Lidocaine and Prilocaine Topical

( lye′ doe kane)(pril′ oh kane)

Brand Name(s): Emla^®¶

WHY is this medicine prescribed?

Lidocaine and prilocaine is used to provide pain relief to an area of skin in adults and children before a procedure or before other medications are given. Lidocaine and prilocaine is in a class of medications called local anesthetics. It works by blocking pain signals to the brain by numbing an area of skin.

Are there OTHER USES for this medicine?

This medication may be prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

HOW should this medicine be used?

Lidocaine and prilocaine comes as a cream to apply to the skin, usually before a procedure. It is usually applied by a healthcare provider, but in some cases your doctor may tell you to apply the cream at home before your procedure.

Use lidocaine and prilocaine exactly as directed. Ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do notunderstand. Do not use more or less of it or use it more often than prescribed by your doctor.

Do not apply lidocaine and prilocaine on open wounds, in the middle ear, or near the eye.

To use lidocaine and prilocaine cream, follow these steps:

1. Measure the amount of cream as instructed by your doctor.
2. Apply the cream to the area. Do not spread the cream, but leave as a thick strip.
3. If your doctor instructs you to do so, cover the area where the cream was applied with a protective covering.
4. Wash your hands carefully.

Ask your pharmacist or doctor for a copy of the manufacturer's information for the patient.

What SPECIAL PRECAUTIONS should I follow?

Before receiving lidocaine and prilocaine,

• tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to this drug, any part of this drug, or any otherdrugs, foods or substances. Tell your doctor or pharmacist about the allergy and whatsymptoms you had.

• tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking or plan to take when receiving lidocaine and prilocaine. Your doctor may need to change the doses of your medications or monitor you carefully for side effects.

• tell your doctor if you have or have ever had glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G-6PD) deficiency (an inherited blood disorder), methemoglobinemia (a condition with defective red blood cells that are unable to carry oxygen to the tissues in the body), or heart, lung, or liver disease.

• tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding.

• do not have any vaccinations without telling your doctor or pharmacist where and when you received lidocaine and prilocaine.

• you should know that the area where lidocaine and prilocaine was applied will block feeling in that area of skin. Therefore, do not scratch, rub, or expose the area to extreme hot or cold temperatures until feeling in the skin has completely returned.

What SPECIAL DIETARY instructions should I follow?

Unless your doctor tells you otherwise, continue your normal diet.

What SIDE EFFECTS can this medicine cause?

Lidocaine and prilocaine may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:

• redness or swelling near the area where applied

Some side effects can be serious. If you experience any of these symptoms, call your doctor immediately or get emergency medical treatment:

• hives, swelling of the lips, tongue, face, or throat; difficulty breathing; dizziness, fainting
• pale, gray, or blue colored skin; headache;rapid heart rate; shortness of breath; lightheadedness; or fatigue

Lidocaine and prilocaine may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while taking this medication.

If you experience a serious side effect, you or your doctor may send a report to the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program online (https://www.fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch) or by phone (1-800-332-1088).

What should I know about STORAGE and DISPOSAL of this medication?

Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom).

Keep all medication out of sight and reach of children as many containers are not child resistant.Always lock safety caps. Place the medication in a safe location – one that is up andaway and out of their sight and reach. https://www.upandaway.org

Dispose of unneeded medications in a way so that pets, children, and other people cannot takethem. Do not flush this medication down the toilet. Use a medicine take-back program. Talk toyour pharmacist about take-back programs in your community. Visit the FDA's Safe Disposal ofMedicines website (https://goo.gl/c4Rm4p) for more information.

What should I do in case of OVERDOSE?

If someone swallows or applies too much lidocaine and prilocaine, call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. If the victim has collapsed or is not breathing, call local emergency services at 911.

Symptoms of overdose may include:

• changes in heartbeat and decreased blood pressure

What OTHER INFORMATION should I know?

Keep all appointments with your doctor.

Keep a written list of all of the prescription and nonprescription (over-the-counter) medicines, vitamins, minerals, and dietary supplements you are taking. Bring this list with you each time you visit a doctor or if you are admitted to the hospital. You should carry the list with you in case of emergencies.

^¶ This branded product is no longer on the market. Generic alternatives may be available.

This report on medications is for your information only, and is not considered individual patient advice. Because of the changing nature of drug information, please consult your physician or pharmacist about specific clinical use.

The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc. represents that the information provided hereunder was formulated with a reasonable standard of care, and in conformity with professional standards in the field. The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc. makes no representations or warranties, express or implied, including, but not limited to, any implied warranty of merchantability and/or fitness for a particular purpose, with respect to such information and specifically disclaims all such warranties. Users are advised that decisions regarding drug therapy are complex medical decisions requiring the independent, informed decision of an appropriate health care professional, and the information is provided for informational purposes only. The entire monograph for a drug should be reviewed for a thorough understanding of the drug's actions, uses and side effects. The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc. does not endorse or recommend the use of any drug. The information is not a substitute for medical care.

AHFS^® Patient Medication Information™. © Copyright, 2025. The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists^®, 4500 East-West Highway, Suite 900, Bethesda, Maryland. All Rights Reserved. Duplication for commercial use must be authorized by ASHP.

Selected Revisions: June 15, 2025.