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Permethrin Toxicity Treatment

Permethrin is a type of pyrethroid. Pyrethroids are man-made chemicals that are used for various purposes that include insecticide and pesticide treatments. Pyrethroids are similar in composition to the naturally occurring pesticide pyrethrum, which is found in chrysanthemums. However, pyrethroids are strongly formulated in their composition to provide effective treatments in humans and pets. When permethrin is used according to directions, the use of the product is safe. Overusing permethrin is what leads to toxicity.

  1. Human Skin Decontamination

    • Wash your skin immediately.

      If you begin to experience burning and redness on your skin, you should remove your clothing. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, you need to thoroughly rinse your skin with soap and water. Ensure that the water is lukewarm and not cold. If the water is too cold, you increase your risks of developing hypothermia. This can increase your chances of allowing the permethrin to absorb deeper into your skin. Seek medical treatment after the cleansing of your skin.

    Human Eye Contamination

    • Flush your eyes out with water.

      If you get permethrin in your eyes, flush your eyes out with water. Remove your contacts if you wear any. You need to flush your eyes out for 15 minutes. You can also use an eye saline solution to help flush out the permethrin. If these methods don't work and you continue to suffer from redness and irritation of your eyes, seek immediate ophthalmological care.

    Pet Skin Treatments

    • Wash your pet if overexposure occurs.

      If you notice that your cat or dog is suffering from permethrin toxicity (drooling, seizures, muscle tremors and vomiting), wash your pet immediately. According to Pet Place, use a mild soap detergent to cleanse your pet's skin. Once again, the bathwater should be lukewarm. Once you have cleansed your pet, take him to your veterinarian for further treatments.

    Pet Medication Treatments

    • Your pet will need additional support.

      Your pet may need medication to help control the side effects of permethrin toxicity. Outside of requiring possible IV fluids and hospitalization, your pet may need to take diazepam and methocarbamol. Diazepam is a sedative that can help control seizures experienced by your pet. Methacarbamol can help relax muscle tremors because this drug is a muscle relaxant.

    Accidental Ingestion

    • If you accidentally ingest permethrin, rinse your mouth out with water. Don't induce vomiting. Immediately seek the care of your physician to undergo gastric lavage (stomach pumping) and have activated charcoal administered. If your pet ingests permethrin, induce vomiting and rinse your pet's mouth out with water. Seek the assistance of your veterinarian who will further induce vomiting and administer activated charcoal to your pet.

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