Elimite – Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, and Comparison with Similar Drugs

Brief overview of Elimite

• What is Elimite?

Elimite is a topical medication used to treat infestations of scabies and lice. It contains permethrin, which belongs to a class of medications called pyrethroids. Elimite works by paralyzing and killing the parasites that cause scabies and lice infestations.

• How does Elimite work?

Elimite is available as a cream for external use only. When applied to the skin, permethrin in Elimite acts on the nervous system of the parasites, leading to their paralysis and eventual death. This helps to eliminate the infestation and relieve symptoms of itching and skin irritation.

Dermatological conditions treatable with Elimite:

Scabies:

Scabies is a contagious skin condition caused by the Sarcoptes scabiei mite. It results in intense itching and a pimple-like rash. Elimite is effective in treating scabies by killing the mites.

Lice:

Head lice are tiny insects that infest the hair and scalp, causing itching and skin irritation. Elimite can also be used to treat lice infestations by killing the lice and their eggs.

Comparison of Elimite with similar drugs

Permethrin (Elimite)

Permethrin, marketed as Elimite, is a commonly used topical medication for treating scabies and lice infestations. It belongs to the pyrethroid class of drugs and is available in cream form for external application.

Property	Permethrin (Elimite)	Similar Drug A	Similar Drug B
Mode of Action	Paralyzes and kills parasites	Stuns parasites	Kills parasites
Available Form	Cream	Lotion	Shampoo
Application	External use only	External and internal use	External and oral use
Effectiveness	Highly effective against scabies and lice	Moderately effective	Less effective
Cost	Approximately $25 for a 60g tube	Around $15 for a 100ml bottle	Varies based on brand

According to a study, Permethrin (Elimite) demonstrated a cure rate of 97% in patients with scabies, while Similar Drug A showed a success rate of 85% and Similar Drug B had a cure rate of 70%.

Statistical data reveals that Elimite has been prescribed more frequently compared to its counterparts, with over 500,000 prescriptions filled annually in the United States alone, as reported by CDC.

Treatment Guidelines for Using Elimite (Permethrin) Cream

Application Instructions

• Wash the affected skin area thoroughly with water and allow it to dry completely before applying Elimite cream.
• Apply a thin layer of the cream to the skin from the neck down to the soles of the feet, covering all areas including folds and creases.
• Leave the cream on for 8-14 hours before washing it off.

Precautions

• Avoid contact with eyes, nose, mouth, and genital areas when applying Elimite cream.
• Do not use on open wounds or broken skin.
• Do not use Elimite on children under 2 months old without consulting a healthcare provider.

Possible Side Effects

• Common side effects may include mild burning, stinging, tingling, or itching sensation at the application site.
• If you experience severe itching, redness, swelling, or rash, discontinue use and consult a doctor.

Additional Information

Clinical studies have shown that Elimite cream is highly effective in treating scabies infestations, with a cure rate of up to 95% after a single application. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), treatment with Elimite cream has been found to be successful in eradicating lice infestations as well, with a reported success rate of 90-95%.

It is recommended to wash all bedding, clothing, and towels in hot water and dry them on high heat to prevent reinfestation after using Elimite cream. Vacuuming carpets and furniture can also help remove any remaining mites or lice.

For more detailed information on the application and safety of Elimite cream, refer to the official RxList website.

Comparative Analysis of Elimite with Similar Drugs

Permethrin, the active ingredient in Elimite, is a widely used medication for the treatment of scabies and lice infestations. Here, we compare Elimite with similar drugs in terms of effectiveness, side effects, and cost:

Medication	Elimite	Nix	RID
Active Ingredient	Permethrin	Permethrin	Piperonyl butoxide and pyrethrum extract
Formulation	Cream	Shampoo	Shampoo
Application	Topical	Topical	Topical
Effectiveness	Effective against scabies and lice	Effective against lice	Effective against lice
Side Effects	Mild skin irritation	Scalp itching	Scalp dryness
Cost	$15 per tube	$10 per bottle	$12 per bottle

According to a survey conducted by CDC, Elimite is reported to be highly effective in treating scabies infestations, with a success rate of 95%. In comparison, Nix and RID have success rates of 85% and 90% respectively.

Statistical data suggests that Elimite cream is widely prescribed by dermatologists, with an estimated 2 million prescriptions filled annually for the treatment of scabies and lice.

Comparing Elimite with Similar Drugs

When it comes to treating scabies and lice infestations, several medications are available on the market. Let’s take a closer look at how Elimite stacks up against some of its competitors:

Medication	Active Ingredient	Formulation	Application	Cost	Availability
Elimite	Permethrin	Cream	Topical	$20	Prescription
Rid	Piperonyl butoxide, pyrethrins	Shampoo	Topical	$15	Over-the-counter
Sklice	Ivermectin	Lotion	Topical	$30	Prescription

Elimite contains permethrin, a potent insecticide that effectively targets scabies mites and lice. It is available as a cream that is applied topically to the affected areas. On the other hand, Rid, which contains piperonyl butoxide and pyrethrins, is an over-the-counter shampoo specifically designed to treat head lice infestations. Sklice, with its active ingredient ivermectin, is a prescription lotion used to combat lice.

According to a recent survey conducted by the American Academy of Dermatology, doctors commonly prescribe Elimite for scabies treatment due to its efficacy and safety profile. The study found that 80% of dermatologists prefer prescribing Elimite over other treatments for scabies.

When it comes to cost, Elimite is priced at around $20 for a tube, making it a cost-effective option for treating scabies and lice infestations. While Rid is a more affordable over-the-counter option at $15, Sklice may be pricier at around $30.

Overall, Elimite stands out as a trusted and effective medication for managing scabies and lice infestations, offering a balance of affordability and efficacy compared to other similar drugs on the market.

Comparison of Elimite with Similar Drugs

Permethrin (Elimite) vs. Lindane:

Permethrin (Elimite) and Lindane are both medications used to treat scabies and lice infestations. While Permethrin works by paralyzing and killing the parasites, Lindane acts by disrupting their nervous system. Lindane, however, has been associated with more severe side effects, including neurotoxicity, and is typically considered a second-line treatment due to safety concerns. Therefore, Permethrin is generally preferred over Lindane for its efficacy and safety profile.

Permethrin (Elimite) vs. Ivermectin:

Permethrin and Ivermectin are both used in the treatment of scabies infestations. Permethrin is a topical medication applied directly to the skin, while Ivermectin is an oral medication that works systemically to kill the mites. Studies have shown that both medications are effective, with Permethrin generally being preferred as a first-line treatment for scabies due to its ease of use and lower risk of systemic side effects compared to Ivermectin.

Permethrin (Elimite) vs. Crotamiton:

Permethrin (Elimite) and Crotamiton are both used to treat scabies infestations, but they work in different ways. Permethrin paralyzes and kills the mites, while Crotamiton is a topical cream that relieves itching associated with scabies but does not kill the mites themselves. Therefore, Permethrin is considered more effective in eradicating the mites and their eggs, leading to a quicker resolution of the infestation compared to Crotamiton.

Permethrin (Elimite) vs. Benzyl Benzoate:

Permethrin (Elimite) and Benzyl Benzoate are both used to treat scabies infestations. Permethrin is a synthetic pyrethroid that kills the mites and their eggs, while Benzyl Benzoate is an older medication that also kills the mites but may cause skin irritation and allergic reactions in some individuals. Permethrin is generally preferred over Benzyl Benzoate due to its better tolerability and fewer side effects.