dibucaine (topical) Health Article

Generic name(s):

dibucaine (topical)

Brand name(s):

dibucaine topical, Dibucaine, Nupercainal

What is the most important information I should know about dibucaine topical?

You should not use this medication if you are allergic to dibucaine.

Before using dibucaine topical, tell your doctor if you have asthma or any allergies.

Use this medication as directed on the label, or as your doctor has prescribed. Do not use the medication in larger amounts or for longer than recommended.

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Less serious side effects are more likely, and you may have none at all. Talk to your doctor about any unusual or bothersome side effects.

What is dibucaine topical?

Dibucaine topical (applied to the skin) is an antiseptic, or numbing medicine.

Dibucaine topical is used to treat pain and itching cause by minor burns, insect bites, hemorrhoids, sunburn, or other minor skin irritations.

Dibucaine topical may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What should I discuss with my health care provider before using dibucaine topical?

You should not use this medication if you are allergic to dibucaine.

Before using dibucaine topical, tell your doctor if you have asthma or any allergies.

FDA pregnancy category C. This medication may be harmful to an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant while you are using this medication. It is not known whether dibucaine topical passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

How should I use dibucaine topical?

Use this medication exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor. Do not use it in larger amounts or for longer than recommended.

Dibucaine is usually applied to the affected area 3 to 4 times daily, depending why you are using the medication. Follow the label directions or your doctor's instructions about how much medication to use and how often.

Apply enough of this medication to cover the entire area to be treated.

Dibucaine ointment may be used on the rectum after each bowel movement or up to 4 times per day to treat hemorrhoid pain and itching.

Wash your hands after applying dibucaine topical.

It is best to use no more than 1 tube of dibucaine per day (24 hours). If you use the ointment on a child, use no more than 1/4 of a tube per day.

You may cover the treated skin area with a light bandage or gauze dressing. Avoid any covering that does not allow air to pass through it, such as plastic wrap.

Stop using dibucaine and call your doctor if your symptoms get worse, if you have a new skin rash or irritation, or if you have rectal bleeding.

Store this medication at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Since dibucaine topical is used as needed, it is not likely that you will be on a dosing schedule. Using extra dibucaine to make up a missed dose will not make the medication more effective. If you are using the medication regularly, use the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then to use the medicine and skip the missed dose. Do not use extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have used too much of this medicine, or if anyone has accidentally swallowed it.

Overdose symptoms include confusion, blurred vision, ringing in your ears, extreme or ongoing numbness, slow heartbeat, or feeling like you may pass out.