Lotrix Cream Uses

Lotrix cream is a topical medication used to treat infestations of certain parasites, primarily lice, and scabies.

About Lotrix Cream

• Generic Name: Permethrin
• Properties: Insecticide
• Manufactured and Marketed By: GlaxoSmithKline (GSK)
• Presentation: 30gm Tube (Cream)

1. Scabies: Lotrix cream is widely used to treat scabies, a contagious skin condition caused by infestation with the itch mite Sarcoptes scabiei. Scabies lead to intense itching and a rash, and it can be easily spread from person to person.
2. Head Lice: Lotrix cream is also used to treat head lice (Pediculus humanus capitis) infestations. It is one of the mainstay treatments for this condition.
3. Pubic Lice (Crabs): In cases of pubic lice (Pthirus pubis) infestations, Lotrix cream may be used to eliminate the parasites.
4. Body Lice: While not as common as head or pubic lice, Lotrix cream can also be used to treat body lice infestations.
5. Scabies Prevention: In some situations, Lotrix cream may be used prophylactically in certain populations, such as households or institutions with known scabies outbreaks.

Off-label Uses of Lotrix Cream

1. Pediculosis Corporis (Body Lice): While not the primary use, Lotrix cream may be considered for treating body lice infestations in certain situations.
2. Prevention in High-Risk Populations: In certain settings, such as institutions or shelters with known outbreaks of lice or scabies, Lotrix cream may be used prophylactically to prevent infestations.
3. Mite Infestations in Pets: While Lotrix is primarily used for human infestations, it is also used in veterinary medicine to treat certain mite infestations in pets. However, this is a different formulation specifically designed for animal use.

Formulation And Ingredients

• Permethrin: 5%w/w

The active ingredient of Lotrix cream is Permethrin, which belongs to a class of medications called pyrethroids, which work by affecting the nervous system of the parasites.

How To Properly Apply Lotrix Cream?

For Scabies:

• Start with clean, dry skin. Take a warm bath or shower and pat your skin dry with a clean towel.
• Apply a thin layer of Lotrix cream to the entire body from the neck down. Make sure to cover all areas, including between fingers and toes, under fingernails, and the soles of your feet.
• Leave the cream on for the recommended amount of time (usually 8 to 14 hours).
• After the recommended time has passed, wash the cream off with warm water and soap.
  Put on clean clothes.

For Head Lice:

• Start with clean, dry hair. Do not use a conditioner before applying the cream, as it may reduce its effectiveness.
• Apply Lotrix cream to the hair and scalp, ensuring you cover the entire head and all hair. Be particularly thorough around the back of the head and neck.
• Leave the cream on for the recommended amount of time (usually 10 minutes).
• Rinse the cream out with warm water. Avoid getting the cream in your eyes.
• Comb through the hair with a fine-toothed comb to remove dead lice and nits (lice eggs).

Frequency:

The frequency of application can vary depending on your healthcare provider’s recommendation and the specific product instructions. In most cases:

• For scabies, a single application is often sufficient, but a second treatment may be recommended if re-infestation occurs.
• For head lice, a second treatment is typically recommended 7 to 10 days after the first treatment to ensure any newly hatched lice are also eliminated.

Who Should Not Use Lotrix Cream? | Contraindications

1. Allergy or Sensitivity: Individuals who have known allergies or hypersensitivity to Permethrin or any of the cream’s components should not use it.
2. Infants and Young Children: Lotrix cream should not be used on infants under the age of 2 months, as their skin is more permeable and they may be at higher risk of adverse effects.
3. Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: While there is limited data on the use of Lotrix cream during pregnancy and breastfeeding, it’s advisable to consult a healthcare provider before using it in these situations.
4. Open Sores or Broken Skin: Lotrix cream should not be applied to areas of the skin that are open, irritated, or have wounds or broken skin.
5. Eczema or Dermatitis: Individuals with certain skin conditions, such as atopic dermatitis or eczema, may be more susceptible to the absorption of Lotrix through the skin. It should be used with caution, if at all, in these cases.
6. Asthma or Respiratory Conditions: Lotrix cream should be used with caution in individuals with respiratory conditions, as inhaling the cream can lead to systemic absorption and potential toxicity.
7. Concurrent Use of Other Neurotoxic Agents: Lotrix should not be used in combination with other neurotoxic substances, as this may increase the risk of neurotoxic effects.
8. Impaired Liver Function: Lotrix is metabolized in the liver, and individuals with impaired liver function may be at higher risk of toxicity. It should be used with caution or avoided in these cases.
9. Seizure Disorders or History of Seizures: Individuals with a history of seizures, epilepsy, or conditions that lower the seizure threshold should use Lotrix with caution, as it may increase the risk of seizures.
10. Compromised Immune System: Individuals with weakened immune systems may be at higher risk for systemic absorption of Lotrix, which could lead to side effects.

FAQs

• 1. Can I purchase Lotrix cream over the counter?
  Lotrix cream is typically available by prescription only. Consult your healthcare provider for an evaluation and prescription.
• 2. Are there any side effects associated with Lotrix cream?
  Common side effects may include itching, redness, or mild burning at the application site. If you experience severe or unusual side effects, contact your healthcare provider.
• 3. How long does it take for Lotrix cream to eliminate scabies or head lice?
  The time it takes for Lotrix cream to work varies depending on the severity of the infestation. Improvement may be seen within a few days to a few weeks.
• 4. Is Lotrix cream safe for long-term use?
  Extended use of Lotrix cream should be under the supervision of a healthcare provider. Prolonged use may lead to potential side effects.
• 5. Can I use Lotrix cream on my face?
  Lotrix cream is generally not recommended for facial use. Consult with your healthcare provider for appropriate treatment options for facial infestations.

The following are Some alternative brands of Lotrix Cream and their manufacturers.

• Nedax Plus : Stiefel Laboratorieses (Pvt) Ltd.
• Scabfree : Atco Laboratories Ltd.
• Bioscab : Bio Labs (Pvt) Ltd.
• Mitonil : Saffron Pharmaceuticals (Pvt) Ltd.
• Permider : Biogen Pharma.
• Descab : Pharma Health Pakistan (Pvt) Ltd.
• Doxema : Tabros Pharma.
• Adper : Amarant Pharmaceuticals (Pvt) Ltd.
• Lice-o-Mit : Valor Pharmaceuticals.
• Pendiscab : Elite Pharma.