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 not understand. 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 other drugs, foods or substances. Tell your doctor or pharmacist about the allergy and what symptoms 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 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 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 and away 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 take them. Do not flush this medication down the toilet. Use a medicine take-back program. Talk to your pharmacist about take-back programs in your community. Visit the FDA's Safe Disposal of Medicines website ( https://goo.gl/c4Rm4p ) for more information.
What other information should I know?
Keep all appointments with your doctor.
It is important for you to keep a written list of all of the prescription and nonprescription (over-the-counter) medicines you are taking, as well as any products such as vitamins, minerals, or other dietary supplements. You should bring this list with you each time you visit a doctor or if you are admitted to a hospital. It is also important information to carry with you in case of emergencies.