What is lidocaine and prilocaine topical?
Lidocaine and prilocaine topical is a local anesthetic (numbing medication). It works by
blocking nerve signals in your body.
Lidocaine and prilocaine topical is used to numb the skin, or surfaces of the penis or vagina, in
preparation for a medical procedure or to lessen the pain of inserting a medical instrument such as a
tube or speculum.
Lidocaine and prilocaine topical may also be used for other purposes not listed in this
medication guide.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking lidocaine and prilocaine topical?
An overdose of numbing medications can cause fatal side effects if too
much of the medicine is absorbed through your skin and into your blood.
Overdose is more likely to occur when using a numbing medicine without the advice of a
medical doctor (such as during a cosmetic procedure like laser hair removal). However, overdose has
also occurred in women treated with a numbing medicine before having a mammography. Symptoms
may include uneven heartbeats, seizure (convulsions), coma, slowed breathing, or respiratory failure
(breathing stops).
Do not use lidocaine and prilocaine topical if you have a blood cell disorder called
methemoglobinemia.
Before lidocaine and prilocaine topical is applied, tell your doctor if you have:
-
liver disease;
-
a history of allergic reaction to lidocaine or prilocaine; or
-
a personal or family history of methemoglobinemia, or any
genetic enzyme deficiency.
If you have any of these conditions, you may need a dose adjustment or
special tests to safely use lidocaine and prilocaine topical.
FDA pregnancy category B. This medication is not expected to be harmful to an unborn
baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment.
Lidocaine and prilocaine topical can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby.
Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
How should I take lidocaine and prilocaine topical?
Use this medication exactly as directed on the label, or as it has been prescribed by your
doctor. Do not use the medication in larger amounts, or use it for longer than recommended.
Your body may absorb more of this medication if you use too much, if you apply it over
large skin areas, or if you apply heat, bandages, or plastic wrap to treated skin areas. Skin that is cut
or irritated may also absorb more topical medication than healthy skin.
Use the smallest amount of medicine needed to numb the skin or relieve pain.
Do not
use large amounts of lidocaine and prilocaine topical, or cover treated skin areas with a
bandage or plastic wrap without medical advice.
Be aware that many cosmetic
procedures are performed without a medical doctor present.
This medication comes with instructions for safe and effective application. Follow these
directions carefully. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.
You should be lying down when lidocaine and prilocaine topical cream is applied.
Your medicine may have been supplied with bandages to cover the cream when it is applied to
a small area on your skin. If using a bandage dressing, first apply a thick layer of the cream to the skin,
taking care not to spread the cream out. Place the bandage over the cream and smooth down the
edges until it is completely sealed around the cream.
Lidocaine and prilocaine topical is usually applied 1 to 2 hours before the start of a procedure
that requires the treated area to be numb. Follow your doctor's instructions about the length of time the
cream should be left on the skin.
Store lidocaine and prilocaine topical at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
Do not allow the cream to freeze.
What happens if I miss a dose of lidocaine and prilocaine topical?
Since lidocaine and prilocaine topical is used as needed, it is not likely that you will be on a
dosing schedule.
Where can I get more information about lidocaine and prilocaine topical?
Your pharmacist has information about lidocaine and prilocaine topical written for health professionals that you may read.
What are the possible side effects of lidocaine and prilocaine topical?
Get emergency medical help if you have any of these
signs of an allergic
reaction:
hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Stop using lidocaine and prilocaine topical and call your doctor at once if you have any of
these serious side effects:
-
severe burning, stinging, or sensitivity where the medicine is
applied;
-
swelling or redness;
-
sudden dizziness or sleepiness after medicine is applied;
-
bruising or purple appearance of the skin; or
-
unusual sensations of temperature.
Less serious side effects may include:
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your
doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at
1-800-FDA-1088. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
What is the most important information I should know about lidocaine and prilocaine topical?
An overdose of numbing medications can cause fatal side effects if too
much of the medicine is absorbed through your skin and into your blood.
This is more
likely to occur when using a numbing medicine without the advice of a medical doctor (such as during a
cosmetic procedure like laser hair removal). However, overdose has also occurred in women treated
with a numbing medicine before having a mammography. Overdose symptoms may include uneven
heartbeats, seizure (convulsions), coma, slowed breathing, or respiratory failure (breathing stops).
Your body may absorb more of this medication if you use too much, if you apply it over
large skin areas, or if you apply heat, bandages, or plastic wrap to treated skin areas. Skin that is cut
or irritated may also absorb more topical medication than healthy skin.
Use the smallest amount of this medication needed to numb the skin or relieve pain.
Do not use large amounts of lidocaine and prilocaine topical, or cover treated skin areas with
a bandage or plastic wrap without medical advice.
Be aware that many cosmetic
procedures are performed without a medical doctor present.
Do not use lidocaine and prilocaine topical if you have had an allergic reaction to a numbing
medicine in the past.
Before lidocaine and prilocaine topical is applied, tell your doctor if you have liver disease, a
history of allergic reaction to lidocaine or prilocaine, or a personal or family history of
methemoglobinemia, or any genetic enzyme deficiency.
Lidocaine and prilocaine topical is for use only on the surface of your body. Avoid getting
this medication in your eyes.
Avoid accidentally injuring treated skin areas while they are numb. Avoid coming into contact
with very hot or very cold surfaces.
What should I avoid while taking lidocaine and prilocaine topical?
Lidocaine and prilocaine topical is for use only on the surface of your body. Avoid getting
this medication in your eyes.
Avoid accidentally injuring treated skin areas while they are numb. Avoid coming into contact
with very hot or very cold surfaces.
What other drugs will affect lidocaine and prilocaine topical?
Before this medication is applied, tell your doctor if you are using any of the following drugs:
-
heart rhythm medication such as tocainide (Tonocard) or
mexiletine (Mexitil);
-
acetaminophen (Tylenol);
-
chloroquine (Aralen);
-
dapsone;
-
nitrates or nitrites such as Imdur, Isordil, Monoket;
-
nitrofurantoin (Furadantin, Macrodantin, Macro-Bid);
-
phenobarbital (Luminal, Solfoton);
-
primaquine;
-
quinine; or
-
a sulfa drug such as Azulfidine, Bactrim, Cotrim, Gantanol,
Gantrisin, or Septra.
This list is not complete and there may be other drugs that can interact with
lidocaine and prilocaine topical. Tell your doctor about all the prescription and over-the-counter
medications you use. This includes vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other
doctors. Do not start using a new medication without telling your doctor.
What happens if I have an overdose of lidocaine and prilocaine topical?
