What is lidocaine w/prilocaine cream, and how does it work (mechanism of action)?
Lidocaine and prilocaine is a topical anesthetic
cream. Lidocaine and prilocaine enter through the skin and block pain receptors
in nerve endings. Lidocaine and prilocaine reduce conduction of nerve impulses
by interrupting the transfer of sodium ions across the membranes of nerve cells.
This results in a local anesthetic action. The FDA approved lidocaine/prilocaine
in December 1992.
What are the uses for lidocaine w/prilocaine cream?
Lidocaine and prilocaine cream is commonly used as a local
anesthetic on normal intact skin and genital mucous areas, before minor
procedures.
What brand names are available for lidocaine w/prilocaine cream?
DermacinRx, Prizopak, EMLA, Leva Set, Lidopril, Livixil Pak, LP Lite Pak, Oraqix, Relador Pak, Venipuncture CPI
Is lidocaine w/prilocaine cream available as a generic drug?
GENERIC AVAILABLE: Yes
Do I need a prescription for lidocaine w/prilocaine cream?
Yes
What are the side effects of lidocaine w/prilocaine cream?
Common side effects of lidocaine and prilocaine are:
Other rare side effects include:
- shock,
- central nervous system depression,
- hypersensitivity reactions, and
- hypotension (low blood pressure).
What is the dosage for lidocaine w/prilocaine cream?
Adults
- Minor skin procedures: Apply 2.5 grams of
cream over 20 to 25 cm2of skin surface for at least 1 hour. - Major skin procedures: Apply 2 grams of cream
per 10 cm2of skin and allow to remain in contact with the skin for at least 2
hours. - Genital mucous membrane (female): Apply a
thick layer (5 to 10 grams) of cream for 5 to 10 minutes. - Male genital skin: Apply a thick layer of
cream (1 g/10 cm2) to the skin surface for 15 minutes. Local anesthetic
infiltration should be performed immediately after removal of cream.
Children
- Birth to 3 month or weight less than 5 kg:
Maximum of 1 gram of cream to be applied to the maximum area of 10 cm2 for the
maximum application time of 1 hour. - Three to 12 months or weight more than 5 kg:
Maximum of 2 gram of cream to be applied to the maximum area of 20 cm2 for the
maximum application time of 4 hour. - One to 6 years or weight more than 10 kg:
Maximum of 10 gram of cream to be applied to the maximum area of 100 cm2 for the
maximum application time of 4 hour. - Seven to 12 years or weight more than 20 kg:
Maximum of 20 gram of cream to be applied to the maximum area of 200 cm2 for the
maximum application time of 4 hour.
Lidocaine and prilocaine cream is not recommended in neonates with a
gestational less than 37 weeks or infants younger than 12 months who are
receiving treatment with methemoglobin-inducing agents.
QUESTION
About how much does an adult human brain weigh?
See Answer
Which drugs or supplements interact with lidocaine w/prilocaine cream?
Lidocaine and prilocaine should not be used together with
anti-arrhythmic drugs such as tocainide (Tonocard) and mexiletine (Mexitil), due to additive effects
on heart rate and rhythm.
Prilocaine may contribute to formation of methemoglobin in patients treated
with other drugs known to cause methemoglobinemia.
Lidocaine and prilocaine should be used with caution with anti-arrhythmic
drugs like
amiodarone
(Cordarone), sotalol (Betapace), bretylium, and dofetilide (Tikosyn) because of increased
risk developing abnormal heart rate and rhythm.
Is lidocaine w/prilocaine cream safe to take if I’m pregnant or breastfeeding?
There are no adequate studies of lidocaine and prilocaine to
determine safe and effective use in
pregnant women.
Lidocaine and prilocaine may be excreted in breast milk; therefore, caution should be exercised before using them in nursing mothers.
What else should I know about lidocaine w/prilocaine cream?
What preparations of lidocaine w/prilocaine cream are available?
Lidocaine and prilocaine is a combination cream, containing
2.5% of each component. Lidocaine and prilocaine is available in 5 gram and 30
gram tubes.
How should I keep lidocaine w/prilocaine cream stored?
Cream should be stored at room temperature 20 C to 25 C (68 F to 77
F). The tube must be closed tightly at all times when not in use.