Lidocaine/prilocaine (On the skin)

Introduction

Lidocaine (LYE-doe-kane), Prilocaine (PRIL-oh-kane)

Relieves pain. This medicine is also used before a medical procedure to numb your skin. This medicine is a topical anesthetic.

Brand Name(s)

Emla, EMLA

There may be other brand names for this medicine.

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used

You should not use this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to lidocaine, prilocaine, dibucaine, or any other topical anesthetic.

How to Use This Medicine

Cream, Thin Sheet

• Your doctor will tell you how much of this medicine to use and how often. Do not use more medicine or use it more often than your doctor tells you to.
• This medicine comes with patient instructions. Read and follow these instructions carefully. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.
• Wash your hands with soap and water before and after using this medicine.
• Apply a thick layer of the cream to your skin and cover with the special dressing that comes with the medicine. If this medicine is being used on a baby or child, you should place another dressing on top of the first one to help prevent your child from moving the medicine, or getting it on other body areas.
• Remove the disc patch from its pouch and apply it to your skin over the affected area.

If a dose is missed:

• If you miss a dose or forget to use your medicine, apply it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then to apply the medicine and skip the missed dose. Do not apply extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine

• Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.
• Ask your pharmacist, doctor, or health caregiver about the best way to dispose of the used medicine container and any leftover medicine after you have finished your treatment. You will also need to throw away old medicine after the expiration date has passed.
• Fold the used patch in half with the sticky sides together. Throw any used patch away so that children or pets cannot get to it. You will also need to throw away old patches after the expiration date has passed.
• Keep all medicine away from children and never share your medicine with anyone.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• Make sure your doctor knows if you are also using acetaminophen, acetanilid, aniline dyes, benzocaine, chloroquine, dapsone, or naphthalene. Tell your doctor if you use nitrofurantoin, nitroglycerin, nitroprusside, pamaquine, para-aminosalicylic acid, phenacetin, phenobarbital, phenytoin, primaquine, quinine, or a sulfonamide.
• Tell your doctor if you are also using a medicine to treat abnormal heart rhythm such as flecainide (Tambocor®), mexiletine (Mexitil®), propafenone (Rythmol®), quinidine (Cardioquin®, Quinaglute®, Quinidex®), or tocainide (Tonocard®).

Warnings While Using This Medicine

• Make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or breast feeding, have a history of liver disease, or if you have a blood-iron disorder called methemoglobinemia.
• Do not use this medicine on a baby under 12 months old unless your child's doctor tells you to. If your baby is under 3 months old, your baby's blood should be monitored before, during, and after using this medicine.
• This medicine is for use on the skin only. Do not get it in your eyes, ears, or mouth. Do not use on skin areas that have cuts or scrapes. If it does get on these areas, rinse it off right away.
• Do not use this medicine for a skin problem that has not been checked by your doctor.
• This medicine will numb your skin so you should be careful that you do not injure the treated area. Avoid scratching or rubbing your skin, and extreme hot or cold temperatures until your skin is back to normal.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing.
• Confusion, dizziness, sleepiness, or light-headedness.
• Loss of color in your face or lips.
• Skin turns a blue color around your mouth, fingers, or toes.
• Tremor or seizure.

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Mild burning, itching, or rash.
• Pale or red skin and swelling in areas where the medicine was applied.