lidocaine and prilocaine topical

Brand name(s):

lidocaine-prilocaine topical, Emla

What is the most important information I should know about lidocaine and prilocaine?

An overdose of numbing medications can cause fatal side effects if too much of the medicine is absorbed through your skin and into your blood. This is more likely to occur when using a numbing medicine without the advice of a medical doctor (such as during a cosmetic procedure like laser hair removal). Overdose symptoms may include uneven heartbeats, seizure (convulsions), coma, slowed breathing, or respiratory failure (breathing stops). Your body may absorb more of this medication if you use too much, if you apply it over large skin areas, or if you apply heat, bandages, or plastic wrap to treated skin areas. Skin that is cut or irritated may also absorb more topical medication than healthy skin.

Use the smallest amount of this medication needed to numb the skin or relieve pain. Do not use large amounts of lidocaine and prilocaine topical, or cover treated skin areas with a bandage or plastic wrap without medical advice. Be aware that many cosmetic procedures are performed without a medical doctor present.

Do not use lidocaine and prilocaine topical if you have had an allergic reaction to a numbing medicine in the past.

Before lidocaine and prilocaine topical is applied, tell your doctor if you have liver disease, a history of allergic reaction to lidocaine or prilocaine, or a personal or family history of methemoglobinemia, or any genetic enzyme deficiency.

Lidocaine and prilocaine topical is for use only on the surface of your body. Avoid getting this medication in your eyes.

Avoid accidentally injuring treated skin areas while they are numb. Avoid coming into contact with very hot or very cold surfaces.

What is lidocaine and prilocaine topical?

Lidocaine and prilocaine topical is a local anesthetic (numbing medication). It works by blocking nerve signals in your body.

Lidocaine and prilocaine topical is used to numb the skin, or surfaces of the penis or vagina, in preparation for a medical procedure or to lessen the pain of inserting a medical instrument such as a tube or speculum.

Lidocaine and prilocaine 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 lidocaine and prilocaine topical?

An overdose of numbing medications can cause fatal side effects if too much of the medicine is absorbed through your skin and into your blood. This is more likely to occur when using a numbing medicine without the advice of a medical doctor (such as during a cosmetic procedure like laser hair removal). Overdose symptoms may include uneven heartbeats, seizure (convulsions), coma, slowed breathing, or respiratory failure. Do not use lidocaine and prilocaine topical if you have a blood cell disorder called methemoglobinemia.

Before lidocaine and prilocaine topical is applied, tell your doctor if you have:

liver disease;
a history of allergic reaction to lidocaine or prilocaine; or
a personal or family history of methemoglobinemia, or any genetic enzyme deficiency.

If you have any of these conditions, you may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely use lidocaine and prilocaine topical.

FDA pregnancy category B. This medication is not expected to be harmful to an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment. Lidocaine and prilocaine topical can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

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