Comparison of lindane and permethrin for scabies. (adapted from the Archives of Dermatology 1996;132:901-5)(Tips from Other Journals) From: American Family Physician | Date: November 15, 1996| Author: Apgar, Barbara | COPYRIGHT 1996 American Academy of Family Physicians. This material is published under license from the publisher through the Gale Group, Farmington Hills, Michigan.  All inquiries regarding rights should be directed to the Gale Group.Copyright information

Lindane has been the primary therapy for scabies for more than 30 years. However, because of neurotoxic side effects attributed to this drug, alternative drugs such as 5 percent permethrin have been used, particularly in the pediatric population where the risk of toxic reaction is high. Permethrin is also used for the treatment of head lice. Because little clinically relevant literature is available to assess the absorption of permethrin, Franz and associates compared the percutaneou...