Permethrin induces electrochemical abnormalities across the membranes of excitable cells, leading to sensory hyperexcitability, in coordination and prostration. Permethrin is rapidly metabolized in mammals by ester hydrolysis to inactive metabolites which are excreted primarily in the urine. The principal metabolites of Permethrin are detectable in the urine within hours of a whole body application of the cream to healthy volunteers or scabies patients. The highest levels of excretion are detectable within the first 48 hours, but very low levels of metabolites are still detectable in the urine of some individuals 28 days after treatment.