Indications
Emla Cream (active ingredients: lidocaine and prilocaine) is a prescription medication indicated for the following:
- Topical Anesthesia: Emla Cream is used to provide local anesthesia of intact skin in adults and children to reduce the pain associated with certain procedures, such as needle insertion, minor skin surgery, laser therapy, and other superficial dermatological procedures.
Emla Cream belongs to a class of drugs known as local anesthetics, which work by blocking nerve signals in the skin, thereby temporarily numbing the area and reducing pain sensations.
Uses and Dosage
EMLA comes in the form of a cream and is applied directly to the skin or the genital area. It should not be applied to broken, irritated, or open wounds unless specifically directed by your doctor. It is important to wash your hands before and after using EMLA Cream.
Apply EMLA Cream at least 1 hour before needle sticks and 2 hours before minor skin procedures. For certain genital procedures, it is recommended to have a health care professional apply the medication and remain lying down so the medication will stay in place.
Side effect
Common Side Effects of Emla Cream:
- Changes in skin color where the medicine was applied
- Itching
- Mild burning where the medicine is applied
- Rash
Serious Side Effects of Emla Cream:
- Bruising or purple appearance of the skin
- Confusion, blurred vision, ringing in your ears
- Severe burning, stinging, or irritation where the medicine was applied
- Sudden dizziness or drowsiness after medicine is applied
- Swelling or redness
- Unusual sensations of temperature
Form and strength
Emla Cream (Lidocaine/Prilocaine) is available in the following forms and strength:
Emla Cream: Cream
- 5 %
- 2.5/2.5%
Lidocaine/Prilocaine: Cream
- 25/25mg
Caution
- Before using this product, inform your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to lidocaine or prilocaine, or any other amide anesthetics, or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients that could cause allergic reactions or other problems. Speak to your pharmacist for more information.
- If you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment, it is important to tell your doctor so that they can help you decide whether or not it is safe for you to use Emla.
- EMLA should not be used in rare patients with congenital or idiopathic methemoglobinemia and in infants under twelve months who are receiving treatment with methemoglobin-inducing agents. This is because the active ingredients in EMLA, lidocaine and prilocaine, can be toxic to the ear.
- Application of EMLA to larger areas or for longer times than recommended can result in increased absorption of lidocaine and prilocaine, which can lead to serious adverse effects. Follow the recommended dosage and application time for EMLA to avoid these potential side effects.
- EMLA should not be used in any clinical situation in which its penetration or migration beyond the tympanic membrane into the middle ear is possible. This is due to the risk of ototoxicity, as the active ingredients in EMLA, lidocaine, and prilocaine, can be toxic to the ear.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is Emla Cream safe to use?
Emla Cream is considered safe for use as directed. However, it should not be used on broken skin and should not be used for longer than is necessary.
How long does Emla Cream take to work?
Emla Cream takes about 30 minutes to work and can last up to 90 minutes.
How do I use Emla Cream?
Emla Cream should be applied to the area of the skin before the procedure and then covered with an occlusive dressing. The cream should be left on for at least one hour before the procedure.
What should I do if I forget to apply Emla Cream?
If you forget to apply Emla Cream, you should still go ahead with the procedure as it is still possible for the anesthetic to work. You may also apply ice to the area before the procedure to reduce discomfort.
Resources
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11236044/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4297802/
- https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2000/19941s11lbl.pdf
- https://www.drugs.com/emla.html
- https://www.webmd.com/drugs/2/drug-2358-8170/emla-topical/lidocaine-prilocaine-cream-topical/details
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