Permethrin Cream 5% (Scabfree / Lyclear): Uses, Dosage & Side Effects in Pakistan

Permethrin Cream 5% Uses, Dosage, Side Effects & Price in Pakistan

1. Quick Info (Mukhtasir Maloomat)

2. What is Permethrin Cream? (Permethrin Cream kya hai)

Permethrin Cream 5% (Scabfree / Lyclear) is a topical medicine used in Pakistan to treat scabies and head lice. It belongs to the Scabicide / Pediculicide drug class with Permethrin as the active ingredient.

This cream blocks sodium channels in the nervous system of mites and lice, causing paralysis and death — it also affects eggs (ovicidal). The burden of scabies in Pakistan is very high, particularly in densely populated areas with limited hygiene. A doctor's guidance is essential for effective treatment.

3. Uses (Fayde / Kis kaam aati hai)

• Scabies (khaaj / khujli — Sarcoptes scabiei mite infection)
• Head lice (jooein — Pediculus capitis)
• Pubic lice (crab lice — Pediculus pubis)

4. Who Should Take (Kis ko leni chahiye)

• Patients who have been diagnosed with scabies by a doctor
• Patients with head lice or pubic lice where the doctor has prescribed Permethrin cream
• All household members of a scabies patient
• Children aged 2 months and above

5. When NOT to Take (Kab nahi leni chahiye)

• If you are allergic to Permethrin, Pyrethrin, or chrysanthemum flowers
• In premature infants — contraindicated due to neurotoxicity risk
• Never apply to eyes or mouth
• Do not apply to open wounds or badly infected sores without medical advice

6. Dosage (Kitni leni hai)

• Apply 5% cream from neck down to the tips of the toes (including nails, skin folds, genitals) at night — cover the entire body below the neck

• One application overnight (8–12 hours); if needed, repeat after 7–14 days

• Do not exceed the recommended limit — do not repeat use without medical advice

• This is a topical cream — if the treatment night is missed, consult your doctor to set the next schedule. Do not apply a double dose.

7. How to Take (Kaise leni hai)

• Apply at night before sleeping (leave on for 8–12 hours)

• Apply from neck to the tips of the toes — include under nails, skin folds, genitals, and the belly button

• Wash off thoroughly with plain water in the morning after 8–12 hours

• Treat all household members on the same night

8. Best Time (Kab leni chahiye)

• Apply at night before sleeping so it stays on the skin for 8–12 hours

• Treat all household members on the same day

9. Empty Stomach or After Food (Khali pait ya khane ke baad)

Permethrin is a topical cream — food intake is not relevant. Before applying, clean and dry the skin thoroughly. After applying the cream, wash your hands thoroughly.

10. Warnings (Ihtiyat)

• Known allergy to Permethrin, Pyrethrin, or chrysanthemum
• Premature infant — contraindicated due to neurotoxicity risk

• Treating only yourself is not enough — treat all household members on the same day, otherwise re-infection will occur

• Itching for 2–4 weeks after treatment is normal — it is skin inflammation due to dead mites, not treatment failure. If it persists beyond 4 weeks, see a doctor.

11. Precautions (Ahm ehtiyaat)

• On treatment day, wash all clothing, bed sheets, and towels in hot water; items that cannot be washed should be sealed in a bag for 72 hours

• Store in a cool, dry place — below 25°C
• Keep away from direct sunlight
• Keep out of the reach of children

• Seek medical advice before applying to severe skin damage or open wounds

12. Side Effects (Nuksanat)

• Temporary burning and stinging at the application site
• Skin redness and mild irritation
• Post-treatment itching (up to 2–4 weeks — normal post-scabies inflammation)

• Severe allergic reaction — rare; see a doctor immediately
• Neurotoxicity — rare; mainly in premature infants or cases with extensive skin damage

13. Drug Interactions (Dawaon ke sath reaction)

• Drug interactions are minimal due to topical use
• Do not apply other topical medicines to the same area without medical advice

14. When to See Doctor (Kab doctor ke paas jayein)

• If there is no improvement after 2 applications — resistance or incorrect diagnosis is possible
• Severe rash or hives develop at the application site
• Accidental contact with eyes or mouth — rinse immediately with water and see a doctor
• Signs of infected sores or secondary bacterial infection (pus, worsening pain, fever)
• Any accidental exposure in a premature infant — seek medical advice immediately

15. Alternatives (Sasti Dusri Dawaein)

16. Price in Pakistan (Price kitni hai)

17. FAQs (Aksar poochay jane walay sawalat)

Q: Permethrin cream kis kaam aata hai?

A: Permethrin 5% cream (Scabfree/Lyclear) is used to treat scabies and head lice. It is a scabicide that kills mites and lice. Do not use without a doctor's advice.

Q: Permethrin ke side effects kya hain?

A: Temporary burning, itching, and redness at the application site are common. Itching can persist for 2–4 weeks after treatment — this is normal, not a treatment failure.

Q: Scabies ka ilaaj kaise karein?

A: Apply Permethrin 5% cream from neck to toes (nails, skin folds, genitals all included) at night; wash off after 8–12 hours. Treat all household members at the same time. Wash clothes and bedding in hot water.

Q: Permethrin price Pakistan mein kya hai?

A: Permethrin cream price varies by pharmacy and pack size. For the most up-to-date price, verify at your local pharmacy or a licensed online pharmacy.

Q: Permethrin lagane ke baad bhi khujli kyun hoti hai?

A: Itching for 2–4 weeks after treatment is completely normal — it is caused by dead mites remaining in the skin, not a treatment failure. If itching continues beyond 4 weeks, consult a doctor.

18. Medical Review (Medical jaiza)

Compiled by the PakVita Editorial Team · AI-assisted drafting with editorial review · Sourced from DRAP, WHO, BNF · Last updated: 2026-06-17

19. Disclaimer (Zaroori tanbeeh)

The information on this page is for awareness only. It is not medical advice. Always consult your doctor or pharmacist before taking any medicine. PakVita is not responsible for any harm.