Emla Cream

The active ingredients in EMLA cream are lidocaine and prilocaine. These are topical anesthetics that numb the skin on which the cream is applied to provide pain relief.

Follow all directions given to you by your doctor and read all documents provided, including the full Prescribing Information, FDA-Approved Product Labeling, Instructions for Use, and Medication Guide before using EMLA cream. However, the following is a synopsis of the general guidelines for the use of EMLA cream:

-Wash and dry your skin. Only apply EMLA cream to intact skin.

-Apply a thick layer of cream to the skin area that requires numbing. Do not rub in the cream.

-Cover the cream with an occlusive dressing, for example, plastic wrap. This step is necessary for the cream to penetrate the skin and prevent it from drying out during the application time.

-Keep the cream and dressing on for at least 1 hour, or as long as your doctor has instructed.

-Remove the dressing and clean off any remaining cream before the procedure.

The typical dosing for EMLA cream is as follows:

-For adults: 2g should be applied to an area approximately 10cm^2

-For young children under 3 months of age: up to 1g of cream should be applied to an area no larger than 10cm^2 and left on for no longer than 1 hour.

-For children under 3-12 months of age: up to 2g of cream should be applied to an area no larger than 20cm^2 and left on for no longer than 4 hours.

-For 1-6-year-old children: up to 10g of cream can be applied to an area of skin no larger than 100cm^2 and left on for no longer than 5 hours.

-For 7-12-year-old children: up to 20g of cream can be applied to an area of skin no larger than 200cm^2 and left on for no longer than 5 hours.

Do not use EMLA cream near the eyes.

The most common side effects of EMLA cream seen in clinical trials as compared to placebo include:

-Redness or whitening of the treated area

-Swelling or puffiness of the treated area

-Initial burning, tingling, or itching in the treated area

-Small red or purple dots in the area

Some individuals may experience serious side effects while using EMLA cream. These side effects may require immediate medical attention. If you experience any of the following, contact your healthcare provider or seek emergency medical help:

-Lightheadedness, dizziness, fainting, feeling drowsy, confusion, trembling: these can be signs that EMLA is causing high methemoglobin levels in your body, which prevents blood from carrying enough oxygen.

These are not all of the possible side effects of EMLA cream. You should always seek medical advice from your healthcare provider for any questions or concerns about your medical condition or treatment. Read all patient information, medication guides, or drug information sheets that come with this medication. You can also report adverse effects to the Food and Drug Administration at www.fda.gov/medwatch or 1-800-FDA-1088.

Before starting EMLA cream, it is crucial to discuss any existing health conditions with your healthcare provider. You should be sure that your healthcare provider is aware of all your medical conditions, including if you:

-Have a glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency.

-Have a skin infection, injury, or open wound in the area where EMLA will be applied

-Have eczema or other dermatological or skin conditions

-Have kidney or liver disease

-Are pregnant or breastfeeding.

EMLA cream is contraindicated in:

-People who have had allergic reactions to local anesthetics of the amide type (“-caine” types), or to other ingredients of the formulation.

-In people with methemoglobinemia, a blood disorder.

-In children less than 12 months old who are taking medications that increase the risk of methemoglobinemia, such as some antibiotics.

-In children who were born prematurely.

It takes 1 hour after EMLA is applied for the numbing sensation to start and can last 1-2 hours after a 1-2 hour application.

When EMLA cream is taken with other prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and supplements, it may change how they work or increase the frequency or severity of side effects. Make sure that you tell your healthcare professional about anything that you are taking to avoid any negative drug interactions, including:

-Medications for heart rhythm, such as mexiletine or amiodarone.

-Other numbing agents.

-Other medicines that can increase the risk of methemoglobinemia such as some antibiotics, other anesthetics, nitroglycerin, some seizure medications, etc.

EMLA cream contains 2.5%/2.5% lidocaine/prilocaine.

EMLA is also available in other dosage forms, including a patch.

EMLA cream can be stored at room temperature, out of the reach of children. Do not use EMLA cream after 30 days of opening the tube.

EMLA cream is manufactured by the Aspen Group of companies.

The brand-name EMLA cream is not available as a generic. However, many lidocaine creams and prilocaine creams are available as generic, single-ingredient formulations.

The application of EMLA cream should last at least 1 hour, after which the cream can be cleaned off.

Lidocaine and prilocaine are known to cross the placental barrier. The safety of EMLA cream in pregnancy is unknown. Talk to your doctor if you are already pregnant or if you have any plans to become pregnant. They will know or recommend what is best for you.

Lidocaine and prilocaine are likely secreted into breast milk. The safety of EMLA cream in breastfeeding is unknown. Talk to your doctor if you are already breastfeeding or if you have any plans to breastfeed. They will know or recommend what is best for you.