Permethrin Broad-spectrum and potent pyrethroid insecticide and is most convenient for both scabies and lice. First choice drug. Permethrin exerts its therapeutic effect by disrupting sodium transport across neuronal membranes in arthropods, inducing depolarization. This mechanism ultimately leads to respiratory paralysis in the affected arthropod, establishing permethrin as a potent agent in managing scabies and pediculosis. Additional information about treatment failure rates amongst medications used to treat ectoparasites: https://www.dermatologyadvisor.com/news/scabies-treatment-failure-rates-increasing-among-children-and-adults/ The above research article, noted from current studies, shows that Permethrin is only 89.2% effective. There is noted resistance that has been increasing each year, as noted in the article.
Crotamiton Second choice drug. Effective scabicide, pediculicide and antipruritic. Cure rate 60-88%.
Benzyl benzoate 2nd line drug for scabies and is seldom used for pediculosis. Cure rate 76-100%
Lindane Effective in treating head lice (67-92%cure) and scabies (84-92% cure) with a single treatment. Penetrates through chitinous covers and affecting the nervous system.
Sulfur Oldest scabicide and weak pediculicide, antiseptic, fungicide and keratolytic. Applied to skin, it is slowly reduced to H2S and oxidized to SO2 and pentathionic acid, which dissolve the cuticle of itch mites and kill it.
Ivermectin Antihelminthic drug found highly effective in scabies and pediculosis. Acts through a glutamate-gated Cl− ion channel found only in invertebrates.
Dicophan Insecticide for mosquito, flies and other pests. Penetrates through the exoskeleton and acts as a
neurotoxin. == Other Applications ==