Do not take this medication by mouth.

Do not use more of this medication than is recommended.

Avoid application to your mouth, nose, or eyes.

Treat sexual and other close contacts who are also infected.

To prevent reinfection, wash all clothing, hats, bed clothes, bed linens, hair brushes, and combs with a strong cleanser in hot water to remove any mites or eggs.

Permethrin is a pediculicide and a scabicide. It affects the nervous system of the parasites.

Permethrin topical is used to treat head lice and scabies.

Permethrin topical may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

Do not use permethrin topical if you have an allergy to chrysanthemums.

Do not use permethrin topical if you have ever had an allergic reaction to it.

Permethrin topical is in the pregnancy category B. This means that it is not expected to be harmfuo to an unborn baby. Do not use permethrin topical without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant or could become pregnant during treatment. Permethrin passes into breast milk, and it is not known whether permethrin topical will harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

Use permethrin topical exactly as directed by your doctor, or follow the directions that accompany the package. If you do not understand these directions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.

Never use more of this medication than is recommended.

To treat scabies:

• Apply a thin layer of the cream to all body parts from the neck down to the soles of the feet (scabies does not usually infect the head). Treat infants also on the hairline, neck, scalp, temple, and forehead. Apply the medication to dry skin and rub it in well. Leave the medication on for 8 to 14 hours, then wash it off completely. Scabies is usually cured with one application.