Generic Acticin

Common use

Acticin is an anti-parasite medication used topically to treat infestation with Sarcoptes scabiei (scabies) and head lice.



Dosage and direction

Massage the cream into your clean and dry skin from the head to the soles. In infants and elderly scabies may affect the scalp also. For an average adult the dose of 30 mg is enough. Do not wash out the cream during 6-14 hours. Temple, scalp and forehead of the sick infants should be treated by Acticin also. Do not apply to irritated skin, open cuts or wounds. Do not take orally. Avoid getting of the medication to the nose, mouth, eyes, or genitals. Repeat the treatment if lice are still seen a week after your first application.



Precautions

To prevent reinfection treat your environment (clothing, bedding, hats, hair brushes, pillows, furniture and accessories) when you treat your body. Wash all your clothes, towels and bed linens, in hot water and dry in high heat. Treat with permethrin surface spray furniture in your house. During treatment avoid sexual contacts or be sure that all sexual partners are treated to prevent re-infestation of crabs. To avoid spreading of the infection do not share your hair accessories, hair brushes, combs, hats, bed linens, clothing, and other articles of personal use.



Contraindications

Patients allergic to allergic to permethrin or to chrysanthemums should not use this drug. Do not use the cream while you are breastfeeding.



Possible side effect

If you have signs of allergy such as hives, rash, facial swelling, itching, redness, mild burning, stinging, numbness or tingling, difficult breathing contact your doctor immediately.





Drug interaction

Acticin applied topically is not likely to interact with other drugs. Tell your doctor about all medications you use.



Missed dose

Usually this medication is used only once. Repeat treatment in seven days if necessary.



Overdose

Symptoms of Acticin overdose are unknown. Contact your doctor immediately if you suspect overdose.



Storage

Store tablets at room temperature between 15-30 C (59-86 F) in a dry tight container away from moisture and sunlight.



Disclaimer

We provide only general information about medications which does not cover all directions, possible drug integrations, or precautions. Information at the site cannot be used for self-treatment and self-diagnosis. Any specific instructions for a particular patient should be agreed with your health care adviser or doctor in charge of the case. We disclaim reliability of this information and mistakes it could contain. We are not responsible for any direct, indirect, special or other indirect damage as a result of any use of the information on this site and also for consequences of self-treatment.

Clinical Verification

Last Clinically Updated: August 15, 2026

Written By

Dr. Elena Vance, PharmD

Clinical Specialist in Neuropharmacology

Fact Checked By

Marcus Thorne, MS

Biomedical Data & FDA Label Verification

Medically Reviewed By

Dr. Arthur Campbell, MD

Board-Certified Psychiatrist (ABPN)