Elimite is the brand name of the generic medication Permethrin. Permethrin is available in the form of cream and is used in the treatment of scabies which are caused by the Sarcoptes scabiei. The cream is available in off-white color and should be used for topical applications only. The active ingredient in Elimite is Permethrin and 50 mg of Permethrin is present in each gram of Elimite. The Permethrin 5% cream is available in 30 gm and 60 gm tubes.
Recommendations
Massage the cream from head to toe including the scalp and the foot before going to bed. It is necessary that you have a thorough wash after about 8 to 14 hours of application of the cream. So it would be better if you massage the cream before going to bed at night and have a thorough bath in the morning. A full 30 gm tube of Elimite would be sufficient for an adult. Permethrin can also be used in babies who are more than 2 months.
Precautions
It is necessary that you store Elimite in 15 to 25 deg C. In some people itching will be persistent even after the first application of Elimite. This shows that the treatment did not work for them. They have to look for alternative treatments. In some people there might be signs of scabies after two weeks which indicates that they need another treatment with Permethrin . In some people there might be rashes on the skin after using Elimite. Numbness and tingling sensation was also reported in some patients. Some of the other side effects of using Permethrin include diarrhea, vomiting, abdominal pain, fever, headache, and dizziness. If you get any of these reactions upon using medication it is better you stop using Elimite and consult your doctor for further treatment.