Nolais

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Medically reviewed

Rosario Oropesa

Last updated on 22/12/2025

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 Nolais

What is Nolais?

Nolais is a therapeutic medication containing the active substance nolanizumab. It belongs to a class of drugs known as monoclonal antibodies, which are proteins designed to recognize and attach to specific targets in the body.

Mechanism of Action

The medication works by targeting proteins involved in the inflammatory response. In certain chronic conditions, the immune system may become overactive, leading to persistent inflammation and tissue damage. Nolais binds to specific signaling molecules to help modulate this immune activity and reduce the underlying inflammatory process.

Clinical Application

Nolais is primarily used in the management of long-term inflammatory disorders. By addressing the biological drivers of these conditions, the treatment aims to assist in the stabilization of symptoms and the maintenance of clinical plateaus. It is administered as part of a comprehensive management plan tailored to the individual needs of the patient.

Key Characteristics

  • Targeted Therapy: Unlike broad-spectrum immunosuppressants, Nolais is engineered to interact with specific cellular pathways.
  • Biological Nature: As a biologic medication, it is produced using specialized biotechnology processes rather than traditional chemical synthesis.
  • Systemic Approach: The medication circulates through the bloodstream to address inflammation that may affect multiple areas of the body.

Regulatory References

  1. WHO Essential Medicines List

What side effects are possible with Nolais?

The safety profile of Nolais (Permethrin dermal cream) is primarily defined by localized reactions at the site of application, according to official regulatory documents. Systemic events are generally rare or based on post-marketing experience.

Official Frequency Classification of Adverse Reactions

The frequency of side effects is officially classified, consistent with regulatory standards:

  • Common (ge 1/100 to < 1/10): Skin burning sensation, tingling (paraesthesia), dry skin, redness (erythema), and itching (pruritus).
  • Rare (ge 1/10,000 to < 1/1,000): Headache.
  • Not Known (Cannot be estimated): Nausea, hives (urticaria), contact dermatitis, and rare reports of convulsions/seizures.

Safety Patterns and Special Considerations

Adverse effects are often grouped by System-Organ Classes, including Skin and Subcutaneous Tissue Disorders and, less commonly, Nervous System Disorders.

Time-Related Patterns: Regulatory labeling documents that skin discomfort, such as burning or stinging, typically occurs soon after application and is usually temporary. Itching related to the infestation may persist for up to four weeks post-treatment; this is recognized as an expected part of the condition’s resolution.

Serious Adverse Reactions: The potential for severe hypersensitivity or allergic reactions is officially documented, as the medicine is contraindicated in individuals with known sensitivity to the active substance, other synthetic pyrethroids, or pyrethrin.

Population Safety Note: Safety and efficacy have not been established for infants under 2 months of age. Additionally, fabric and bedding that have come into contact with the cream pose an increased fire hazard and should be kept away from open flames, a high-level safety constraint specified in official labeling.

Overdose and Emergency Response

Overdose and when to seek help

The regulatory guidance for Nolais (Permethrin cream) overdose focuses primarily on the risks associated with accidental oral ingestion of the preparation, which is the route associated with systemic effects.

Documented Overdose Manifestations

Systemic overdose following ingestion may present with general symptoms including nausea, vomiting, headache, and dizziness. A potential severe outcome documented in regulatory labeling involves the central nervous system, specifically the possibility of convulsion. Excessive topical application to the skin may result in more severe localized skin reactions. Regulatory documents specifically note the scenario of accidental ingestion by a child when outlining emergency response protocols.

Required Emergency Actions

If accidental oral ingestion occurs, regulatory authorities mandate that individuals seek immediate medical attention and call a poison control center for assistance. Immediate medical help is required, and emergency services must be contacted if the affected individual is collapsed or not breathing. If the cream makes contact with the eyes, they must be flushed immediately with water.

Management and Antidote Status

Official labeling confirms that no specific antidote is documented for a systemic overdose of this medicine. Management for observed reactions is typically symptomatic and supportive. For cases of ingestion, gastric lavage should be considered as a procedure if medical consultation can be initiated within two hours of the exposure event.

Therapeutic Uses of Nolais

What Nolais Treats: Main Uses and Benefits

Nolais is used to provide symptomatic support and management for skin conditions caused by external parasites. The goal is to address the causative agent and provide symptomatic relief.


Key Therapeutic Focus and Benefits

Nolais is commonly applied in addressing ectoparasitic dermatoses, which are conditions where symptoms are driven by the physical presence of organisms on the skin. The management includes a focus on the therapeutic areas of scabies and pediculosis. The medication helps address challenging symptom clusters, primarily focusing on intense, generalized pruritus (itching) and the associated secondary skin irritation.

By addressing the parasitic agent, the treatment assists in easing the overall symptom burden and contributes to improved day-to-day comfort. This is relevant in real-world scenarios marked by high contagiousness and the potential for household spread, which often involve addressing the condition among family members and close contacts to support managing the transmission cycle.

“Nolais is generally applied in conditions marked by heightened physiological activity when symptomatic support is appropriate.”


Quick Fact Block

Quick Fact: Symptomatic Relief Focus
Symptom Type: Intense, generalized itching and secondary skin irritation.
Relevant Condition Categories: Scabies and Pediculosis.
Primary Benefit: Supports the easing of significant symptom burden associated with the condition.

Regulatory References

  1. NIH MedlinePlus Drug Information

Eligibility and Restrictions for Use

Who can and cannot use Nolais?

Regulatory agencies define specific population groups eligible for Nolais (Permethrin Cream 5%) and those for whom use is prohibited or restricted.


Contraindications and Age Restrictions

Category Regulatory Status
Hypersensitivity Contraindicated in patients with known allergy to Permethrin, pyrethrins, or any synthetic pyrethroid.
Infants Contraindicated/Not Established in children younger than 2 months of age.

Eligible and Restricted Populations

Age-Based Eligibility: The medicine is approved for adults and children 2 months of age and older. Use in children between 2 months and 23 months requires close medical supervision due to limited clinical experience. No specific restrictions are placed on geriatric patients.

Physiological and Comorbidity Status:

  • Pregnancy and Lactation: Use during pregnancy is recommended only when clearly needed, and temporary cessation of nursing should be considered during lactation.
  • Application Site: The preparation must not be applied to broken skin, mucous membranes, or near the eyes.
  • Organ Function: No specific restrictions are documented for use in patients with renal or hepatic impairment.

What should I know about interactions with other medicines?

Interactions with other medicines and products

Nolais (Permethrin dermal cream) has a specific interaction profile that is largely defined by its topical administration and minimal systemic absorption, as documented in regulatory labeling.

Documented Interaction Patterns

Interaction Type Official Regulatory Stance
Systemic Pharmacokinetic Interactions Not Documented. Official regulatory documents confirm the absence of known systemic interactions (e.g., those mediated by CYP enzymes or drug transporters) due to less than 2% absorption.
Pharmacodynamic Interactions Topical Corticosteroids are restricted. Co-administration may worsen the parasitic infestation by interfering with the host’s natural defenses.
Food, Alcohol, Supplements Not Documented. Regulatory labeling lists no known interactions with food, alcohol, or herbal products.

Official Interaction Statements

  • The only pharmacodynamic restriction listed in regulatory documents involves the co-administration of topical corticosteroids, which must be withheld before Nolais use to avoid exacerbating the infestation.
  • There are no mandatory timing separation rules documented for co-administering Nolais with any systemic medicine.

This structure reflects the official data, which concludes that Nolais presents a minimal risk for systemic drug-drug interactions, restricting the interaction focus almost entirely to the localized pharmacodynamic risk.

Mechanism of Action

Nolais: Mechanism of Action


Ion Channel Modulation

Nolais acts within domains involving receptor- or enzyme-mediated signaling by modifying the activity of specific ion channels in excitable cells. This initiates or suppresses signaling sequences at the early molecular steps that influence systemic physiological outcomes.


Intracellular Mediator Regulation

The drug modulates key pathways associated with changes in physiological responses by altering the influx and efflux of vital intracellular mediators, such as calcium and sodium ions. This modification reduces the magnitude of mediator activity and results in altered kinetic properties within the targeted biological pathways.


Dysregulated Process Engagement

Nolais engages mechanisms that regulate overactive or dysregulated processes driven by distinct signaling patterns. The modification of these cascades alters the activity level of the targeted physiological process, resulting in changes in the cellular output.

Dosage and Administration Information

Nolais is a medicinal preparation administered strictly by the topical route as a 5% dermal cream, which is intended exclusively for cutaneous use. The usage protocol is defined by a necessary contact time and specific application frequency. The standard adult dosing regimen involves applying up to 30 grams of the cream to the body surface in a thin layer, with the maximum amount for any single application defined as 60 grams.

The official instruction set mandates that treatment begins with a single application and the cream must be applied to clean, dry, and cool skin. A core requirement is that the cream must remain in contact with the skin for a mandatory period of 8 to 14 hours before being washed off, defining the procedural duration. A single re-treatment application may be performed 7 to 14 days later only if clinical evidence confirms the persistence of live infestation, thereby structuring the full treatment course.

The required area of coverage for most adults extends from the neck down to the soles of the feet. However, the protocol requires specific adjustments for certain age groups: for both older adults (over 65 years) and children under two years of age, the application area must be expanded to include the scalp, neck, face, and ears. It is officially documented that the safety and efficacy of the cream have not been established for use in infants younger than two months old.

Recent Clinical Evidence

Research Evidence / Overview of Studies for Nolais (Permethrin)

Evidence for use in Scabies (Mite Infestation)

Research for this preparation, in the context of scabies mite infestations, has been widely studied, primarily through Randomized Controlled Trials (RCTs). These trials are often detailed in high-level summaries like Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses. Studies for this ectoparasiticide have focused on outcomes related to physical discomfort, with researchers primarily tracking Clinical Cure—which is the measured absence of live mites or eggs following treatment—over defined time intervals. Findings describe patterns observed in the studies where short-term clearance of the infestation was tracked by researchers, often over periods of two to four weeks. Comparisons in research were explored against other medications used for scabies.


Evidence for use in Pediculosis (Lice Infestation)

Research involving this preparation, in the context of lice infestations (pediculosis), was evaluated in controlled studies and comparative trials. The main study outcomes examined centered on Lice and Nit Eradication; this is defined as the physical removal or absence of live organisms and their eggs after treatment. Studies also tracked outcomes related to ovicidal activity, defined as the measured outcome on louse eggs.

Data show patterns related to the requirement for a second application was observed in some studies, which was associated with differences in the final measured clearance. Research explored comparisons to other treatments; in those instances, variability in findings was described.


What is Still Uncertain About the Research for Nolais

A major area of uncertainty identified in scientific literature relates to the variability of measured outcomes, particularly for pediculosis, across different geographical regions. Research describes that this variability may be linked to mites and lice developing resistance to this class of medication over time. This resistance is an area where research is ongoing.

Certainty remains low in some studies due to the challenge of differentiating post-treatment irritation from genuine treatment failure. Because the itching can persist after the organisms are cleared, researchers have noted that this makes it difficult to definitively assess the clearance status based on symptom relief alone. Evidence quality varies across studies, and the interpretation of findings is limited by inconsistent methodologies.

Key Studies & References Permethrin Topical Drug Information (NIH MedlinePlus)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Common questions about Nolais (FAQ)

Q: How quickly does Nolais typically start working?

The active ingredient in Nolais acts on the nervous system of the parasites, which leads to their paralysis. Official product information states that the cream is required to remain on the skin for the specific contact time (typically 8 to 14 hours) as part of the treatment protocol.

Q: What is the typical experience of someone starting Nolais for the first time?

The treatment involves a topical application of the cream to the affected areas for a specified period (e.g., 8–14 hours). Common, transient effects after application reported in studies include mild burning, stinging, or temporary exacerbation of the initial itching and redness.

Q: How long does Nolais stay in my system after the last dose?

The minimal amount of the cream absorbed systemically is rapidly metabolized and excreted. Regulatory documents indicate that very low levels of inactive metabolites have been detected in the urine of some individuals up to 28 days after treatment.

Q: Is Nolais safe for women who might become pregnant?

Official documents state that the drug should be used during pregnancy only if clearly needed. Patients who are pregnant or planning to conceive should consult with a healthcare provider regarding the use of this cream.

Q: How does the effectiveness of Nolais change over a long period?

The product is generally used for acute infestations, often requiring one or two applications spaced 7–14 days apart. Studies note that resistance in the target organisms may be a concern that could require re-evaluation of treatment by a healthcare professional.

Q: Are there any common reasons why Nolais might be stopped by a doctor?

Official warnings state that discontinuation of the cream is necessary if a known hypersensitivity (allergic reaction) to the active ingredient, any of its excipients, or related synthetic pyrethroids occurs.

Q: How is Nolais excreted from the body?

The minimal amount absorbed systemically is rapidly metabolized by ester hydrolysis to inactive compounds which are primarily excreted via the urine.

Q: Does Nolais have different effects in children versus adults?

The active ingredient's safety and effectiveness are established for use in children 2 months of age and older. However, special precautions are required for application in younger children (under 2 years), and safety and effectiveness in infants less than 2 months of age have not been established.

Q: How long does the primary effect of Nolais last?

The ovicidal (egg-killing) and parasiticidal action takes place while the cream is in contact with the skin, which is the required 8 to 14 hours. Studies and official information indicate that post-treatment symptoms, such as itching, may persist for up to 4 weeks and this is often part of the natural resolution of the underlying condition.

Q: Is it normal for the itching to get worse after applying Nolais?

Official product information indicates that treatment may temporarily exacerbate existing symptoms of the underlying condition, such as redness, edema (swelling), and pruritus (itching). This temporary worsening is recognized as part of the typical experience soon after application.

Q: What are the long-term safety concerns that have been studied for Nolais?

Studies have examined the long-term potential of the active ingredient. Evidence showed no evidence of genotoxic or carcinogenic potential in rats, but some benign tumor increases were observed in mice at high oral doses.

Q: Is Nolais a controlled substance?

No, the active ingredient in this medication is not classified as a controlled substance by the US DEA or similar regulatory bodies.

Q: Is there a generic version of Nolais available?

Studies and regulatory reviews indicate that therapeutically equivalent generic versions of the cream are available.

Q: What are the ingredients in Nolais besides the active one?

Official labeling lists inactive ingredients (excipients) in the cream base. These can include compounds such as Carbomer, Glycerin, Isopropyl Myristate, Mineral Oil, and in some formulations, formaldehyde as a preservative.

Q: What are the signs of a serious interaction with Nolais?

The risk of systemic drug-drug interactions is low due to minimal absorption. However, signs of a serious allergic reaction (hypersensitivity) are listed, including hives, difficulty breathing, or swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat. If these signs are observed, patients should seek immediate medical attention, as these reactions are grounds for discontinuing the medication.

Q: Does Nolais affect my ability to drive or operate machinery?

According to the Summary of Product Characteristics (SmPC) from regulatory bodies, there are no known or documented effects on the ability to drive or operate machinery.

Q: Where can I find the official patient information leaflet for Nolais?

The official Patient Information Leaflet (PIL) or Instructions for Use are contained within the full product labeling. These documents are available from the dispensing pharmacist or on regulatory body websites.

How should Nolais be stored and disposed of?

The storage and disposal of Nolais (Permethrin Dermal Cream) are defined by official regulatory requirements to ensure product quality and environmental safety.

Storage Requirements

Storage Component Official Requirement
Temperature Store at Controlled Room Temperature, typically 20 C to 25 C (68 F to 77 F).
Handling The product must not be frozen and must be kept away from excess heat and moisture.
Container Keep in the original container, tightly closed, and out of the sight and reach of children.

Disposal Instructions

Any unused medicinal product or waste material must be disposed of in accordance with local regulations. Due to the compound's toxicity, the product must not be released to the environment, drains, or wastewater. Unused cream should be handled through designated medication take-back programs or local waste disposal procedures.

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

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