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ANESTHETICS (Topical)

Brand & Generic Names

Americaine Lignocaine
Aminobenzoate Mercurochrome II
BENZOCAINE Nupercainal Cream
BENZOCAINE & MENTHOL Nupercainal Ointment
Benzocol Pontocaine Cream
BUTACAINE Pontocaine Ointment
BUTAMBEN Pramagel
Butesin Picrate PRAMOXINE
Butyl Aminobenzoate Prax
Cinchocaine TETRACAINE
Dermoplast TETRACAINE & MENTHOL
DIBUCAINE Tronothane
DIPERODON Unguentine
DYCLONINE Unguentine Plus
EMLA Unguentine Spray
Ethyl Aminobenzoate Xylocaine
LIDOCAINE
LIDOCAINE AND PRILOCAINE

Basic Information

  • Habit forming? No
  • Prescription needed? High strength: Yes Low strength: No
  • Available as generic? Yes
  • Drug class: Anesthetic (topical)

Uses

    Relieves pain and itch of sunburn, insect bites, scratches and other minor skin irritations.

Dosage & Usage Information

How to use:
All forms--Use only enough to cover irritated area. Follow instructions on label.

When to use:
When needed for discomfort, no more often than every hour.

If you forget an application:
Use as needed.

What drug does:
Blocks pain impulses from skin to brain.

Time lapse before drug works:
3 to 15 minutes.

Don't take with:
Any other medicine without consulting your doctor or pharmacist.


Overdose

SYMPTOMS:
If swallowed or inhaled--Dizziness, nervousness, trembling, seizures.

WHAT TO DO:

  • Dial 911 (emergency) or O (operator) for an ambulance or medical help. Then give first aid immediately.
  • See EMERGENCY Information.

Possible Adverse Reactions or Side Effects

Life-threatening:

    None expected.

Common:

    None expected.

Infrequent:

  • Nervousness; trembling; hives, rash, itch; inflammation or tenderness not present before application; slow heartbeat.
  • Dizziness, blurred vision, swollen feet.

Rare:

  • Blood in urine.
  • Increased or painful urination.

Warnings & Precautions

Don't use if:
You are allergic to any topical anesthetic.

Before you start, consult your doctor:

  • If you have skin infection at site of treatment.
  • If you have had severe or extensive skin disorders such as eczema or psoriasis.
  • If you have bleeding hemorrhoids.

Over age 60:
Adverse reactions and side effects may be more frequent and severe than in younger persons.

Pregnancy:
No proven harm to unborn child. Avoid if possible.

Breast-feeding:
No problems expected. Consult doctor.

Infants & children:
Use caution. More likely to be absorbed through skin and cause adverse reactions.

Prolonged use:
Possible excess absorption. Don't use longer than 3 days for any one problem.

Skin & sunlight:
No problems expected.

Driving, piloting or hazardous work:
No problems expected.

Discontinuing:
May be unnecessary to finish medicine. Follow doctor's instructions.

Others:
No problems expected.


Possible Interaction with Other Drugs

GENERIC NAME COMBINED EFFECT
------------------------ -----------------------
Sulfa drugs* Decreased effect of sulfa drugs for
infection.

Possible Interaction with Other Substances

INTERACTS WITH COMBINED EFFECT
--------------- ---------------
Alcohol: None expected.
Beverages: None expected.
Cocaine: Possible nervous-system toxicity.
Avoid.
Foods: None expected.
Marijuana: None expected.
Tobacco: None expected.

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