What is Lidocaine and topical prilocaine?
Local anaesthetics are local nesthetics. They block nerve signals within your body.Lidocaine and topical prilocaine (for the skin) are combination medications used to numb the skin or the surfaces of the vagina or penis. Lidocaine and prilocaine are used as preparations for minor surgeries and medical procedures.Lidocaine or prilocaine topical can be used in other ways not mentioned in this guide.
Side effects of Lidocaine and topical prilocaine
If you experience any of the following symptoms of an allergic reaction, seek immediate medical attention: hives, difficulty breathing, swelling of your lips, face, tongue, or throat.
Lidocaine or prilocaine can cause serious side effects. If you experience:
- The medicine may cause severe irritation, burning, or stinging where it is applied.
- Swelling or redness
- After taking medicine, you may experience sudden dizziness or drowsiness.
- You may experience confusion, blurred sight, or ringing in the ears.
- The skin may appear bruising, purple, or swollen.
- Unusual sensations of heat
Side effects of lidocaine or prilocaine topical include:
- Mild burning occurs where the medicine has been applied.
- Itching or rash
- Changes in the skin colour at the site of application
There may be other side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. To report adverse effects, you can contact the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Warnings
If you take too much numbing medication, it can have fatal side effects.Use only the minimum amount of lidocaine or prilocaine on numb skin. Do not use excessive amounts of lidocaine or prilocaine topical or wrap treated skin with plastic or bandages without consulting a doctor.
Before you take this drug
If you have an allergy to any numbing medication, do not use lidocaine or prilocaine.Overdoses can be fatal when numbing medicine is used without a doctor's advice (e.g., during cosmetic procedures like laser hair removal). Overdoses have also happened in women who were given numbing medicines before undergoing a mammogram.Be aware that cosmetic procedures can be performed without the presence of a doctor.
Tell your doctor about any of the following to ensure that lidocaine or prilocaine is safe for you:
- A blood cell disorder known as methemoglobinemia
- Liver disease
- A genetic enzyme deficiency called glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency;
- A family history of methemoglobinemia or any genetic deficiency in enzymes
FDA pregnancy class B Lidocaine or prilocaine topical should not harm an unborn child. You should tell your doctor if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant while receiving treatment.Lidocaine and prlocaine may pass through breast milk, causing harm to a nursing infant. You should tell your doctor if a child is breastfed.
How to take Lidocaine and topical prilocaine?
Do not exceed the dosage recommended on your prescription. Use only the recommended amount of lidocaine or prilocaine.Apply lidocaine or prilocaine topically up to four hours before surgery or your procedure. You will receive instructions on how much medication to use and for how long you should leave it on your skin. Please follow the instructions carefully. If you have questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.Do not use more than is necessary to numb the skin. You may absorb too much of the medicine if it's applied to large areas of skin or if bandages or plastic wraps are used on the treated area. Cut or irritated skin may absorb more topical medications than healthy skin.It may be necessary to cover the area to keep the medication in place. Cover the treated skin only if your doctor says so.Follow the instructions carefully when applying this medication to a child. Lidocaine or prilocaine topical dosages for children are calculated based on their weight. This medicine should not be used by a child without adult supervision.Store away from moisture or heat at room temperature. Keep the cream away from moisture and heat.
What happens if I miss the dose?
If you forgot to apply the lidocaine or prilocaine topical as directed before surgery or a medical procedure, call your doctor.
What happens if I overdose?
Call 1-800-222-1222 for poison help or seek immediate medical attention.Overdosing on numbing medication can have fatal side effects. Too much medicine is absorbed into the bloodstream through your skin. The symptoms may include irregular heartbeats (convulsions), slow breathing, a coma, or respiratory failure.If you use more than the recommended dosage, it is unlikely that you will experience an overdose.
What should be avoided?
Avoid letting lidocaine or prilocaine topical come into contact with your eye. If this happens, rinse your eyes with water.Do not swallow. Lidocaine and prlocaine topical are only to be used on the skin.Avoid injuring the treated areas of skin while they are still numb. Avoid contact with surfaces that are very hot or cold.
Interaction with other drug
Tell your doctor if you stop or start using any medicines during treatment with lidocaine topical and prilocaine, particularly:
- Chloroquine, dapsone, nitrofurantoin, isosorbide dinitrate, nitroglycerin, nitroprusside, quinine;
- Heart rhythm medicaton—amiodarone, dofetilide, dronedarone, mexiletine, sotalol, tocainide, and others;
- Seizure medicine: phenobarbital, phenytoin, primaquine,
- Sulfa-containing drug, such as bactrim septra smxtmp or sztmp.
This list is incomplete. Lidocaine and prilocaine may interact with other drugs, such as prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. This medication guide does not list all possible interactions.
