridges the gap for Australians living in remote areas or those facing stock shortages at local pharmacies. By sourcing Acticin through licensed Australian distributors, we ensure that every tube meets TGA-mandated quality standards.

Quality & Safety

We partner with vetted international suppliers that comply with WHO Good Manufacturing Practices and operate under strict regulatory oversight, guaranteeing product authenticity and potency.

Pricing & Access

Generic Acticin offers a significant cost advantage over brand-name alternatives, often saving up to 40 % per tube. Our platform provides a Lifetime 10 % discount on all reorders, making long-term management of infestations more affordable.

Discreet Delivery

Orders are dispatched in unbranded packaging, with express delivery in approximately 7 days and standard shipping within 3 weeks. All shipments are handled with privacy-focused protocols to protect your personal information.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • How soon will the itching stop after using Acticin? Most patients notice a reduction in itching within 48 hours as the parasites are killed, although residual inflammation may persist for a few days.

  • Can I treat my whole family with a single tube? The 30 g tube is intended for one person. Treating multiple individuals simultaneously may require additional tubes to ensure adequate coverage.

  • Is Acticin safe for infants under two months? The product is not recommended for infants younger than two months because safety data are limited for this age group.

  • What should I do about lice eggs (nits) that remain after treatment? Permethrin kills live lice but may not affect all nits. A second application after 7-10 days eliminates any newly hatched lice that survived the first dose.

  • Does Acticin work against resistant scabies strains? Resistance to permethrin is rare but has been reported in isolated cases. If symptoms persist after two treatment courses, a clinician may consider alternative agents such as ivermectin.

  • Can I use a regular shampoo on my scalp after applying Acticin for head lice? Yes, after the recommended leave-on period, a gentle shampoo can be used to remove residual cream without diminishing efficacy.

  • How does Acticin compare to over-the-counter lice shampoos? Over-the-counter shampoos typically contain lower concentrations of permethrin (.5 %). The 1 % cream provides a higher dose, leading to faster and more complete eradication.

  • Will Acticin interact with my other topical medications? Because systemic absorption is minimal, drug-drug interactions are unlikely. However, avoid applying other topical agents directly over the cream until it is washed off.

  • Is there a risk of developing a secondary bacterial infection after using Acticin? Treating the underlying parasite reduces scratching and thus lowers the chance of bacterial infection. If signs of bacterial skin infection appear (pus, increasing redness), seek medical advice promptly.

  • Can I purchase Acticin without a prescription in Australia? Acticin is classified as a Schedule 4 medication, meaning a pharmacist-validated prescription is required for dispensing.

Glossary

Synthetic pyrethroid
A class of chemically engineered compounds modeled after natural pyrethrins, designed to disrupt insect nervous systems.
Voltage-gated sodium channel
A protein that controls the flow of sodium ions across nerve cell membranes, essential for generating electrical impulses.
Bioequivalence
Demonstration that a generic product delivers the same amount of active ingredient to the site of action as the reference brand, with comparable safety and efficacy.
Schedule 4 medication
An Australian drug classification indicating that the medicine requires professional medical oversight but may be supplied by a pharmacist.

Disclaimer

The information provided about Acticin is for general knowledge only. It does not replace professional medical consultation. All treatment decisions, including those regarding off-label use, should be made under the supervision of a qualified healthcare provider. We assume all readers are responsible adults capable of making informed decisions about their health. Our online pharmacy offers access to Acticin for individuals who may have limited availability through traditional pharmacies, prescription-based insurance schemes, or who are seeking affordable generic alternatives. Always consult your doctor before starting, changing, or discontinuing any medication.

External Resources about Acticin


Information Prepared By

Sarah Jones
Tosin (Olalekan) Olaluwoye, MD, PhD