indication

For the treatment of infestation with Sarcoptes scabiei (scabies).

pharmacology

Permethrin, a pyrethroid, is active against a broad range of pests including lice, ticks, fleas, mites, and other arthropods.

mechanism of action

Permethrin acts on the nerve cell membrane to disrupt the sodium channel current by which the polarization of the membrane is regulated. Delayed repolarization and paralysis of the pests are the consequences of this disturbance.

toxicity

Oral, rat LD₅₀: 430 - 4000 mg/kg; skin, rabbit LD₅₀: 2000 mg/kg.

biotransformation

Rapidly metabolized by ester hydrolysis to inactive metabolites which are excreted primarily in the urine.

absorption

Poorly absorbed through the skin.

route of elimination

Permethrin is rapidly metabolized by ester hydrolysis to inactive metabolites which are excreted primarily in the urine.