GENERIC NAME: LIDOCAINE/PRILOCAINE DISC - TOPICAL (LIE-doh-cane/PRILL-oh-cane)

BRAND NAME(S): Emla

Medication Uses | How To Use | Side Effects | Precautions | Drug Interactions | Overdose | Notes | Missed Dose | Storage

USES: This combination of local anesthetic agents is used on the skin to provide pain relief during certain clinical procedures (e.g., intravenous catheter placement).

HOW TO USE: Peel away the protective liner and place the disc on the procedure site, usually 1 hour before the procedure or as directed by your doctor. Use this medication only on normal, intact skin. Avoid contact with eyes, open wounds or mucous membranes. If eye contact occurs, rinse the affected eye immediately and thoroughly with water and protect the eye until sensation returns. The anesthetic effect should be noticed within 1 hour. Do not leave the medication on the skin for longer than 4 hours unless directed to do so by your doctor. The effect will usually persist for 1 to 2 hours after removal of the medication.

SIDE EFFECTS: Paleness, redness or swelling at the site of application may occur. These effects will usually disappear within 1 to 2 hours. If these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor. Tell your doctor immediately if you have any of these very unlikely but serious side effects: blistering of the skin, slow heart rate, dizziness. An allergic reaction to this medication is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include: rash, itching, swelling, trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

PRECAUTIONS: Tell your doctor your medical history, including: allergies (especially to other local anesthetics), heart problems, kidney problems, liver problems, methemoglobinemia (a blood disorder). Since this medication may completely numb your skin, avoid scratching or rubbing the affected area of skin. Also, avoid exposing the affected area of skin to hot or cold temperatures until sensation has returned, so as to prevent accidental injury. Caution is advised when prescribing or using this medication in the elderly since they may be more sensitive to the effects of the drug. Caution is advised when prescribing or using this medication in children since they may be more sensitive to the effects of the drug. This medication should not be used in infants under 1 month of age. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant before using this medication. This medication passes into breast milk. While there have been no reports of harm to nursing infants, consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

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