Lidocaine/prilocaine Cream 30gm
Overview
What is this medicine?
How to Use This Medicine
To use this medication correctly, follow your doctor's instructions and read all accompanying information carefully. It is essential to use this medication as directed.
Application Instructions
This medication is for topical use only, meaning it should be applied directly to the affected area of your skin. Avoid ingesting this medication or applying it to your mouth, nose, or eyes, as it may cause burning. If accidental contact occurs, rinse the affected area thoroughly with water.
Before applying the medication, ensure the affected area is clean and dry. To apply, wear a rubber glove and put a thick layer of the medication on the area to be treated. Do not rub the medication into your skin. Your doctor may recommend covering the treated area with a bandage or dressing; be sure to discuss this with them.
Storage and Disposal
Store this medication at room temperature, avoiding freezing temperatures.
Missed Dose
If you miss a dose, contact your doctor to determine the best course of action.
Lifestyle & Tips
- Apply only to intact skin as directed by your healthcare provider.
- Do not apply to open wounds, broken skin, or mucous membranes (except as specifically directed for genital use).
- Wash your hands thoroughly after applying the cream.
- Avoid contact with eyes. If contact occurs, rinse immediately with water.
- Do not apply heat or occlusive dressings for longer than recommended, as this can increase absorption and risk of side effects.
- Do not scratch or injure the numbed area, as you may not feel pain.
Available Forms & Alternatives
Available Strengths:
Dosing & Administration
Adult Dosing
Condition-Specific Dosing:
Pediatric Dosing
Dose Adjustments
Renal Impairment:
Hepatic Impairment:
Pharmacology
Mechanism of Action
Pharmacokinetics
Absorption:
Distribution:
Elimination:
Pharmacodynamics
Safety & Warnings
Side Effects
Although rare, some people may experience severe and potentially life-threatening side effects while taking this medication. If you notice any of the following symptoms, contact your doctor or seek immediate medical attention:
Signs of an allergic reaction, such as:
+ Rash
+ Hives
+ Itching
+ Red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin with or without fever
+ Wheezing
+ Tightness in the chest or throat
+ Trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking
+ Unusual hoarseness
+ Swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat
Signs of methemoglobinemia, a rare but potentially deadly condition, including:
+ Blue or gray discoloration of the lips, nails, or skin
+ Abnormal heartbeat
+ Seizures
+ Severe dizziness or fainting
+ Severe headache
+ Excessive sleepiness
+ Feeling tired or weak
+ Shortness of breath
Slow heartbeat
Dizziness or fainting
Feeling lightheaded, sleepy, confused, or experiencing blurred vision
Feeling anxious, nervous, excitable, shaky, or restless
Seizures or twitching
Changes in balance or coordination
Changes in speech
Ringing in the ears (tinnitus)
Depression
Breathing difficulties, slow breathing, or shallow breathing
Numbness or tingling in the mouth
Changes in temperature sensation (feeling hot or cold)
Vomiting
Other Possible Side Effects
Like all medications, this drug can cause side effects. While many people may not experience any side effects or only minor ones, it's essential to discuss any concerns with your doctor. If you experience any of the following side effects or any other unusual symptoms that bother you or persist, contact your doctor:
Local irritation at the application site, such as burning, redness, swelling, or other skin reactions
* Pale skin
Reporting Side Effects
This list is not exhaustive, and you may experience other side effects not mentioned here. If you have questions or concerns about side effects, consult your doctor. You can also report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-332-1088 or online at https://www.fda.gov/medwatch.
Seek Immediate Medical Attention If You Experience:
- Dizziness or lightheadedness
- Confusion or drowsiness
- Tremors or twitching
- Seizures
- Ringing in the ears (tinnitus)
- Unusual tiredness or weakness
- Pale, gray, or bluish skin (especially lips, nail beds)
- Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
- Fast or slow heart rate
- Low blood pressure
Before Using This Medicine
It is essential to inform your doctor about the following:
Any allergies you have, including allergies to this medication, its components, or other substances, such as foods or drugs. Be sure to describe the allergic reaction you experienced, including any symptoms that occurred.
If you have been diagnosed with methemoglobinemia, a condition characterized by an abnormal amount of methemoglobin in the blood.
* If you are using this medication in your ear and have a ruptured eardrum. Do not use this medication in your ear if you have a ruptured eardrum, as it may exacerbate the condition.
This list is not exhaustive, and it is crucial to discuss all your medications, including prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) drugs, natural products, and vitamins, with your doctor and pharmacist. Additionally, inform them about any existing health problems. Your healthcare team will help you determine whether it is safe to take this medication with your other medications and health conditions.
Remember, do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medication without first consulting your doctor to ensure your safety and the effectiveness of your treatment.
Precautions & Cautions
If this medication is accidentally swallowed, seek immediate medical attention by calling a doctor or a poison control center.
There is a risk of a severe blood disorder called methemoglobinemia associated with this type of medication. This risk may be increased in individuals with glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency, pre-existing heart or lung problems, or when taking certain other medications. Additionally, infants under 6 months of age may also be at a higher risk. If you have a history of methemoglobinemia, notify your doctor.
To ensure safe use, avoid applying this medication to open wounds, cuts, or irritated skin. When applying it to a large skin area or near open wounds, exercise caution and consult your doctor.
Use this medication only for the duration prescribed by your doctor. Avoid scratching or rubbing the skin while it is numb, and protect it from extreme temperatures.
If you are 65 years or older, use this medication with caution, as you may be more susceptible to side effects.
When using this medication in children, exercise caution, as they may have a higher risk of experiencing certain side effects.
If you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding, inform your doctor to discuss the potential benefits and risks to both you and your baby.
Overdose Information
Overdose Symptoms:
- Severe dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting
- Confusion, disorientation, or unusual drowsiness
- Tremors, muscle twitching, or seizures
- Slow or irregular heartbeat
- Low blood pressure
- Difficulty breathing or respiratory arrest
- Bluish discoloration of skin, lips, or nails (methemoglobinemia)
What to Do:
Immediately remove the cream from the skin. Seek emergency medical attention. Call 911 or your local poison control center (1-800-222-1222 in the US).
Drug Interactions
Major Interactions
- Drugs known to induce methemoglobinemia (e.g., sulfonamides, antimalarials, nitrites, dapsone, phenobarbital, phenytoin, nitroprusside, nitroglycerin) - increased risk of methemoglobinemia.
- Class I antiarrhythmics (e.g., tocainide, mexiletine) - additive cardiac effects, increased risk of toxicity.
Moderate Interactions
- Other local anesthetics - additive systemic toxicity.
- Phenytoin, Phenobarbital - may increase lidocaine metabolism.
- Cimetidine, Beta-blockers (e.g., propranolol) - may decrease lidocaine clearance, increasing systemic levels.
- Antiarrhythmics (e.g., amiodarone) - increased risk of cardiac effects.
Monitoring
Baseline Monitoring
Rationale: To identify contraindications, risk factors for systemic toxicity or methemoglobinemia.
Timing: Before application
Routine Monitoring
Frequency: During and immediately after application, especially with large areas, prolonged use, or impaired skin barrier.
Target: N/A
Action Threshold: Any signs of toxicity warrant immediate removal of cream and medical evaluation.
Frequency: During and after application, especially in high-risk patients (infants, G6PD deficiency, concurrent methemoglobin-inducing drugs).
Target: N/A
Action Threshold: Any signs of methemoglobinemia warrant immediate medical evaluation and treatment.
Frequency: During and after application.
Target: N/A
Action Threshold: Severe or persistent reactions may require discontinuation.
Symptom Monitoring
- Dizziness
- Lightheadedness
- Confusion
- Tremors
- Seizures
- Ringing in ears (tinnitus)
- Unusual tiredness or weakness
- Pale or bluish skin (especially lips, nail beds)
- Shortness of breath
- Fast or slow heart rate
- Low blood pressure
Special Patient Groups
Pregnancy
Category B. Generally considered safe for topical use during pregnancy when used as directed, as systemic absorption is low. Animal studies have not shown harm to the fetus.
Trimester-Specific Risks:
Lactation
L2 (Lidocaine and Prilocaine). Considered safe. Both lidocaine and prilocaine are excreted into breast milk in very small amounts, which are unlikely to cause adverse effects in a breastfed infant when used topically as directed.
Pediatric Use
Increased risk of methemoglobinemia, especially in infants <3 months of age or those with G6PD deficiency. Strict adherence to age- and weight-based dosing limits and application areas is crucial. Not recommended for premature infants. Monitor closely for signs of systemic toxicity and methemoglobinemia.
Geriatric Use
No specific dose adjustments are typically needed. However, use with caution in frail elderly patients or those with significant hepatic, renal, or cardiac impairment, as they may be more susceptible to systemic adverse effects if significant absorption occurs. Monitor for signs of toxicity.
Clinical Information
Clinical Pearls
- Always apply with an occlusive dressing (e.g., Tegaderm, plastic wrap) for optimal anesthetic effect and to prevent accidental removal.
- The onset of action is slower than injectable local anesthetics; allow adequate time (at least 60 minutes for intact skin) for full effect.
- The risk of methemoglobinemia is higher in infants, patients with G6PD deficiency, or those concurrently taking other methemoglobin-inducing drugs. Be vigilant for signs of cyanosis.
- Do not apply to mucous membranes (except specifically indicated for genital use) or broken/damaged skin for prolonged periods, as this significantly increases systemic absorption and risk of toxicity.
- Ensure complete removal of the cream before the procedure to prevent interference with surgical fields or equipment.
- Educate patients not to scratch, rub, or injure the numbed area, as they may not feel pain and could cause tissue damage.
- Store at room temperature and keep out of reach of children.
Alternative Therapies
- Cryoanesthesia (ice packs)
- Distraction techniques (especially for pediatric patients)
- Inhaled nitrous oxide (for procedural sedation)
- Injectable local anesthetics (e.g., lidocaine, bupivacaine)
- Non-pharmacological pain management strategies