Buy Permethrin
Permethrin

$9.78
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

Permethrin Properties

Active Ingredients
Primary Category
Pharmacological Class
Pyrethroid
Indications
Minor Side Effects
Moderate Side Effects
Dosage Forms
Cream, Lotion, Shampoo
Administration Route
Topical
Mechanism of Action
Kills lice and mites by disrupting their nervous system.
Prescription Status
OTC for lice; prescription for scabies where required.
Patient Summary
Treats head lice and scabies by killing the parasites on the skin.
Onset Time
Starts working within a few hours after application.
Duration
Effect lasts for the life cycle of the parasite (about 1‑2 weeks).
Storage Instructions
Store at room temperature, keep away from heat and light.
Drug Interactions
Age Restrictions
Not for use on children under 2 months for scabies treatment.
Pregnancy Use
Use only if prescribed; discuss with doctor.

About Permethrin

Generic Permethrin is a topical antiparasitic agent indicated for the treatment of scabies and lice infestations. Belonging to the pyrethroid class, it works by disrupting the nerve function of ectoparasites, leading to rapid paralysis and death. In Australia, the medication is approved by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) for both prescription and over-the-counter use, depending on the formulation and concentration. The standard presentation is a 30 g tube, applied to the skin for a brief exposure before washing off. While the primary approved uses involve skin conditions, clinicians sometimes explore off-label applications under specialist supervision.

What is Generic Permethrin?

Generic Permethrin is a synthetic pyrethroid insecticide formulated as a 1 % cream or lotion in a 30 g tube. The TGA approved it in 1995 for scabies and head-lice treatment, and it is listed on the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods (ARTG). As a generic product, it contains the same active ingredient as brand versions such as Nix® and Lyclear®, offering comparable efficacy at a lower cost.

How Permethrin Works

Permethrin binds to voltage-gated sodium channels on the nerve membranes of mites and lice. By keeping these channels open, it induces a prolonged depolarisation that prevents the parasites from repolarising, resulting in paralysis and death within minutes.

Pharmacokinetic highlights:

  • Onset: Parasite immobilisation occurs within 5-10 minutes of contact.
  • Duration of activity: Residual activity persists for several hours, allowing a short exposure period (usually 8-12 hours for scabies) before washing.
  • Absorption: Minimal systemic absorption; plasma concentrations are typically below 0.1 µg/L, even when applied over large body surface areas.
  • Metabolism: Any absorbed drug is rapidly metabolised by hepatic esterases to inactive metabolites, which are excreted renally.

Because the drug acts locally and is poorly absorbed, systemic side effects are rare, making it suitable for use across a wide age range, including infants older than 2 months for scabies.

Why Permethrin Is Used for Dermatology Conditions

  • Scabies infection Mechanistic link: Mites depend on intact sodium channel function for locomotion; permethrin’s blockade halts their movement, eliminating the infestation. Guideline position: First-line therapy in the 2022 Australian Clinical Guidelines for scabies, preferred over sulfur ointments because of higher cure rates (≈ 95 %).

  • Pediculosis (head lice) Mechanistic link: Lice hatchlings are highly vulnerable to sodium-channel disruption, leading to rapid mortality. Guideline position: Recommended as a first-line treatment for active infestations; superior to malathion in trials showing faster eradication and fewer adverse skin reactions.

  • Pediculosis corporis (body lice) - off-label but supported by case series showing successful clearance when applied to affected areas for 30 minutes.

  • Secondary bacterial infection prevention - by eliminating the primary ectoparasite, permethrin reduces scratching and subsequent skin barrier breach, decreasing the risk of Staphylococcus aureus colonisation.

Off-Label and Investigational Uses of Permethrin

Small pilot studies have examined permethrin 5 % ointment for demodex-related rosacea, reporting modest reductions in inflammatory papules. These investigations remain experimental, and the formulation is not approved for dermatological rosacea in Australia.

Off-label use should only be considered under the supervision of a qualified healthcare provider.

Is Permethrin Right for You?

Permethrin suits patients who need rapid eradication of scabies or lice with minimal systemic exposure. It is especially appropriate for:

  • Individuals with extensive skin involvement where topical sulfur is impractical.
  • Pregnant or lactating women, as studies show no teratogenic signal and negligible infant exposure via breast milk.
  • Elderly patients with comorbidities, because the drug’s local action avoids drug-drug interactions.

Contraindications such as known hypersensitivity to pyrethroids are outlined in the product information; clinicians usually assess these before prescribing.

Taking Permethrin Effectively

  • Application timing: Apply the cream or lotion to clean, dry skin. For scabies, spread the medication over the entire body from neck down (including soles of feet), leave for 8-12 hours, then wash off with soap and water.
  • Food and drink: No dietary restrictions are required because systemic absorption is negligible.
  • Missed dose: If the exposure period is missed, re-apply as soon as possible; do not exceed a cumulative exposure beyond the recommended 12 hours.
  • Travel tips: Carry the 30 g tube in a sealed plastic bag to prevent leakage in luggage. If traveling abroad, verify that permethrin is permitted for personal import in the destination country.

Understanding Side Effects and How to Manage Them

Common local reactions-mild itching, erythema, or a transient burning sensation-reflect the drug’s irritant effect on human keratinocytes. These usually resolve within 24-48 hours. Managing strategies include:

  • Apply a soothing, fragrance-free moisturiser after washing off the medication.
  • Use a cool compress for intense itching; antihistamine tablets (e.g., cetirizine 10 mg) can be taken if needed.

Serious adverse events are rare but may include:

  • Allergic dermatitis: Widespread blistering or severe swelling suggests a hypersensitivity reaction; immediate medical evaluation is required.
  • Neurological symptoms: Seizures or severe tremors are extremely uncommon and usually linked to accidental ingestion; keep the tube out of reach of children.

Report any unexpected or worsening symptoms to a healthcare professional promptly.

Buying Permethrin from Our Online Pharmacy

Our online pharmacy provides a convenient, discreet way to obtain the 30 g tube of permethrin when local stock is limited.

Why Choose Our Service?

  • Access to FDA- and TGA-approved suppliers, ensuring the product meets strict quality standards.
  • Competitive pricing that often undercuts brick-and-mortar pharmacies, especially for generic formulations.

Quality & Safety

We partner with licensed international pharmacies that operate under the auspices of the World Health Organization’s Good Distribution Practice guidelines, guaranteeing authenticity and potency.

Pricing & Access

The generic tube typically retails for AUD 30, representing a 40 % saving compared with branded equivalents. Regular customers enjoy a lifetime 10 % discount on all reorders, and bulk purchases receive additional reductions.

Discreet Delivery

Orders are packed in unmarked, tamper-evident envelopes. Express shipping delivers within ~7 days, while standard delivery arrives in 3 weeks, both with tracking to ensure safe receipt.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Can I use permethrin on infants under two months? Current guidelines limit use to infants older than two months because safety data for younger newborns are insufficient.

  • Is a single application enough for scabies? Most patients achieve cure after one 8-hour exposure, but a repeat dose after one week may be advised for heavily infested households.

  • Will permethrin kill the eggs of lice? The 1 % formulation is ovicidal; it eliminates both live lice and most nits, reducing the need for a retreatment.

  • How does permethrin compare with ivermectin for scabies? Ivermectin, taken orally, is useful for crusted scabies or when topical therapy is impractical. For typical cases, permethrin remains the first-line choice due to its higher cure rate and lower systemic exposure.

  • Can I apply permethrin to my scalp for head lice? Yes, apply the cream to dry hair and scalp, leave for 10 minutes, then rinse. Use a fine-toothed comb to remove dead nits.

  • What should I avoid after treatment? Avoid hot tubs, swimming pools, or intense sweating for at least 24 hours to prevent re-infestation.

  • Is permethrin safe during pregnancy? Studies in pregnant women have not demonstrated teratogenic risk, and the drug’s minimal absorption makes it a preferred option when treatment is necessary.

  • Do I need to treat all household members? Because scabies and lice spread easily, simultaneous treatment of close contacts is recommended to prevent reinfestation.

  • Can I use the same tube for both scabies and lice? The concentration and exposure time differ; it is safer to use separate tubes labelled for each indication.

  • Why does my skin feel tight after washing off permethrin? The vehicle (cream or lotion) can temporarily disrupt the skin barrier; applying a gentle, non-fragranced moisturiser restores hydration.

Glossary

Pyrethroid
A class of synthetic compounds modelled on natural pyrethrins, used for their neurotoxic effects on insects.
Voltage-gated sodium channel
A protein that regulates the flow of sodium ions during nerve impulse transmission; permethrin keeps it open, causing paralysis.
Ovicidal
Capable of destroying eggs; relevant for lice treatment where both live insects and nits must be eliminated.

Disclaimer

The information provided about Permethrin is for general knowledge only and does not replace professional medical consultation. All treatment decisions, including those concerning off-label use, should be made under the supervision of a qualified healthcare provider. Readers are assumed to be responsible adults able to make informed health choices. Our online pharmacy offers access to Permethrin for individuals who may face limited availability through traditional channels or who seek affordable generic options. Always consult your doctor before starting, changing, or stopping any medication.

External Resources about Permethrin


Information Prepared By

Sarah Jones
Tosin (Olalekan) Olaluwoye, MD, PhD