Nix Dermal Cream (Topical)

Generic name:permethrin (topical route) [ per-METH-rin ]
Drug class:Topical anti-infectives

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Feb 11, 2022.

Commonly used brand name(s)

In the U.S.

• Acticin
• Elimite
• Nix Creme Rinse

In Canada

• Nix
• Nix Dermal Cream
• Nix Lice Killing Creme Rinse

Available Dosage Forms:

• Lotion
• Cream
• Liquid

Therapeutic Class: Pediculicide

Chemical Class: Pyrethroid

Uses for Nix Dermal Cream

Permethrin 1% lotion is used to treat head lice infections. It acts by destroying both the lice and their eggs. The 5% cream is used to treat scabies infections by destroying the mites which cause scabies.

Before using Nix Dermal Cream

In deciding to use a medicine, the risks of taking the medicine must be weighed against the good it will do. This is a decision you and your doctor will make. For this medicine, the following should be considered:

Allergies

Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to this medicine or any other medicines. Also tell your health care professional if you have any other types of allergies, such as to foods, dyes, preservatives, or animals. For non-prescription products, read the label or package ingredients carefully.

Pediatric

Studies on this medicine have been done only in adult patients, and there is no specific information comparing use of topical permethrin in children with use in other age groups.

Geriatric

Many medicines have not been studied specifically in older people. Therefore, it may not be known whether they work exactly the same way they do in younger adults or if they cause different side effects or problems in older people. There is no specific information comparing use of topical permethrin in the elderly with use in other age groups.

Breastfeeding

Studies in women suggest that this medication poses minimal risk to the infant when used during breastfeeding.

Interactions with medicines

Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. Tell your healthcare professional if you are taking any other prescription or nonprescription (over-the-counter [OTC]) medicine.

Interactions with food/tobacco/alcohol

Certain medicines should not be used at or around the time of eating food or eating certain types of food since interactions may occur. Using alcohol or tobacco with certain medicines may also cause interactions to occur. Discuss with your healthcare professional the use of your medicine with food, alcohol, or tobacco.

Other medical problems

The presence of other medical problems may affect the use of this medicine. Make sure you tell your doctor if you have any other medical problems, especially:

The presence of other medical problems may affect the use of topical permethrin. Make sure you tell your doctor if you have other medical problems, especially...