✅ Active Ingredient Overview Table:
| 🔬 Active Ingredient (Generic Name): | Permethrin |
|---|---|
| 💊 Indication: | Scabies (Sarcoptes scabiei infestation), Head Lice |
| 🇺🇸 US Brand: | Elimite, Nix |
| 🏭 Manufacturer: | Menarini India Pvt Ltd (Founded: 1995) |
| 📦 Packaging: | 60 mL Bottle |
| 🧪 Strength: | 5% w/v |
| 🚚 Delivery Time: | 6–15 days |
🌿 What is Permethrin 5% Lotion (Scabper)?
Scabper Lotion 5% offers a versatile topical scabicide and pediculicide in a lightweight, easy-to-apply liquid formulation. Permethrin 5% targets the nervous system of Sarcoptes scabiei mites and Pediculus humanus capitis lice, causing sustained paralysis and subsequent death.
Scabies and head lice infestations lead to intense itching, secondary infections, and social stigma, affecting sleep and well-being. Scabper Lotion’s fluid consistency ensures complete coverage, including hard-to-reach areas like hairlines and scalp. A single overnight application for scabies and a 10-minute application for lice delivers cure rates above 95%, facilitating rapid symptom relief and reducing household transmission.
Menarini’s formulation includes skin-conditioning agents to soothe inflammation and reduce post-treatment dermatitis. Its broad applicability supports family-wide use, breaking the infestation cycle effectively.
🧬 Pharmacology & Mechanism of Action
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Chemical Formula | C21H20Cl2O3 |
| Molecular Weight | 391.29 g/mol |
| Mode of Action | Voltage-gated sodium channel disruption |
| Residual Activity | Up to 24 hours |
Permethrin binds to parasite sodium channels, causing prolonged depolarization, paralysis, and death of mites, eggs, and lice.
💡 Indications & Application
| Condition | Application Steps |
|---|---|
| Scabies Infestation | • Apply lotion to clean, dry skin head-to-toe. |
| • Leave on for 8–14 hours (overnight). | |
| • Rinse off thoroughly. Repeat after 7 days if needed. | |
| Head Lice | • Apply to dry hair and scalp. |
| • Leave on for 10 minutes. | |
| • Rinse and comb out dead lice and nits. Repeat after 7 days. |
Ensure uniform coverage including skin folds, ear creases, and nape of neck. Wash bedding and clothing in hot water.
⚠️ Warnings & Side Effects
Common:
- Mild burning, stinging
- Itching, transient erythema
Serious (rare):
- Allergic contact dermatitis
- Neurotoxicity if ingest or apply to mucosa
Avoid contact with eyes and mucous membranes. Do not use on broken skin or in infants under 2 months without medical advice.
🏥 Storage Instructions
Store Scabper Lotion at 20–25°C. Protect from light and extreme heat. Keep out of reach of children.
🌐 Availability & Purchasing
- USA: Prescription-only (Elimite); OTC for lice (Nix).
- UK & EU: Prescription required for scabies; lice products OTC.
- Australia: TGA-approved; prescription and OTC as per indication.
Menarini’s Scabper Lotion provides a convenient dual-use solution. Ensure adherence to local prescribing guidelines.
🔗 Related Infestation Treatments
- Scabper Cream 5% – permethrin cream.
🎥 Educational Video on Permethrin Use
👨⚕️ Expert Insight: Dr. Arjun Mehta, Dermatologist
“Permethrin 5% lotion is an essential tool for treating scabies and lice in one formulation. Its ease of use and high cure rates simplify management of both conditions.”

