Emla Cream (Lidocaine/Prilocaine)

Emla Cream Information:

Emla Cream (generic name: Lidocaine/Prilocaine) is a topical drug which is used as a local anesthetic , which is a type of numbing medication. Pain is caused by the stimulation of pain receptors at the ends of nerves. The stimulation causes sodium to enter the nerve ending, which causes an electrical signal to build up in the nerve. When this electrical signal is big enough, it passes along the nerve to the brain, where the signal is interpreted as pain. Lidocaine and prilocaine work by temporarily blocking this pathway of pain signals along nerves. They do this by stopping the sodium entering the nerve ending at the site of the pain. This prevents an electrical signal building up and passing along the nerve fibres to the brain. Emla is used to numb the skin or surfaces of the penis or vagina in preparation for minor medical procedures. It is also used to lessen the feeling of pain of inserting medical instruments, such as a tube, speculum or a needle for an injection. Emla is often used for injections in children in order to reduce the pain of the injection. Emla contains the active ingredients Lidocaine and Prilocaine. These are both local anesthetics.

Emla Cream Side Effects:

As with any drug, there may be side effects from taking Emla Cream including mild burning where the cream is applied, skin redness or changes in skin color. More serious side effects may include severe burning, stinging, sensitivity where the medication is applied, swelling or redness, sudden dizziness or sleepiness, bruising, purple appearance of the skin or unusual sensations or temperature. If you experience any side effects you must seek medical attention immediately for safety.

Emla Cream Directions:

You should follow the instructions of the doctor who prescribed Emla Cream to you. Directions and dosage information can also be found on the pack or leaflet inside the pack. Emla comes in cream form. It should be applied directly to the skin where the medical procedure will take place. Emla cream should be applied by a medical professional. Emla Cream should be stored at room temperature away from direct sunlight and heat. It is for external use only.

Emla Cream Precautions:

If you are allergic to any of the ingredients of Emla Cream, you should avoid taking it and inform your doctor. You must consult your doctor if you have any pre-existing medical conditions including kidney or liver disease, a history of allergic reaction to anasthetics, or personal or family history of methemoglibinemia. You must consult your doctor if you are taking any other medications as they may interact with Emla Cream, including heart rhythm medications, acetaminophen, chloroquine, dapsone, nitrates or nitrites, nitrofurantoin, Phenobarbital, primaquine, quinine or any sulfa drugs. It is important that you inform your doctor if you are pregnant, planning to conceive or breastfeeding as Emla Cream may cause harm to unborn and new born babies.