Drugs Used To Treat Scabies and Lice

DRUGS USED TO TREAT SCABIES AND LICE

Pyrethrins and Pyrethroids

Pyrethrins are naturally occurring pesticides derived from chrysanthemum plants. They are active against many insects and mites. Over-the-counter liquid and gel preparations of pyrethrins with piperonyl butoxide are available for the treatment of pediculosis (piperonyl bu-toxide inhibits the hydrolytic enzymes that metabolize the pyrethrins in the arthropod). A synthetic pyre-throid, permethrin (Elimite), is available by prescrip-tion. A lower concentration of permethrin (Nix) is available without prescription. Pyrethrins and perme-thrin are quite safe.