Chapter 99
Ectoparasiticides
Elsevier Inc. items and derived items © 2010 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc.
Ectoparasiticides



Parasites live on surface of host
Scabies (Sarcoptes scabiei)
Pediculosis—lice (Pediculus humanus)



Pubic (pubis)
Head (capitis)
Body (corporis)
Elsevier Inc. items and derived items © 2010 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc.
2
Elsevier Inc. items and derived items © 2010 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc.
3
Pharmacology of Ectoparasiticides

Topical drugs


Forms: creams, gels, lotions, shampoos
Principal agents
• Permethrin (Nix, Elimite, Acticin) – resistance can
develop
• Malathion (Ovide)
• Crotamiton (Eurax)

Oral treatment

Ivermectin (Stromectol)
Elsevier Inc. items and derived items © 2010 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc.
4
Permethrin





Trade names: Nix, Elimite, Acticin
Toxic to mites, lice, and their ova (also fleas
and ticks)
Residual activity up to 2 weeks after
treatment
Only one application is generally required
Devoid of serious side effects
Elsevier Inc. items and derived items © 2010 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc.
5
Malathion





Trade name: Ovide
Organophosphate cholinesterase inhibitor
Kills lice and their ova
Approved for treatment of head lice
Devoid of significant side effects
Elsevier Inc. items and derived items © 2010 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc.
6
Crotamiton






Trade name: Eurax
Used to treat scabies
Not indicated for pediculosis
Massaged into the skin of the entire body
A second application at 24 hours is needed
Treatment may be repeated in 7 days
Elsevier Inc. items and derived items © 2010 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc.
7
Pharmacology of Ectoparasiticides

Adverse effects


Skin irritation
Temporary burning, stinging, and numbness
Elsevier Inc. items and derived items © 2010 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc.
8