Zunex Cream 5% w/w

Zunex Cream

Generic Name: Permethrin

Strength: 5% w/w

Dosage Form: Cream

Manufacturer: Rephco Pharmaceuticals Ltd

Indications

Zunex cream is indicated for the treatment of scabies and crab lice infestations (Pediculosis). Scabies can affect everyone in the family. If one is infected, all family members must be treated together.

Pharmacology

Permethrin cream contains Permethrin, a pyrethroid, which is a topical scabicidal agent for the treatment of infestation with Sarcoptes Scabiei (scabies). It acts on the nerve cell membrane to disrupt the sodium channel current by which the polarization of the membrane is regulated. Delayed repolarization & paralysis of the pests are the consequences of this disturbance.

Pharmacokinetics: The only approved route of administration is the topical route and there are few human data available on systemic exposure or kinetics following permethrin application to the skin. Some presystemic metabolism occurs in skin. Less than 0.5% of applied permethrin is absorbed during the first 48 hours. Absorbed permethrin is rapidly metabolized by ester hydrolysis, most likely in the liver and the products are excreted primarily in the urine.

Dosage Information

Recommended duration of Treatment:

• Adults and children over 12 years: a full tube
• Children aged 6-12 years: up to 1⁄2 of a tube
• Children aged 1-5 years: up to  ¼ of a tube
• Children aged 2 months to 1 year: up to ⅛ of a tube
• Children Less then 2 month: dose is not established

Side Effects

In Scabies patients, skin discomfort, usually described as burning, stinging or tingling occurs in a few individuals soon after the cream is applied. Others transient signs and symptoms of irritation including enythema, edema, eczema, rash and puritis.

Precautions

Scabies infestation is often accompanied by pruritus, edema & erythema. Treatment with Zunex may temporarily exacerbate these conditions. Patients should be advised to avoid contact with eyes during application & to flash with water immediately if the cream gets in the eyes.

Recommended duration of Treatment:

• Adults and children over 12 years: a full tube
• Children aged 6-12 years: up to 1⁄2 of a tube
• Children aged 1-5 years: up to  ¼ of a tube
• Children aged 2 months to 1 year: up to ⅛ of a tube
• Children Less then 2 month: dose is not established

In Scabies patients, skin discomfort, usually described as burning, stinging or tingling occurs in a few individuals soon after the cream is applied. Others transient signs and symptoms of irritation including enythema, edema, eczema, rash and puritis.

In the absence of specific studies in pregnant women, its use in pregnancy should only follow medical advice. It is not known whether permethrin is excreted in human milk so it should not be used in nursing mothers.

Scabies infestation is often accompanied by pruritus, edema & erythema. Treatment with Zunex may temporarily exacerbate these conditions. Patients should be advised to avoid contact with eyes during application & to flash with water immediately if the cream gets in the eyes.