Lidocaine and tetracaine topical

Generic name: lidocaine and tetracaine topical [ LYE-doe-kane-and-TET-ra-kane-TOP-i-kal ]
Brand names: Pliaglis, Synera, Nynutey Cream
Dosage forms: topical cream (7%-7%), topical film (70 mg-70 mg)
Drug class: Topical anesthetics

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com on Mar 21, 2024. Written by Cerner Multum.

What is lidocaine and tetracaine topical?

Lidocaine and tetracaine topical (for use on the skin) is a combination medicine used to numb a small area of your skin. This can help prevent pain during certain medical procedures such as a skin biopsy, minor skin surgery, insertion of an intravenous (IV) needle, or other needle-stick procedures.

Lidocaine and tetracaine topical is also used to numb a skin area during minor cosmetic procedures such as a Botox injection, laser treatment, or tattoo removal.

Lidocaine and tetracaine topical may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Lidocaine and tetracaine topical side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; wheezing, difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Tell your caregivers or call your doctor right away if you have:

• severe burning, stinging, or other irritation where the medicine was applied;

• sudden dizziness or drowsiness after the medicine is applied;

• pale, gray, or blue colored skin;

• headache, fast heartbeats, shortness of breath;

• tiredness, or feeling like you might pass out;

• blurred vision, ringing in your ears; or

• unusual sensations of hot or cold.

Common side effects include:

• skin redness;

• skin swelling; or

• changes in skin color where the medicine was applied.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Warnings

An overdose of numbing medicine can cause fatal side effects if too much of the medicine is absorbed through your skin. This can happen if you apply more than the recommended dose, or if you leave a skin patch on too long.

Keep both used and unused skin patches out of the reach of children or pets.

Before taking this medicine

You should not use lidocaine and tetracaine topical if you are allergic to:

• any type of numbing medicine; or

• sunscreen or other skin products that contain para-aminobenzoic acid (PABA).

Fatal overdoses have occurred when numbing medicines were used without the advice of a medical doctor (such as during a cosmetic procedure like laser hair removal). Be aware that many cosmetic procedures are performed without a medical doctor present.

The lidocaine and tetracaine topical cream should not be used on a child younger than 3 years old. The skin patch is not approved for use by anyone younger than 18 years old.

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

• liver disease;

• a blood cell disorder called methemoglobinemia (in you or a family member);

• a genetic enzyme deficiency called glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency;

• a condition for which you take a heart rhythm medicine; or

• allergy to any other medicine used for anesthesia.

Older adults and people who are debilitated may be more sensitive to the effects of this medicine.

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

If you apply lidocaine and tetracaine topical to your chest, avoid areas that may come into contact with the baby's mouth.

The lidocaine and tetracaine transdermal patch may burn your skin if you wear the patch during an MRI (magnetic resonance imaging). Remove the patch before undergoing such a test.

How should I use lidocaine and tetracaine topical?

Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Never use this medicine in larger amounts, or for longer than prescribed.

This medicine is usually applied 20 to 30 minutes before your procedure (or 60 minutes before tattoo removal).

Lidocaine and tetracaine topical comes in a cream or a skin patch.

If you use this medicine at home, read and carefully follow any Instructions for Use provided with your medicine. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you do not understand these instructions.

Do not take by mouth. Topical medicine is for use only on the skin. If this medicine gets in your mouth, nose, rectum, or vagina, rinse with water.

For a cosmetic procedure, a healthcare professional or other care provider will apply this medicine to your skin.

If you use a lidocaine and tetracaine topical skin patch, apply it only to clean, dry, healthy skin on the area to be numbed. Avoid skin that is raw or blistered. Press the patch firmly into place.

You may feel a warming sensation which is normal, but it should not feel unpleasantly hot.

Wash your hands after applying a skin patch.

After your prescribed amount of numbing time, remove the skin patch, then clean and disinfect the skin as recommended by your doctor.

After removing a skin patch: fold it in half with the sticky side in, and throw it away in a place out of the reach of children or pets.

Store unused skin patches at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

Both used and unused skin patches should be kept out of the reach of children or pets. The amount of medicine in the skin patches could be harmful to a child or pet who accidentally sucks on or swallows a patch. Seek emergency medical attention if this happens.

Lidocaine and tetracaine topical dosing information

Usual Adult Dose for Local Anesthesia:

Apply one film topically to intact skin 20 to 30 minutes before procedure.

Usual Pediatric Dose for Local Anesthesia:

>= 3 yrs: Apply one film topically to intact skin 20 to 30 minutes before procedure.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Since lidocaine and tetracaine topical is used as a single dose, it does not have a daily dosing schedule.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222. An overdose of numbing medicine can cause fatal side effects if too much of the medicine is absorbed through your skin and into your blood.

Your body may absorb too much of lidocaine and tetracaine topical if:

• you apply more than the recommended dose;

• you apply the medicine to skin that is cut or irritated; or

• you leave a skin patch on your skin for too long.

Overdose symptoms may include numbness or tingling in your face, ringing in your ears, drowsiness, nausea, and slurred speech. Serious complications of lidocaine or tetracaine overdose may include seizure (convulsions), slowed breathing, coma, heart failure, or respiratory failure (breathing stops).

What should I avoid while using lidocaine and tetracaine topical?

Do not allow this medicine to come into contact with your eyes. If it does, rinse with water.

Do not use a skin patch if it has been cut or damaged.

Avoid touching the sticky side of a skin patch while applying it.

Do not receive a "live" vaccine while using lidocaine and tetracaine. The vaccine may not work as well and may not fully protect you from disease. Live vaccines include measles, mumps, rubella (MMR), polio, rotavirus, typhoid, yellow fever, varicella (chickenpox), and zoster (shingles).

What other drugs will affect lidocaine and tetracaine topical?

Medicine used on the skin is not likely to be affected by other drugs you use. However, some drugs can cause conditions that may make it harmful for you to use lidocaine and tetracaine topical. Tell each of your healthcare providers about all medicines you use, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

Further information

• Your pharmacist has information about lidocaine and tetracaine topical.

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer

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