Kwellada-P Cream Rinse

Brand Name:Kwellada-P Cream Rinse, Kwellada-P Lotion, NixCreme Rinse, Nix Dermal Cream

Prescription needed: No

What is this drug used for?

Permethrin is used to treat head lice infections. It acts by destroying both the lice and their eggs. It is also used to destroy mites that cause scabies.

Is there any reason not to take this drug?

You should not take this drug if you are allergic to permethrin; to other synthetic pyrethroids, such as those found in some insecticides; to pyrethrins or chrysanthemums. Also tell your doctor if you are allergic to any preservatives or dyes. Specifically, tell your doctor if you have:

  • severe inflammation of the scalp
  • any skin conditions

Always disclose your full medical history with the medical team that is taking care of you, in order for them to provide you with the safest and most effective care.

What about possible side effects?

This medication is usually well tolerated but you should be aware of some potential side effects. The following list of more common side effects can be quite bothersome, but unless they are severe, you should continue using permethrin as directed. Contact your doctor or pharmacist to get advice on how to manage these side effects.

The most common side effects are:

  • burning, itching and stinging at the area where applied
  • redness at the area where applied

Other less common side effects include:

  • rash, tingling or numbness of the scalp
  • severe skin rash, difficulty breathing or swallowing, hives all over the body or near the face and throat, swelling near the face or throat, or swelling of the tongue – signs of an allergic reaction - stop taking and get emergency medical help immediately

This is not a complete list of side effects. If you are concerned about these or other unusual symptoms while taking this medication, ask your doctor and/or pharmacist for more information and advice.

What if I am taking other drugs?

This medication is usually well tolerated but you should be aware of some potential side effects. The following list of more common side effects can be quite bothersome, but unless they are severe, you should continue using permethrin as directed. Contact your doctor or pharmacist to get advice on how to manage these side effects.

The most common side effects are:

  • burning, itching and stinging at the area where applied
  • redness at the area where applied

Other less common side effects include:

  • rash, tingling or numbness of the scalp
  • severe skin rash, difficulty breathing or swallowing, hives all over the body or near the face and throat, swelling near the face or throat, or swelling of the tongue – signs of an allergic reaction - stop taking and get emergency medical help immediately

This is not a complete list of side effects. If you are concerned about these or other unusual symptoms while taking this medication, ask your doctor and/or pharmacist for more information and advice.

Other information:

Special Instructions

Head lice are very contagious. If you have contracted head lice, you may not be aware until a few days after. You may be spreading head lice to people with whom you come into close contact. If one person in the household is found to have head lice, everyone in the household should be treated at the same time even though it may not seem that everyone has head lice – this will make sure that no one has head lice that can spread within the household.

Only apply the product for the time specified in the instructions. Leaving the product on too long can cause significant skin irritation.

Not to be applied directly to face, eyes, mouth or nose.

See our head lice page to get more information on proper treatment.

Children: Safe for use in children 2 years and older. If your child is younger than 2 years old, make an appointment to see your doctor.

Seniors: Safe for use in seniors – drug of choice.

Pregnancy: Safety not established. Talk to your doctor.

Women who are nursing: Safety not established. Talk to your doctor.

People who drive or operate machinery: No known problems.

Alcohol: No known problems

Overdose: Leaving the product on longer than directed can result in significant skin or scalp irritation. If this happens, see your doctor.

Stopping the drug: Can be safely stopped when no longer required.

If you miss a dose: Do not change your dose unless your doctor tells you to.

Storage conditions: Closed container; cool, dry location away from excess moisture (not in the bathroom) and light; always out of reach of children. Do not refrigerate.

Dietary precautions: None