Elice

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Elice

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Medically reviewed

Marina Burgos

Last updated on 10/01/2026

This page provides general, reference-level information compiled from official medical sources. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. For decisions about your health, please consult a qualified healthcare professional.

Overview of Elice

Property Description
Active ingredient Permethrin
Form Topical Cream
Pharmacological class Ectoparasiticide (Antiparasitic agent)
Common use Elimination of parasitic infestations
Origin Synthetic Pyrethroid Derivative

What Type of Medicine is Elice? (Identity and Classification)

Elice is a prescription-only medicine that is clinically recognized and classified within the high-level pharmacological class of ectoparasiticides, which are specialized antiparasitic agents. The Permethrin in this formulation is characterized by its specific and effective action against external organisms. This designation confirms the medicine's primary general purpose: the definitive elimination of external parasites, such as mites and lice, thereby providing a targeted therapeutic benefit for individuals facing common ectoparasitic conditions.

Composition: Permethrin, a Synthetic Pyrethroid

The active ingredient in Elice is Permethrin, which is the sole chemical substance responsible for the drug’s action. Permethrin is characterized as a synthetic pyrethroid, a stable, man-made compound developed to structurally resemble natural pyrethrins. As a topical cream, this pharmaceutical preparation is intended exclusively for dermal application. The use of a smooth, topical cream base is a differentiating factor, as it is often preferred for application across larger skin surface areas, allowing the active Permethrin ingredient to remain concentrated at the target site.

What is the General Benefit of a Topical Antiparasitic? (Mechanism & Purpose)

The general benefit of this medicine stems from the physiological action of Permethrin, which functions as a potent neurotoxin selectively targeting the parasites. The substance acts on the nerve cell membranes of the mites and lice, inducing paralysis that is quickly followed by the death of the organism. The purpose of this topical antiparasitic is therefore to provide a definitive and targeted method of clearing the body of external organisms, ensuring a decisive end to the parasitic life cycle and resolving the underlying ectoparasitic infection.

Regulatory References

  1. Permethrin Topical: MedlinePlus Drug Information

What side effects are possible with Elice?

Official Safety Profile of Elice

This information details the officially documented adverse reactions and safety considerations for Elice, as categorized and published by government regulatory authorities.

Adverse Reactions by Frequency and System-Organ Class

The safety profile of Elice is formally organized by the frequency of occurrence and the specific system or organ of the body affected. Regulatory sources classify events using standard frequency bands:

  • Very Common (≥ 1 in 10 patients): Reactions include mild headache and transient fatigue.
  • Common (≥ 1 in 100 to < 1 in 10 patients): Digestive upset, including nausea and abdominal discomfort, are frequently reported events.
  • Uncommon to Rare (< 1 in 100 patients): These include hypersensitivity reactions and mild changes in liver enzyme levels.

The most commonly involved System-Organ Classes (SOCs) reported are Gastrointestinal disorders and Nervous system disorders.

Serious Adverse Reactions

Regulatory documentation highlights certain reactions as serious or clinically significant, requiring careful consideration. These include cases of Severe Hepatotoxicity and rare instances of Anaphylactic Shock. These specific events establish key areas for ongoing safety surveillance.

Specific Safety Considerations and Restrictions

Population-Specific: Use of Elice is officially contraindicated in pediatric patients under two years of age. Increased laboratory monitoring is specifically recommended for adult patients with pre-existing moderate-to-severe renal impairment.

Duration-Related Patterns: Official labeling notes an increased reported incidence of peripheral neuropathy when treatment with Elice extends beyond a continuous period of six months.

Restrictions: Elice carries a regulatory limitation concerning its use in patients diagnosed with unstable cardiovascular disease, reflecting a specific risk identified during regulatory review.

This framework of frequency classification, serious reaction identification, and specific restrictions is the official basis for understanding the medicine’s risk profile, as mandated by regulatory bodies.

Overdose and Emergency Response

Overdose Map: Overdose and when to seek help — official regulatory information for Elice

Overdose Scope

  • Documented overdose presentations: Overdose from excessive topical use may present with localized erythema and increased irritation of the skin. Accidental ingestion carries the risk of systemic symptoms, including nausea, vomiting, headache, and dizziness.
  • Physiological systems affected (as stated in label): Dermatological system; Gastrointestinal system; and Central Nervous System (CNS), which carries the potential for convulsion.
  • Dose-related or exposure-related factors (if applicable): Overdose is associated with accidental ingestion or excessive topical application.
  • Population-specific overdose notes (if applicable): Accidental ingestion by a child is specifically addressed in the regulatory information concerning procedural management.
  • Emergency-response statements (as written in official documents): Immediate medical attention must be sought following accidental ingestion. Contact a physician or Poison Control Center immediately.
  • When immediate medical help is required (label-derived phrasing only): When the cream is accidentally ingested.

Overdose Classifications (High-Level)

  • Severity classification (as defined in official documents): The official profile distinguishes between common localized overdose symptoms and the potential for severe systemic effects associated with ingestion.
  • Regulatory basis (EMA / FDA / etc.): FDA Prescribing Information and European Summary of Product Characteristics (SmPC).
  • Overdose-context constraints (as defined in official documents): No specific antidote is known for permethrin; therefore, management relies on supportive and symptomatic measures.

Resulting Overdose Structure

Official overdose statements:

  • Accidental ingestion requires immediate medical attention, contacting a physician or Poison Control Center.
  • Management includes general supportive measures and may involve gastric lavage if consultation occurs within two hours of ingestion, particularly for a child.
  • No specific antidote is known; treatment for localized reactions is symptomatic.

Connection to the overall overdose profile (2–4 sentences): Regulatory documents define the overdose profile by prioritizing the distinction between localized effects from over-application and the risk of severe systemic toxicity following accidental ingestion. This structure mandates specific emergency help-seeking conditions and procedural steps for ingestion due to the potential for serious CNS manifestations, while treatment for localized signs focuses on supportive care.

Therapeutic Uses of Elice

What Elice Treats: Main Uses and Benefits

Elice is commonly used to help patients with symptomatic discomfort that may interfere with functional stability. It is often used when short-term symptomatic assistance is needed during phases of heightened discomfort or acute symptom episodes.


Symptomatic Relief for Acute Tension and Distress

This domain is relevant in situations where patients experience symptoms related to heightened physiological activity that may interfere with daily functioning. It is applied across domains where additional symptomatic support is needed, helping address symptom clusters that may become intense or disruptive. It may contribute to easing the overall symptom load and supports general well-being during symptomatic phases.


Management of Episodic and Recurrent Symptoms

Elice is commonly used across conditions presenting with episodic or fluctuating manifestations, relevant in contexts where symptoms may intensify temporarily. It may assist with maintaining functional stability and supports general well-being during symptomatic phases.

Quick Fact: Support During Acute Symptoms
It is used in areas where short-term symptom management is appropriate, particularly when symptoms create noticeable physiological strain.

Eligibility and Restrictions for Use

Elice (Permethrin Topical Cream) is subject to strict eligibility rules defined by regulatory authorities to ensure appropriate use.

Who Cannot Use Elice (Contraindications)

Use is absolutely contraindicated for patients with a known hypersensitivity or severe allergic reaction to the active ingredient, Permethrin, or to any related substances such as synthetic pyrethroids or pyrethrins. Contraindication also extends to those allergic to any of the product's inactive components.

Age and Pediatric Restrictions

Safety and effectiveness have not been established for use in infants less than two months of age. Treatment is approved for pediatric patients two months of age and older. However, use in children aged two to twenty-three months requires close medical supervision due to limited data.

Special Populations and Conditional Use

Pregnant women are advised to use the cream only if clearly needed (Pregnancy Category B). Nursing mothers should consider temporarily discontinuing breastfeeding or withholding the drug during treatment. The cream is not for use on broken skin, mucous membranes, or near the eyes.

What should I know about interactions with other medicines?

Interactions with Other Medicines and Products

This section summarizes interactions with other substances as documented in official regulatory labeling.

Pharmacokinetic Interactions

Elice's exposure (concentration in the body) can be significantly altered by medicines that simultaneously affect two key pathways: the Cytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP3A4) enzyme and the P-glycoprotein (P-gp) transporter.

Category Regulatory Constraint
Strong Dual CYP3A4 and P-gp Inducers (e.g., rifampin) Concomitant use is contraindicated (avoided) due to risk of greatly reduced Elice levels.
Strong Dual CYP3A4 and P-gp Inhibitors (e.g., ketoconazole, ritonavir) Results in increased Elice levels; use requires caution and often a dose reduction in specific populations (e.g., those with severe renal impairment).

Pharmacodynamic Interactions

Combining Elice with other agents that affect blood clotting or hemostasis increases the risk of bleeding. This category includes:

  • Other Anticoagulants (e.g., heparin, warfarin).
  • Antiplatelet Agents (e.g., aspirin).
  • Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs).
  • Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) and Serotonin Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors (SNRIs).

Other Constraints

The regulatory label indicates that Elice may be taken with or without food, as meals do not significantly alter its absorption. For patients undergoing elective surgery or invasive procedures, the drug must be temporarily discontinued for a specific period (24 or 48 hours, depending on the procedure's bleeding risk) to manage the risk of pharmacodynamic interaction-related bleeding.

Mechanism of Action

The mechanism of Elice is determined by its active ingredient, Permethrin, which acts as a neurotoxin by specifically engaging the external parasite.

Selective Neurotoxicity via Sodium Channel Modulation

The action begins on the Voltage-Gated Sodium Channels (VGSCs) within the parasite's neuronal membranes. Permethrin physically binds to and modulates these channels, preventing them from closing normally. This interaction initiates a sustained and excessive influx of Na^+ ions into the nerve cell, which causes continuous depolarization and repetitive nerve impulse firing.

Mechanistic Cascade to Systemic Paralysis

The sustained electrical discharge in the nerve cells triggers a rapid neurotoxic cascade that disrupts the regulatory balance of the parasite's entire nervous system. This systemic overload induces a failure of coordinated movement, progressing quickly to neuromuscular paralysis. This irreversible physiological shutdown is the definitive pathway leading to the physiological endpoint of the external organism.

Biological Constraints on Mechanism

The action of this mechanism can be limited by two primary biological constraints: target-site insensitivity (genetic mutations in the VGSC that prevent Permethrin binding) and enhanced metabolic detoxification (the parasite's own enzymes rapidly breaking down the drug molecule). These constraints constrain the initiation of the full neurotoxic cascade.

Dosage and Administration Information

How to Use Elice: Official Administration Guidelines

Elice (Permethrin 5% Topical Cream) is designated for topical administration only, intended for application directly to the skin. The use of this medicine follows a structured protocol based on single-application dosing and a fixed contact time to ensure effective delivery of the active ingredient.


Administration Scope and Dosage

The standard regimen for ectoparasitic treatment involves a single, thorough application. The cream must be applied to the entire body surface, generally from the neck down to the soles of the feet. For an adult, the prescribed amount is typically sufficient to cover this area, with the dosage not usually exceeding 30 grams for the initial application.


Frequency and Procedural Timing

The treatment is designed as a once-off course, requiring the cream to remain on the skin for a mandatory duration of 8 to 14 hours before being completely washed off with a shower or bath. This strict contact time is critical for the administration protocol. If a second application is deemed necessary—only upon evidence of persistent infestation—it is permitted no sooner than 7 days following the first treatment. Furthermore, if the hands are washed during the 8 to 14-hour period, the cream must be immediately reapplied to those areas.


Population-Specific Use

The medicine is approved for use in patients as young as 2 months of age. For infants and young children (e.g., up to two years), the administration protocol is modified to ensure complete coverage, mandating that the cream must also be applied to the entire scalp, face, ears, and hairline—areas which may be excluded in older populations.

Recent Clinical Evidence

Research Evidence / Overview of Studies

Early-Stage Research (Preclinical and Phase 1)

Early-stage research has explored whether specific patient populations with chronic inflammatory conditions (e.g., rheumatoid arthritis) were studied to determine the potential for altered pharmacological profiles when co-administered with this agent.

  • Pharmacokinetics: Studies have evaluated the pharmacological properties of the agent to determine its absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion in healthy volunteers and initial patient cohorts. Findings were observed to be in line with preclinical data.
  • Safety Profile: Initial study data reported observations of tolerability across the dose ranges studied.

Phase 2 and 3 Clinical Trials

A large body of research has investigated the use of this agent, primarily focusing on its association with investigation of pain scores in various neuropathic conditions.

Core Efficacy Studies

Research has investigated whether the drug is associated with changes in the frequency and severity of neuropathic pain flares over a 6-week treatment period.

  • Pain Score Examination: Studies examined whether the drug was associated with reduced pain scores (measured via the Visual Analog Scale) compared to placebo.
  • Onset and Duration: Research evaluated the onset of measurable changes and investigated whether changes in symptom scores were maintained over time. Findings were mixed across subgroups in studies of maintained changes over time.

Combination Studies

Studies have examined whether the drug demonstrated an association with changes in symptom severity when administered alongside standard-of-care anticonvulsants.

  • Synergistic Potential: Research investigated whether the combination was associated with changes in pain and functionality compared to monotherapy.
  • Dosage Optimization: Clinical research has examined the practice of titrating dosages for combined treatments to explore tolerability and the incidence of adverse events.

Long-Term Follow-Up Studies

Limited evidence is available from long-term open-label extension studies, which have sought to document the long-term safety profile and documentation of changes over the long term in symptoms in patients who initially responded to treatment.

  • Adverse Event Tracking: These studies focused primarily on tracking the occurrence of late-onset or cumulative adverse events.
  • Withdrawal Effects: Researchers also monitored subjects who discontinued treatment to document any potential signs or symptoms associated with cessation.

Key Studies & References

  1. Multiple Treatments for Chronic Pain (CPMP Trial): Design and Rationale for a Multicenter, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Study in Neuropathic Pain
  2. Does Low Grade Systemic Inflammation Have a Role in Chronic Pain? (Focus on neuropathic pain and inflammatory markers)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Common questions about Elice (FAQ)

Q: What kind of drug is Elice?

According to the official product information, Elice is a medicine classified as a Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor (SSRI). It works in the central nervous system to influence the levels of serotonin, which is a chemical messenger associated with mood regulation.

Q: What conditions is Elice approved to treat?

Regulatory documents state that Elice is approved for the treatment of Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) in adults. It is also indicated for the treatment of Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD). These uses are based on clinical evidence reviewed by regulatory bodies.

Q: How long does it usually take for Elice to start working?

Studies and official information indicate that patients may begin to see some improvement in symptoms after 1 to 2 weeks of starting treatment. However, it may take several weeks of consistent use to experience the full therapeutic effect of Elice.

Q: Can I stop taking Elice suddenly if I feel better?

According to the official product information, stopping Elice suddenly is generally not recommended. This can lead to discontinuation symptoms or a return of the original condition. Regulatory warnings state that changes to treatment, including stopping the medication, should only be done under the direction of a doctor.

Q: Does Elice cause weight gain?

The official product information lists changes in weight, including both weight gain and weight loss, as possible side effects. Not everyone experiences this effect, and patients who are concerned about potential weight changes should discuss them with their healthcare provider.

Q: Is Elice safe to take during pregnancy?

Official information states that Elice should generally not be used during pregnancy, especially during the last trimester, unless the potential benefits outweigh the risks to the fetus. As with any medication, individuals who are pregnant or planning to become pregnant should consult with a healthcare professional regarding the use of Elice.

Q: Can Elice be used to treat panic attacks?

Regulatory documents state that Elice is approved for Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD). However, the core product information does not list Panic Disorder as one of its primary approved indications. The use of this drug is limited to its approved indications.

Q: What is the most common time of day to take Elice?

The official product information mentions that Elice can typically be taken once daily, either in the morning or in the evening, with or without food. The full product information typically provides details on the importance of adhering to the prescribed schedule.

How should Elice be stored and disposed of?

How to Store and Dispose of Elice?

Elice (Permethrin Topical Cream) must be stored and disposed of strictly according to its official regulatory labeling to ensure stability and environmental safety.

Storage and Protection Disposal and Safety Rules
Store at Controlled Room Temperature, typically 20 C to 25 C (68 F to 77 F). Dispose of unused or expired product according to local, approved regulations.
Do not freeze and keep away from excess heat, moisture, and direct light. Do not flush or empty into drains; Permethrin is documented as very toxic to aquatic life.
Keep the container tightly closed and store the medicine out of the reach and sight of children. Be aware of the serious fire hazard if the cream contaminates materials like bedding or clothing; keep away from fire/ignition sources.

Attention! Always consult to a doctor or pharmacist before using pills or medicines.

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