Elimite

permethrin

Acticin

Elimite

Nix

Indications

Action

Pharmacokinetics

Time/action profile (pediculocidal action)

Contraindications/Precautions

Adverse Reactions/Side Effects

Dermatologic

• burning
• itching
• rash
• redness
• stinging
• swelling

Neurologic

• numbness
• tingling

Interactions

Drug-Drug interaction

Route/Dosage

Availability (generic available)

Nursing implications

Nursing assessment

• Head Lice: Assess scalp for presence of lice and their ova (nits) prior to and 1 wk after application of permethrin.
• Scabies: Assess skin for scabies prior to and following therapy.

Potential Nursing Diagnoses

Implementation

• Topical: For topical application only.

Patient/Family Teaching

• Instruct patient to notify health care professional if scalp itching, numbness, redness, or rash occurs.
  • Instruct patient to avoid getting Elimite cream in eyes. If this occurs, eyes should be flushed thoroughly with water. Health care professional should be contacted if eye irritation persists.
  • Advise patient that others residing in the home should also be checked for lice.
  • Instruct patient on methods of preventing reinfestation. All clothes, including outdoor apparel and household linens, should be machine-washed using very hot water and dried for at least 20 min in a hot dryer. Dry-clean nonwashable clothes. Brushes and combs should be soaked in hot (130°F), soapy water for 5–10 min. Remind patient that brushes and combs should not be shared. Wigs and hairpieces should be shampooed. Rugs and upholstered furniture should be vacuumed. Toys should be washed in hot, soapy water. Items that cannot be washed should be sealed in a plastic bag for 2 wk.
  • If patient is a child, instruct parents to notify school nurse or day care center so that classmates and playmates can be checked.
• Head Lice: Instruct patient to wash hair with regular shampoo, rinse, and towel dry. Each container holds enough medication for one treatment. Shake the container well. Thoroughly wet scalp and hair with the lotion. The patient should use as much of the solution as needed to coat entire head of hair, then discard remainder of solution. Allow lotion to remain on hair for 10 min, then thoroughly rinse hair and towel dry with a clean towel. Comb hair with a fine-toothed comb to remove dead lice and eggs (not necessary but may be desired for cosmetic effects). Products are available for removal of nits (Rid Lice Egg Loosener Gel®Step 2). Schools usually require children to be nit-free prior to returning to school.
  • Explain to patient that permethrin will protect from reinfestation for 2 wk. These effects continue even when the patient resumes regular shampooing.
• Scabies: Instruct patient to massage thoroughly into the skin from head to soles of feet. Treat infants on the hairline, neck, scalp, temple, and forehead. Remove the cream by washing after 8–14 hr. Usually 30 g (½ tube) is sufficient for adults. One application is curative.

Evaluation/Desired Outcomes

• The absence of lice and eggs 1 wk after therapy. A second application is indicated if lice are detected at this time.
  • Prevention of infestation of head lice during epidemics.
• Eradication of scabies following one application.
• If resistance to permethrin develops, malathion may be used.