Health Library

Lidocaine/prilocaine (On the skin)

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

Relieves pain. Also numbs the skin or genital area before certain medical procedures. This medicine is a topical anesthetic.

Brand Name(s):

ACAT SUK Kit, AgonEaze, Cadira Compliant Blood Stat, Ceftri-IM Injection, DermacinRx Cinlone-I CPI, DermacinRx Empricaine, DermacinRx Prizopak, Dolotranz, HepMed IV Pack, IV Infusion CPI, IV Novice Pack, LiProZonePak, Lido BDK, Lido-Prilo Caine Pack, Lidopril

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

How to Use This Medicine:

Cream

• A nurse or other trained health professional will give you this medicine. The medicine is usually applied right before the medical procedure in a hospital or clinic.
• You may be taught how to apply this medicine to yourself or your child at home before the medical procedure.
• Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use. Do not use more than directed. Do not use it for any other condition without first checking with your doctor. This medicine may cause unwanted effects if too much is used, because more of it is absorbed through the skin.
• Do not get this medicine near or into your eyes. If it does get into your eyes, rinse with water or saline solution right away.
• Do not apply this medicine to open wounds, burns, broken, or inflamed skin, or to a large area of skin unless directed by your doctor.
• Wash your hands with soap and water before and after you use this medicine.
• Apply a thick layer of medicine to the area where numbness is needed. Do not spread the medicine on the skin.
• Cover the medicine with a special bandage called an occlusive dressing. This will keep the medicine in place. Your doctor will give you the bandage or tell you what to use.
• Seal the edges of the bandage to keep the medicine from leaking. Do not lift the bandage or disturb it. Keeping the medicine tightly covered helps it work properly.
• For babies or young children, a second covering may be used to prevent them from touching the medicine.
• Carefully watch your baby or child while the medicine is in place. Do not let them loosen or remove the bandage, touch the medicine, or put it in the mouth, eyes, nose, or ears.
• Keep the bandage in place until you or your child arrive at the hospital or clinic.
• Your doctor will remove the bandage and wipe the medicine off the skin before the medical procedure.
• Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.
• Ask your pharmacist or doctor how to dispose of the medicine container and any leftover or expired medicine.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

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

• Some medicines can affect how lidocaine/prilocaine works. Tell your doctor if you are using any of the following:
  • Acetaminophen, chloroquine, metoclopramide, mexiletine, primaquine, quinine, sulfasalazine, tocainide
  • Cancer medicine (including cyclophosphamide, flutamide, hydroxyurea, ifosfamide, rasburicase)
  • Medicine for heart rhythm problems (including amiodarone, bretylium, dofetilide, sotalol)
  • Medicine to treat an infection (including dapsone, nitrofurantoin, para-aminosalicylic acid, sulfonamide)
  • Medicine to treat seizures (including phenobarbital, phenytoin, sodium valproate)
  • Nitrate or nitrite medicine (including nitric oxide, nitroglycerin, nitroprusside, nitrous oxide)

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have liver disease, kidney disease, heart disease, heart rhythm problems, a blood disorder, G6PD, or lung or breathing problems.
• This medicine may cause a rare, but serious blood problem called methemoglobinemia.
• During the time that the skin feels numb, serious injury can occur. Be especially careful to avoid injury until the numbness wears off and you or your child have normal feeling in the area. Do not scratch or rub the area, and do not allow very hot or very cold objects to touch it.
• Do not use this medicine to treat a skin problem your doctor has not examined.
• Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve or if they get worse.
• Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.
• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

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, lightheadedness
• Hearing loss, ringing or buzzing in the ears (when applied into the middle ear)
• Pale, gray, or blue lips, nails, or skin, dark urine, headache, unusual tiredness or weakness, fast heartbeat
• Tremors or seizures
• Troubled or shallow breathing

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

• Redness, itching, burning, or swelling where the patch is applied

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088

Last Updated: 9/6/2024