What is Elimite: Uses, Warnings & Interactions

Updated May 14, 2025  •  Published Dec 30, 2020

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Elimite overview

BRAND NAMES:

  • Sunmark Lice Treatment, Acticin, Elimite, Good Neighbor Pharmacy Lice Treatment, Leader Lice Treatment, Lice Treatment, Sunmark Lice Treatment, Sunmark Lice Treatment, Nix Lice Treatment Creme Rinse

Generic Names:

  • Permethrin

Uses:

  • Treats head lice and scabies.

Therapeutic Classes:

  • Pediculicide, Scabicide

Forms:

  • Cream, Spray, Lotion

How it’s taken:

  • On the skin

What is Elimite used for?

Elimite is an anti-parasite cream used to treat scabies. It is also used to treat head lice. It works by paralyzing and killing the parasitic mites and eggs that cause these conditions. Elimite is indicated for use on adults and infants 2 months of age and older.

What form(s) does Elimite come in

  • Cream

  • Spray

  • Lotion

What are common Elimite doses?

  • Tube 60GM of 5%

Common Elimite prescriptions

  • Elimite
    60gm of 5% tube

How to take Elimite

  • Follow the instructions on the medicine label if you are using this medicine without a prescription.

  • Topical application routeUse this medicine only on your skin. Rinse it off right away if it gets on a cut or scrape. Do not get the medicine in your eyes, nose, or mouth. Flush your eyes with lots of water if any medicine gets in your eyes.

  • For skin: Thoroughly rub the cream into your skin from your head to the soles of your feet. Leave the cream on for 8 to 14 hours. Then wash it off using a generous amount of soap and water.

  • Tell your doctor if you see any lice 7 days or more after your first treatment. You may need a second treatment.

  • For hair: Before you use permethrin, first shampoo and rinse your hair. Do not use conditioner. Towel dry your hair. Protect your eyes with a washcloth or towel. Shake the lotion well before you use it. Apply the lotion generously to damp hair, covering all areas of your scalp. Leave permethrin on your scalp for 10 minutes. Rinse your hair and scalp with warm water. Towel dry and then comb your hair.

  • Tell your doctor if you see any lice 7 days or more after your first treatment. You may need a second treatment.

  • Follow the instructions on the medicine label if you are using this medicine without a prescription.

  • For skin: Thoroughly rub the cream into your skin from your head to the soles of your feet. Leave the cream on for 8 to 14 hours. Then wash it off using a generous amount of soap and water.

  • For hair: Before you use permethrin, first shampoo and rinse your hair. Do not use conditioner. Towel dry your hair. Protect your eyes with a washcloth or towel. Shake the lotion well before you use it. Apply the lotion generously to damp hair, covering all areas of your scalp. Leave permethrin on your scalp for 10 minutes. Rinse your hair and scalp with warm water. Towel dry and then comb your hair.

  • Topical application routeUse this medicine only on your skin. Rinse it off right away if it gets on a cut or scrape. Do not get the medicine in your eyes, nose, or mouth. Flush your eyes with lots of water if any medicine gets in your eyes.

What to do if you miss a dose of Elimite

Elimite contraindications

  • This medicine is not right for everyone. Do not use it if you had an allergic reaction to permethrin.

Elimite warnings

  • Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you are allergic to ragweed.

  • Do not use this medicine on an infant younger than 2 months of age.

  • Do not use this medicine on your eyebrows or eyelashes. Contact your doctor instead.

  • Check all members of your household, because lice are easily spread from one person to another.

  • Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

Elimite interactions

  • Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you are allergic to ragweed.

  • Do not use this medicine on an infant younger than 2 months of age.

  • Do not use this medicine on your eyebrows or eyelashes. Contact your doctor instead.

  • Check all members of your household, because lice are easily spread from one person to another.

  • Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

Elimite side effects

Serious Side Effects

  • Trouble breathing or wheezing

  • Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing

  • Itching, redness, burning, or swelling of the skin or scalp

  • Eye irritation

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