Permethrin 5% Cream (Generic Lyclear)

Directions

Note: Always follow your doctor’s instructions and the leaflet provided.

How to Use:

• Apply a thin layer over the entire body, including soles, under nails, and scalp (in infants or elderly if advised)

• Leave on for 8–12 hours, then wash off thoroughly

• Reapply after 7 days if mites persist

• Wash all clothing, bedding, and towels at 50°C or above

Storage:
Store below 25°C
Keep in original packaging
Keep out of reach of children

Ingredients

• Active Ingredient:
  Permethrin 5% w/w

  Key Excipients:
  Cetyl alcohol
  Stearyl alcohol
  Propylene glycol
  Paraffin
  Water

Side Effects

• Common side effects:

  • Itching

  • Redness

  • Burning or tingling sensation

  • Mild skin irritation

  Rare but serious:

  • Allergic rash

  • Facial swelling

  • Breathing difficulties

  Stop use and seek medical advice if you experience serious symptoms.

Warnings

• Contraindications:
  Do not use if allergic to permethrin or any of the cream’s ingredients
  Avoid in cases of severely inflamed or broken skin

  Pregnancy/Breastfeeding:
  Use only under medical supervision

  Drug Interactions:
  No significant interactions when used topically

  Age Restrictions:
  Suitable for adults and children over 2 months

Permethrin 5% Cream is a topical treatment containing permethrin, a synthetic pyrethroid that paralyses and kills mites and lice. It works by disrupting the sodium channels in their nerve cells, causing paralysis and eventual death.
Once applied to the entire body, Permethrin 5% Cream effectively targets Sarcoptes scabiei (scabies mites) and pubic lice. It also destroys eggs laid under the skin, preventing further infestation. Though mites are typically killed within a few hours, itching may persist due to the skin’s inflammatory response to mite debris.

Why Choose Permethrin 5% Cream

Permethrin 5% is the most commonly prescribed treatment for scabies and pubic lice in the UK. Key benefits include:
Fast-acting and highly effective

Suitable for all age groups, including babies over 2 months

Single application usually sufficient

Easy to apply across the full body

Minimal absorption into bloodstream

The cream is odourless, well-tolerated, and proven effective in clinical use. It’s often used in public health settings for controlling outbreaks of scabies in care homes and households.

Important Note

Permethrin 5% Cream should be used exactly as prescribed. Apply to clean, dry skin and leave on for 8–12 hours before washing off. Treat close contacts simultaneously to prevent reinfection. Avoid contact with eyes, mucous membranes, and broken skin. Always wash clothing, bedding, and towels in hot water after treatment. If symptoms persist or worsen after 14 days, consult your doctor. Itching may continue due to allergic irritation even after mites are eradicated — this is not a sign of treatment failure.