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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.

  • A Dose Ranging Vehicle Controlled Study to Determine the Safety and Efficacy of Permethrin Foam, 5% and Permethrin Foam, 4% for the Treatment of Scabies

    NCT02094716 · start 2014-04

    Registered record
    Registry ID
    NCT02094716
    Conditions
    Scabies
    Interventions
    Permethrin Foam 4%; Permethrin Foam 5%; Vehicle Foam
    Study type
    INTERVENTIONAL
    Phase
    Phase 2
    Registry status
    Completed
    Start
    2014-04
    Completion
    2014-12
    Enrolment
    130

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

    ConditionScabies
    InterventionPermethrin Foam 4%; Permethrin Foam 5%; Vehicle Foam
    PhasePhase 2
    Registry statusCompleted
  • Investigation of Endemic and Emerging Diseases in Populations of Homeless Households in Marseille.

    NCT02819128 · start 2014-01-25

    Registered record
    Registry ID
    NCT02819128
    Conditions
    Endemic and Emerging Diseases in Populations of Homeless
    Interventions
    Swabs skin, pharyngeal, and blood sample; Collection of body lice
    Study type
    INTERVENTIONAL
    Phase
    Not applicable
    Registry status
    Completed
    Start
    2014-01-25
    Completion
    2022-10-26
    Enrolment
    722

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

    ConditionEndemic and Emerging Diseases in Populations of Homeless
    InterventionSwabs skin, pharyngeal, and blood sample; Collection of body lice
    PhaseNot applicable
    Registry statusCompleted
  • Mindfulness Based Chronic Pain Management: A Pilot Study

    NCT01886885 · start 2013-01

    Registered record
    Registry ID
    NCT01886885
    Conditions
    Chronic Pain
    Interventions
    Mindfulness Based Chronic Pain Management Intervention
    Study type
    OBSERVATIONAL
    Phase
    Not recorded
    Registry status
    Completed
    Start
    2013-01
    Completion
    2013-01
    Enrolment
    20

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

    ConditionChronic Pain
    InterventionMindfulness Based Chronic Pain Management Intervention
    PhaseNot recorded
    Registry statusCompleted
  • Repellents as Added Control Measure to Long Lasting Insecticidal Nets

    NCT01663831 · start 2012-05

    Registered record
    Registry ID
    NCT01663831
    Conditions
    Malaria
    Interventions
    Mosquito topical repellent
    Study type
    INTERVENTIONAL
    Phase
    Not applicable
    Registry status
    Completed
    Start
    2012-05
    Completion
    2013-12
    Enrolment
    40,000

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

    ConditionMalaria
    InterventionMosquito topical repellent
    PhaseNot applicable
    Registry statusCompleted
  • Insecticidal School Uniforms for Dengue Prevention in Thailand

    NCT01563640 · start 2012-03

    Registered record
    Registry ID
    NCT01563640
    Conditions
    Dengue
    Interventions
    permethrin insecticide; washing
    Study type
    INTERVENTIONAL
    Phase
    Not applicable
    Registry status
    Terminated
    Start
    2012-03
    Completion
    2014-12
    Enrolment
    1,825

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

    ConditionDengue
    Interventionpermethrin insecticide; washing
    PhaseNot applicable
    Registry statusTerminated
  • Efficacy and Safety of Licefreee Spray Against Nix 1% Permethrin

    NCT01514513 · start 2011-08

    Registered record
    Registry ID
    NCT01514513
    Conditions
    Pediculosis Capitis
    Interventions
    Licefreee Spray; 1% permethrin creme rinse
    Study type
    INTERVENTIONAL
    Phase
    Not applicable
    Registry status
    Completed
    Start
    2011-08
    Completion
    2011-12
    Enrolment
    42

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

    ConditionPediculosis Capitis
    InterventionLicefreee Spray; 1% permethrin creme rinse
    PhaseNot applicable
    Registry statusCompleted
  • Effectiveness of Permethrin Impregnated Underwear in Preventing Louse Proliferation in Infected Homeless

    NCT01287663 · start 2011-01

    Registered record
    Registry ID
    NCT01287663
    Conditions
    Body's Louses
    Interventions
    Permethrin impregnated; no Permethrin impregnated
    Study type
    INTERVENTIONAL
    Phase
    Not applicable
    Registry status
    Terminated
    Start
    2011-01
    Completion
    2012-05
    Enrolment
    125

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

    ConditionBody's Louses
    InterventionPermethrin impregnated; no Permethrin impregnated
    PhaseNot applicable
    Registry statusTerminated
  • Tick-borne Illness and Clothing Study

    NCT01454414 · start 2010-10

    Registered record
    Registry ID
    NCT01454414
    Conditions
    Tick Bites; Tick-borne Illness
    Interventions
    Permethrin Impregnated Uniforms
    Study type
    INTERVENTIONAL
    Phase
    Not applicable
    Registry status
    Completed
    Start
    2010-10
    Completion
    2013-04
    Enrolment
    159

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

    ConditionTick Bites; Tick-borne Illness
    InterventionPermethrin Impregnated Uniforms
    PhaseNot applicable
    Registry statusCompleted
  • Efficacy, Safety and Tolerability of a Novel Malathion Formulation in Patients 2 Years and Older With Head Lice

    NCT00927472 · start 2009-08

    Registered record
    Registry ID
    NCT00927472
    Conditions
    Pediculosis
    Interventions
    Malathion gel 0.5%; Permethrin 1% rinse
    Study type
    INTERVENTIONAL
    Phase
    Phase 3
    Registry status
    Completed
    Start
    2009-08
    Completion
    2010-06
    Enrolment
    254

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

    ConditionPediculosis
    InterventionMalathion gel 0.5%; Permethrin 1% rinse
    PhasePhase 3
    Registry statusCompleted
  • Efficacy, Safety and Tolerability of a Novel Malathion Formulation in Patients 2 Years and Older With Head Lice

    NCT00963508 · start 2009-08

    Registered record
    Registry ID
    NCT00963508
    Conditions
    Pediculosis
    Interventions
    Malathion gel 0.5%; Permethrin 1% rinse (Nix Crème)
    Study type
    INTERVENTIONAL
    Phase
    Phase 3
    Registry status
    Completed
    Start
    2009-08
    Completion
    2010-03
    Enrolment
    403

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

    ConditionPediculosis
    InterventionMalathion gel 0.5%; Permethrin 1% rinse (Nix Crème)
    PhasePhase 3
    Registry statusCompleted
  • Passive Prophylaxis of Lyme Disease Using Permethrin Treated Clothes

    NCT00958139 · start 2008-06

    Registered record
    Registry ID
    NCT00958139
    Conditions
    Lyme Disease
    Interventions
    Permethrin; Placebo
    Study type
    INTERVENTIONAL
    Phase
    Phase 3
    Registry status
    Terminated
    Start
    2008-06
    Completion
    2008-10
    Enrolment
    61

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

    ConditionLyme Disease
    InterventionPermethrin; Placebo
    PhasePhase 3
    Registry statusTerminated
  • Safety and Efficacy Study of NatrOVA Creme Rinse - 1% and NIX Creme Rinse in Subjects 6 Months or Older With Head Lice

    NCT00545168 · start 2007-09

    Registered record
    Registry ID
    NCT00545168
    Conditions
    Pediculus Capitis Infestation
    Interventions
    Spinosad; Spinosad; Permethrin 1%
    Study type
    INTERVENTIONAL
    Phase
    Phase 3
    Registry status
    Completed
    Start
    2007-09
    Completion
    2008-05
    Enrolment
    480

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

    ConditionPediculus Capitis Infestation
    InterventionSpinosad; Spinosad; Permethrin 1%
    PhasePhase 3
    Registry statusCompleted
  • Safety and Efficacy Study to Compare a 4% Dimethicone Foam and Nix Cream Rinse (1% Permethrin) in the Control of Head Lice

    NCT00672971 · start 2007-09

    Registered record
    Registry ID
    NCT00672971
    Conditions
    Head Lice
    Interventions
    4% dimethicone foam; 1% permethrin
    Study type
    INTERVENTIONAL
    Phase
    Not applicable
    Registry status
    Completed
    Start
    2007-09
    Completion
    2007-11
    Enrolment
    31

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

    ConditionHead Lice
    Intervention4% dimethicone foam; 1% permethrin
    PhaseNot applicable
    Registry statusCompleted
  • Veron Scabies Education and Eradication Program

    NCT00604084 · start 2007-05

    Registered record
    Registry ID
    NCT00604084
    Conditions
    Scabies
    Interventions
    Ivermectin; Permethrin 5% lotion
    Study type
    INTERVENTIONAL
    Phase
    Not applicable
    Registry status
    Completed
    Start
    2007-05
    Completion
    2008-05
    Enrolment
    1,057

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

    ConditionScabies
    InterventionIvermectin; Permethrin 5% lotion
    PhaseNot applicable
    Registry statusCompleted
  • A Safety and Efficacy Pilot Study Comparing NatrOVA Creme Rinse 1% and NIX Creme Rinse

    NCT00857935 · start 2007-03

    Registered record
    Registry ID
    NCT00857935
    Conditions
    Pediculosis Capitis; Head Lice
    Interventions
    NatrOVA Creme Rinse - 1%; NIX Creme Rinse - 1% permethrin
    Study type
    INTERVENTIONAL
    Phase
    Phase 2
    Registry status
    Completed
    Start
    2007-03
    Completion
    2007-04
    Enrolment
    24

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

    ConditionPediculosis Capitis; Head Lice
    InterventionNatrOVA Creme Rinse - 1%; NIX Creme Rinse - 1% permethrin
    PhasePhase 2
    Registry statusCompleted