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Permethrin

FDA-approved product (lotion, topical), marketed as Elimite, Nix, Permethrin.

Registered studies
50+
Lab records
0
Pathogens at ≥40%
2 of 4

Chemical structure

Chemical structure of Permethrin
A drawing shows what the molecule is, not what it does.

Existing / approved use

Documented · FDA, WHO, ChEMBL

Approved for

  • Parasitic infection

Indications ChEMBL records as approved, from FDA and DailyMed labels.

WHO therapeutic group
Pyrethrines, incl. synthetic compounds
FDA pharmacologic class
Pyrethroid FDA label ↗
Anti-infective classification
Classified as another kind of anti-infective (for example an antifungal, antiviral or antiparasitic medicine).WHO ATC P03AC04; WHO ATC P03AC54

Repurposing investigation

This medicine is being investigated here for AI-predicted antimicrobial activity against MRSA and M. tuberculosis. It was surfaced computationally for further investigation; it is not an established treatment for these infections.

AI-predicted activity

AI prediction · nothing measured
  • MRSA41.0% AI-predicted activityAt or above the ≥40% mark this site uses to surface candidates.
  • E. coli31.6% AI-predicted activityBelow the ≥40% mark this site uses to surface candidates.
  • K. pneumoniae13.6% AI-predicted activityBelow the ≥40% mark this site uses to surface candidates.
  • M. tuberculosis48.4% AI-predicted activityAt or above the ≥40% mark this site uses to surface candidates.

A model’s estimate of laboratory activity against each pathogen species. It is not clinical effectiveness.

Evidence

Clinical and experimental

Documented evidence

Clinical

50+registered studies name this medicine, for any condition. The registry search keeps the first 50, so there may be more. See them below.

Experimental

No evidence found

No laboratory measurement against the four pathogens in the ChEMBL records loaded here.

Docking

Computational · nothing measured

Dihydrofolate reductase ↗ (E. coli)

-8.1 kcal/mol

0better fit →-12

KPC-2 carbapenemase ↗ (K. pneumoniae)

-7.2 kcal/mol

0better fit →-12

Enoyl-ACP reductase (InhA) ↗ (M. tuberculosis)

-9.0 kcal/mol

0better fit →-12

Dihydrofolate reductase ↗ (MRSA)

-8.4 kcal/mol

0better fit →-12

AutoDock Vina, one experimentally solved protein per pathogen. This project’s screening target is -7.0 kcal/mol, its own mark rather than a universal cutoff. A docking score is a structural hypothesis, not proof of binding, and requires experimental validation.

Other medicines to investigate

AI prediction · nothing measured

Other repurposing candidates: approved medicines besides Permethrin with AI-predicted activity ≥40% against the chosen pathogen, leaving out existing antimicrobials. They are computational candidates for further investigation, not alternatives and not recommendations.

Sorted by AI-predicted activity, high to low. The order is not a ranking of which medicine is better.

Registered studies

A registration describes a study; it does not establish a positive result.

  • Safety, Efficacy and Preventative Effect of a Head Lice Product (X92001483) vs. Nix Creme Rinse (1% Permethrin).

    NCT07660354 · start 2026-05-01

    Registered record
    Registry ID
    NCT07660354
    Conditions
    Lice; Head Lice
    Interventions
    Medical Device (X92001483)
    Study type
    INTERVENTIONAL
    Phase
    Not applicable
    Registry status
    Recruiting
    Start
    2026-05-01
    Completion
    2026-12
    Enrolment
    98

    As stored from ClinicalTrials.gov. Registration describes a study; it does not mean the study worked.

    ConditionLice; Head Lice
    InterventionMedical Device (X92001483)
    PhaseNot applicable
    Registry statusRecruiting
  • Comparison of Permethrin-Based Treatment Strategies Against Scabies in Infants and Young Children

    NCT07247630 · start 2026-01-15

    Registered record
    Registry ID
    NCT07247630
    Conditions
    Scabies
    Interventions
    Permethrin 5%
    Study type
    INTERVENTIONAL
    Phase
    Early phase 1
    Registry status
    Not yet recruiting
    Start
    2026-01-15
    Completion
    2026-06-15
    Enrolment
    68

    As stored from ClinicalTrials.gov. Registration describes a study; it does not mean the study worked.

    ConditionScabies
    InterventionPermethrin 5%
    PhaseEarly phase 1
    Registry statusNot yet recruiting
  • Long-term Follow-up of Children Born in the PETN Studies

    NCT06534307 · start 2024-06-01

    Registered record
    Registry ID
    NCT06534307
    Conditions
    Intrauterine Growth Restriction; Pentaerithrityl Teratnitrate in Pregnancy; Long-Term Effects to Children
    Interventions
    Questionnaire Child Behaviour Checklist; Questionnaire Young Self Report; physical examination; metabolic examination; Questionnaire Reynolds Intellectual Assessment Scales and Screening; electroencephalogram; Questionnaire Movement Assessment Battery for Children; Questionnaire Continuous Performance Test; Questionnaire Diagnostic System for Mental Disorders; kidney function tests; Questionnaire Five to Fifteen; cardiovacular examination
    Study type
    OBSERVATIONAL
    Phase
    Not recorded
    Registry status
    Recruiting
    Start
    2024-06-01
    Completion
    2028-03-31
    Enrolment
    228

    As stored from ClinicalTrials.gov. Registration describes a study; it does not mean the study worked.

    ConditionIntrauterine Growth Restriction; Pentaerithrityl Teratnitrate in Pregnancy; Long-Term Effects to Children
    InterventionQuestionnaire Child Behaviour Checklist; Questionnaire Young Self Report; physical examination; metabolic examination +8 more
    PhaseNot recorded
    Registry statusRecruiting
  • Sulfur 7% Cream Compared With Permethrin 5% Cream for Treating Scabies in Adults

    NCT07822672 · start 2024-06-01

    Registered record
    Registry ID
    NCT07822672
    Conditions
    Scabies
    Interventions
    Sulfur 7% cream; Permethrin 5% cream
    Study type
    INTERVENTIONAL
    Phase
    Phase 4
    Registry status
    Completed
    Start
    2024-06-01
    Completion
    2026-06-01
    Enrolment
    90

    As stored from ClinicalTrials.gov. Registration describes a study; it does not mean the study worked.

    ConditionScabies
    InterventionSulfur 7% cream; Permethrin 5% cream
    PhasePhase 4
    Registry statusCompleted
  • Comparison Effectiveness of Oral Ivermectin , 1% Permethrin Shampoo and 4% Dimeticone Liquid Gel in the Treatment of Pediculosis Capitis Among School Children in Chachoengsao Province, Thailand

    NCT06332872 · start 2023-12-15

    Registered record
    Registry ID
    NCT06332872
    Conditions
    Pediculus Capitis Infestation; Permethrin Adverse Reaction; Dimethicone Adverse Reaction; Permethrin Allergy; Dimethicone Allergy; Ivermectin; School-age Children
    Interventions
    Oral Ivermectin; 4% dimenticone liquid gel
    Study type
    INTERVENTIONAL
    Phase
    Phase 4
    Registry status
    Unknown
    Start
    2023-12-15
    Completion
    2024-05
    Enrolment
    117

    As stored from ClinicalTrials.gov. Registration describes a study; it does not mean the study worked.

    ConditionPediculus Capitis Infestation; Permethrin Adverse Reaction; Dimethicone Adverse Reaction; Permethrin Allergy +3 more
    InterventionOral Ivermectin; 4% dimenticone liquid gel
    PhasePhase 4
    Registry statusUnknown
  • Ivermectin Safety in Small Children

    NCT04332068 · start 2023-11-18

    Registered record
    Registry ID
    NCT04332068
    Conditions
    Scabies
    Interventions
    Oral ivermectin; Permethrin Cream; Placebo tablet; Placebo cream
    Study type
    INTERVENTIONAL
    Phase
    Phase 2
    Registry status
    Completed
    Start
    2023-11-18
    Completion
    2025-04-04
    Enrolment
    240

    As stored from ClinicalTrials.gov. Registration describes a study; it does not mean the study worked.

    ConditionScabies
    InterventionOral ivermectin; Permethrin Cream; Placebo tablet; Placebo cream
    PhasePhase 2
    Registry statusCompleted
  • Ivermectin/ Permethrin for Scabies

    NCT05819983 · start 2023-01-25

    Registered record
    Registry ID
    NCT05819983
    Conditions
    Scabies
    Interventions
    Ivermectin Tablets; Permethrin Cream
    Study type
    INTERVENTIONAL
    Phase
    Phase 4
    Registry status
    Completed
    Start
    2023-01-25
    Completion
    2023-03-06
    Enrolment
    60

    As stored from ClinicalTrials.gov. Registration describes a study; it does not mean the study worked.

    ConditionScabies
    InterventionIvermectin Tablets; Permethrin Cream
    PhasePhase 4
    Registry statusCompleted
  • A Study to Evaluate the Efficacy and Safety of a Leave-in Spray in Subjects With Head Lice Infestation

    NCT05565820 · start 2022-12-15

    Registered record
    Registry ID
    NCT05565820
    Conditions
    Pediculosis Capitis; Lice Infestations; Head Lice
    Interventions
    Vamousse Spray 'n' Go; Nix Creme Rinse Lice Treatment
    Study type
    INTERVENTIONAL
    Phase
    Phase 4
    Registry status
    Completed
    Start
    2022-12-15
    Completion
    2023-03-12
    Enrolment
    58

    As stored from ClinicalTrials.gov. Registration describes a study; it does not mean the study worked.

    ConditionPediculosis Capitis; Lice Infestations; Head Lice
    InterventionVamousse Spray 'n' Go; Nix Creme Rinse Lice Treatment
    PhasePhase 4
    Registry statusCompleted
  • Bortezomib and Pembrolizumab With or Without Pelareorep for the Treatment of Relapsed or Refractory Multiple Myeloma, AMBUSH Trial

    NCT05514990 · start 2022-10-07

    Registered record
    Registry ID
    NCT05514990
    Conditions
    Recurrent Plasma Cell Myeloma; Refractory Plasma Cell Myeloma
    Interventions
    Bortezomib; Dexamethasone; Pelareorep; Pembrolizumab
    Study type
    INTERVENTIONAL
    Phase
    Phase 1 / Phase 2
    Registry status
    Active not recruiting
    Start
    2022-10-07
    Completion
    2027-08-22
    Enrolment
    10

    As stored from ClinicalTrials.gov. Registration describes a study; it does not mean the study worked.

    ConditionRecurrent Plasma Cell Myeloma; Refractory Plasma Cell Myeloma
    InterventionBortezomib; Dexamethasone; Pelareorep; Pembrolizumab
    PhasePhase 1 / Phase 2
    Registry statusActive not recruiting
  • Permethrin-treated Baby-wraps for the Prevention of Malaria in Children

    NCT05391230 · start 2022-06-03

    Registered record
    Registry ID
    NCT05391230
    Conditions
    Malaria; P. Falciparum
    Interventions
    Permethrin-treated lesu; Untreated lesu
    Study type
    INTERVENTIONAL
    Phase
    Not applicable
    Registry status
    Completed
    Start
    2022-06-03
    Completion
    2024-11-30
    Enrolment
    400

    As stored from ClinicalTrials.gov. Registration describes a study; it does not mean the study worked.

    ConditionMalaria; P. Falciparum
    InterventionPermethrin-treated lesu; Untreated lesu
    PhaseNot applicable
    Registry statusCompleted
  • AutoMated BUrn Diagnostic System for Healthcare (AMBUSH)

    NCT05167461 · start 2022-05-24

    Registered record
    Registry ID
    NCT05167461
    Conditions
    Burns Multiple; Burns; Thermal Burn; Burn Infection
    Interventions
    Collection of imaging by ultrasonography
    Study type
    OBSERVATIONAL
    Phase
    Not recorded
    Registry status
    Completed
    Start
    2022-05-24
    Completion
    2023-05-25
    Enrolment
    30

    As stored from ClinicalTrials.gov. Registration describes a study; it does not mean the study worked.

    ConditionBurns Multiple; Burns; Thermal Burn; Burn Infection
    InterventionCollection of imaging by ultrasonography
    PhaseNot recorded
    Registry statusCompleted
  • Sulfur vs. Different Regimes of Permethrin for Scabies

    NCT06396507 · start 2022-03-15

    Registered record
    Registry ID
    NCT06396507
    Conditions
    Scabies
    Interventions
    Permethrin Solution; Sulfur
    Study type
    INTERVENTIONAL
    Phase
    Phase 3
    Registry status
    Completed
    Start
    2022-03-15
    Completion
    2022-11-12
    Enrolment
    250

    As stored from ClinicalTrials.gov. Registration describes a study; it does not mean the study worked.

    ConditionScabies
    InterventionPermethrin Solution; Sulfur
    PhasePhase 3
    Registry statusCompleted
  • Comparison of Oral Ivermectin and Permethrin 5% Lotion in Treatment of Pediculosis Capitis

    NCT05643820 · start 2022-03-01

    Registered record
    Registry ID
    NCT05643820
    Conditions
    Pediculosis
    Interventions
    Permethrin 5% topical lotion; Ivermectin
    Study type
    INTERVENTIONAL
    Phase
    Phase 1
    Registry status
    Completed
    Start
    2022-03-01
    Completion
    2022-08-31
    Enrolment
    60

    As stored from ClinicalTrials.gov. Registration describes a study; it does not mean the study worked.

    ConditionPediculosis
    InterventionPermethrin 5% topical lotion; Ivermectin
    PhasePhase 1
    Registry statusCompleted
  • Comparison of Topical 5% Permethrin and Topical 10% Sulfur in the Treatment of Scabies

    NCT05862701 · start 2022-03-01

    Registered record
    Registry ID
    NCT05862701
    Conditions
    Scabies
    Interventions
    Permethrin; Sulphur
    Study type
    INTERVENTIONAL
    Phase
    Phase 1
    Registry status
    Completed
    Start
    2022-03-01
    Completion
    2022-09-30
    Enrolment
    60

    As stored from ClinicalTrials.gov. Registration describes a study; it does not mean the study worked.

    ConditionScabies
    InterventionPermethrin; Sulphur
    PhasePhase 1
    Registry statusCompleted
  • A Clinical Trial to Evaluate Efficacy and Safety of a New Suffocating Head Lice Product.

    NCT05378477 · start 2022-01-17

    Registered record
    Registry ID
    NCT05378477
    Conditions
    Head Lice; Pediculosis Capitis
    Interventions
    X92001752; RID Super Max Solution; Nix Crème; Pouxit Végétal
    Study type
    INTERVENTIONAL
    Phase
    Not applicable
    Registry status
    Unknown
    Start
    2022-01-17
    Completion
    2022-09-30
    Enrolment
    220

    As stored from ClinicalTrials.gov. Registration describes a study; it does not mean the study worked.

    ConditionHead Lice; Pediculosis Capitis
    InterventionX92001752; RID Super Max Solution; Nix Crème; Pouxit Végétal
    PhaseNot applicable
    Registry statusUnknown