Patient Medication Information: uses, side effects, how to take - Nix Dermal Cream
What is NIX Dermal Cream used for?
NIX Dermal Cream (permethrin cream 5% w/w) is indicated for the treatment of infestation with Sarcoptes scabiei (scabies).
How does NIX Dermal Cream work?
Permethrin affects the nervous system in insects, causing muscle spasms, paralysis and death.
What are the ingredients in NIX Dermal Cream?
Medicinal ingredients: permethrin, present at a concentration of 5%.
Non-medicinal ingredients: butylated hydroxytoluene, carbomer, coconut oil, formaldehyde solution*, glycerin, glyceryl monostearate, isopropyl myristate, lanolin alcohol, mineral oil, palm oil, polyoxyethylene cetyl ethers, purified water, sodium hydroxide. *Formaldehyde 1 mg (0.1%) added as a preservative.
NIX Dermal Cream comes in the following dosage forms:
NIX Dermal Cream is supplied in a 30 g tube.
Do not use NIX Dermal Cream if you:
- are allergic to permethrin, pyrethroids, pyrethrins, chrysanthemums or any other ingredients in this product. Discontinue use if a reaction occurs.
are pregnant.
To help avoid side effects and ensure proper use, talk to your healthcare professional before you take NIX Dermal Cream. Talk about any health conditions or problems you may have, including if you:
- are nursing (breast-feeding). It is not known whether this drug is excreted in human milk, so consideration should be given to discontinuing nursing temporarily or not using the drug while nursing.
- are over 70 years of age
- are currently using a product to treat eczema. Stop treatment with steroids prior to using NIX Dermal Cream.
Other warnings you should know about:
Scabies infestation is often accompanied by itching, redness, and swelling. Treatment with NIX
Dermal Cream may temporarily worsen these symptoms. Itching caused by an acquired sensitivity to mites and their products frequently persists for one to several weeks following treatment with the drug. This reaction does not indicate treatment failure. Retreatment is only necessary if live mites appear or new lesions develop.
If applying NIX Dermal Cream, wear gloves to avoid irritation.
Do not use NIX Dermal Cream on the head or face. Avoid contact with the eyes, nose, mouth, mucous membranes or broken skin.
Permethrin is not an eye irritant but contact of NIX Dermal Cream with the eyes should be avoided because the cream itself may cause marked irritation. If it should get into eyes, rinse them immediately with plenty of water or, if readily available, normal saline.
Tell your healthcare professional about all the medicines you take, including any drugs, vitamins, minerals, natural supplements or alternative medicines.
The following may interact with NIX Dermal Cream:
- steroids (product to treat eczema)
How to take NIX Dermal Cream:
For best results use as directed – incorrect use may cause treatment failure.
Clean and dry skin.
Note: Do not take a hot bath before treatment.
Apply sufficient amounts NIX Dermal Cream (See Usual Dose) and thoroughly massage cream into the whole body, excluding the head and face, paying special attention to creases in the skin, hands, feet, between fingers and toes, underarms and groin. In women, the whole body application should include the breasts. In the elderly, use as directed for adults but apply the product to the whole body including the neck, face, ears and scalp. Avoid the area close to the eyes. Put on clean clothes. Long-sleeved shirts, pants and mittens should be worn by young children to avoid contact with mouth. Following application of the product hands should be washed before eating. Reapply NIX Dermal Cream to the hands if washed off with soap and water within 8 hours of application.
Leave NIX Dermal Cream on skin for 12 to 14 hours (at a minimum the cream should be left on for 8 hours).
Wash off by taking a shower or a bath.
Change into clean clothes.
Scabies will be killed, but itching may persist. This is normal and should not be interpreted as treatment failure.
ONE APPLICATION IS EFFECTIVE in most cases. If necessary, a second application may be given 7 to 10 days after the first, but only if live mites can be demonstrated or new lesions appear.
To reduce the risk of transmission or eliminate reinfestation, it is recommended that family members and close contacts, including sexual partners, be treated with NIX Dermal Cream.
All clothing, bed linens, and towels used within the 2 days prior to treatment should be machine-washed in hot water and dried on dryer hot cycle for at least 20 minutes, or dry cleaned following treatment. Mattresses which have been used by an infested person should not be used for 48 hours. Toilet seats should be disinfected.
Discontinue use of other topical medications, steroids and cosmetics, prior to and during treatment.
For External Use Only.
Usual dose:
Adults, and Children over 12 years: Approximately 1 (30 g) tube. Usually 30 g is sufficient for an average adult. If more than 30 g is required for full body coverage, not more than 60 g should be used during a single application.
Children 5 to 12 years: Approximately ½ of a 30 g tube (15g).
Children 2 to 4 years: Approximately ¼ of a 30 g tube (7.5g).
NIX Dermal Cream should not be used for children under the age of 2.
Adults over 70 years of age, should consult a health care professional before using NIX Dermal Cream.
Overdose:
In case of overdose or accidental swallowing consult your physician or a Poison Control Centre immediately. Symptoms and signs of overdose may include: dizziness, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, headache, weakness, seizures, and loss of consciousness.
| If you think you have taken too much NIX Dermal Cream, contact your healthcare professional, hospital emergency department or regional poison control centre immediately, even if there are no symptoms. |
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What are possible side effects from using NIX Dermal Cream?
These are not all the possible side effects you may feel when taking NIX Dermal Cream. If you experience any side effects not listed here, contact your healthcare professional. Please also see Warnings and Precautions.
When using Nix Dermal Cream you may experience tingling sensation or numbness in the limbs, skin irritation (including eczema, rash, swelling, reddening and itching) and skin discomfort (including smarting, a burning sensation and pain).
Stop using NIX Dermal Cream if you experience skin irritation and consult a doctor if it doesn’t improve.
If you have a troublesome symptom or side effect that is not listed here or becomes bad enough to interfere with your daily activities, talk to your healthcare professional.
Reporting Side Effects
You can report any suspected side effects associated with the use of health products to Health Canada by:
NOTE: Contact your health professional if you need information about how to manage your side effects. The Canada Vigilance Program does not provide medical advice. |
Storage:
Store at 15°C to 25°C.
Keep out of reach and sight of children. In order to prevent accidental ingestion by children, the remaining contents of NIX Dermal Cream should be discarded after use.
If you want more information about NIX Dermal Cream:
- Talk to your healthcare professional
- Find the full product monograph that is prepared for healthcare professionals and includes this Patient Medication Information by visiting the Health Canada website (http://hc-sc.gc.ca/index-eng.php); or by calling 1-844-392-8519.