Emla Cream (Lidocaine/Prilocaine) is a prescription medication used to numb normal, unbroken skin or the outer genital area before certain surgical procedures such as inserting a needle, skin grafts, or skin laser surgery. The active ingredients in Emla are Lidocaine and Prilocaine. Lidocaine and Prilocaine belong to a class of drugs called local anesthetics. It works by numbing the skin surface for a short period before a medical procedure. The drug stops pain on the skin, but you may still feel pressure and touch.
Manufacturer Information
We currently offer the brand Emla from Canada and the United Kingdom manufactured by Aspen in the strength of 2.5%/2.5%/30 gm, 2.5%/2.5%, 2.5%/2.5%/5 gm cream, and 5%/30 gm cream. The generic Lidocaine/Prilocaine is not available.
Get medical help immediately if you have any of these signs or an allergic reaction while using Emla. The most common side effects of Emla may include the following:
• Changes in skin color at application site;
• Itching;
• Mild burning at the application site
Contact your doctor right away if you have any of the severe side effects, including:
• Severe burning, stinging, or irritation;
• Sudden dizziness or drowsiness;
• Unusual sensations of temperature
These are not all of the side effects of Emla. Always contact your doctor if you notice any unusual symptoms.
You should not use Emla cream if you are allergic to Lidocaine, Prilocaine or any ingredient in Emla. Before you start using this medication, tell your doctor about your medical history, especially if you:
• Are breastfeeding or planning to breastfeed;
• Are pregnant or planning to be pregnant;
• Have a family history of methemoglobinemia;
• Have any genetic enzyme deficiency;
• Have liver disease
Tell your doctor about all your medications, including prescription, OTC, herbal supplements, and vitamins. There may be drug interactions between Emla and chloroquine, amiodarone, phenobarbital, Bactrim, etc. Avoid phenytoin, Septra, sotalol, or nitroglycerin with Emla cream. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant. Emla is not expected to harm an unborn baby. Inform your doctor if you are breastfeeding or planning to breastfeed. Lidocaine and Prilocaine can pass into breast milk and harm a nursing infant. Use Emla precisely as prescribed by your doctor. Emla cream is for topical use only. Do not take it by mouth. Do not apply Emla cream in larger amounts than recommended. You may need to apply Emla at home up to 4 hours before your procedure. Do not cover treated skin areas with a bandage unless your doctor tells you to do so. Store Emla cream at room temperature, away from moisture and heat. Do not allow the cream to freeze.