Jove
Visualize
Contact Us
JoVE
x logofacebook logolinkedin logoyoutube logo
ABOUT JoVE
OverviewLeadershipBlogJoVE Help Center
AUTHORS
Publishing ProcessEditorial BoardScope & PoliciesPeer ReviewFAQSubmit
LIBRARIANS
TestimonialsSubscriptionsAccessResourcesLibrary Advisory BoardFAQ
RESEARCH
JoVE JournalMethods CollectionsJoVE Encyclopedia of ExperimentsArchive
EDUCATION
JoVE CoreJoVE BusinessJoVE Science EducationJoVE Lab ManualFaculty Resource CenterFaculty Site
Terms & Conditions of Use
Privacy Policy
Policies

Related Experiment Videos

Probable topical permethrin-induced neck dystonia.

Craig I Coleman1, Effie L Gillespie, C Michael White

  • 1School of Pharmacy, University of Connecticut, Storrs, Connecticut, USA.

Pharmacotherapy
|April 22, 2005
PubMed
Summary

Topical permethrin cream, used for scabies, can cause severe dystonic reactions. This rare adverse drug event, likely linked to permethrin

Related Concept Videos

You might also read

Related Articles

Articles linked to this work by shared authors, journal, and citation graph.

Sort by
Same author

Nitrous oxide abuse prevalence, mechanisms, treatments and prevention.

Current medical research and opinion·2026
Same author

Identification and Characterization of Mitragynine or 7-Hydroxymitraynine Oral Dosage Form Products That Appeal to Children.

The journal of pediatric pharmacology and therapeutics : JPPT : the official journal of PPAG·2026
Same author

Compounded Semaglutide and Tirzepatide Products Use Unique Formulations but Efficacy and Safety Largely Unknown.

The Annals of pharmacotherapy·2026
Same author

Nonswallowed Kratom-Derived Products: Unlawful Dietary Supplements That Endanger Public Health.

Public health reports (Washington, D.C. : 1974)·2026
Same author

Transdermal "Natural GLP-1" Dietary Supplements Violate Law and Place Patients at Risk.

The Annals of pharmacotherapy·2026
Same author

Kratom's Use and Impact on Pediatric Populations.

The journal of pediatric pharmacology and therapeutics : JPPT : the official journal of PPAG·2025

Area of Science:

  • Pharmacology and Toxicology
  • Dermatology and Neurology

Background:

  • Scabies infestations are commonly treated with topical permethrin cream.
  • Pyrethroid insecticides, including permethrin, are generally considered safe for topical use.

Observation:

  • A patient developed a severe left-sided neck dystonic reaction after a single application of 5% permethrin cream for scabies.
  • The Naranjo algorithm indicated a probable causal relationship between permethrin use and the observed dystonic reaction.

Findings:

  • This case represents a rare adverse drug event associated with topical permethrin.
  • Previously reported dystonic reactions to pyrethroids occurred after occupational dermal exposure, with delayed onset and prolonged duration.
  • The proposed mechanism involves permethrin delaying sodium channel closure, leading to nerve hyperexcitation.

Implications:

  • Clinicians should be aware of the potential for rare neurological adverse effects, such as dystonia, following topical permethrin application.
  • Further investigation into the neurotoxic potential of permethrin, even at therapeutic doses, may be warranted.
  • This case highlights the importance of considering rare side effects in differential diagnoses for neurological symptoms.

Related Experiment Videos