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Lidocaine and tetracaine (Topical application)

Generic name: lidocaine and tetracaine [ LYE-doe-kane, TE-tra-kane ]
Brand name: Synera
Drug class: Topical anesthetics

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Jan 20, 2024.

Uses for lidocaine and tetracaine

Lidocaine and tetracaine combination is used on the skin to cause numbness or loss of feeling for patients before drawing blood or placing an intravenous (IV) line or having certain medical or skin procedures (eg, excision, electrodessication, shave biopsy).

Lidocaine and tetracaine combination belongs to a group of medicines known as topical local anesthetics. It deadens the nerve endings in the skin. This medicine does not cause unconsciousness as general anesthetics do when used for surgery.

This medicine is available only with your doctor's prescription.

Before using lidocaine and tetracaine

In deciding to use a medicine, the risks of taking the medicine must be weighed against the good it will do. This is a decision you and your doctor will make. For this medicine, the following should be considered:

Allergies

Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to this medicine or any other medicines. Also tell your health care professional if you have any other types of allergies, such as to foods, dyes, preservatives, or animals. For non-prescription products, read the label or package ingredients carefully.

Pediatric

Appropriate studies performed to date have not demonstrated pediatric-specific problems that would limit the usefulness of lidocaine and tetracaine combination in children 3 years of age and older. Safety and efficacy have not been established in children younger than 3 years of age.

Geriatric

Appropriate studies performed to date have not demonstrated geriatric-specific problems that would limit the usefulness of lidocaine and tetracaine combination in the elderly. However, elderly patients are more sensitive to the effects of this medicine than younger adults.

Breast Feeding

Studies in women suggest that this medication poses minimal risk to the infant when used during breastfeeding.

Interactions with Medicines

Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. When you are taking this medicine, it is especially important that your healthcare professional know if you are taking any of the medicines listed below. The following interactions have been selected on the basis of their potential significance and are not necessarily all-inclusive.

Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is not recommended. Your doctor may decide not to treat you with this medication or change some of the other medicines you take.

Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is usually not recommended, but may be required in some cases. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.

Using this medicine with any of the following medicines may cause an increased risk of certain side effects, but using both drugs may be the best treatment for you. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.

Interactions with Food/Tobacco/Alcohol

Certain medicines should not be used at or around the time of eating food or eating certain types of food since interactions may occur. Using alcohol or tobacco with certain medicines may also cause interactions to occur. Discuss with your healthcare professional the use of your medicine with food, alcohol, or tobacco.

Other Medical Problems

The presence of other medical problems may affect the use of this medicine. Make sure you tell your doctor if you have any other medical problems, especially:

Proper use of lidocaine and tetracaine

A nurse or other trained health care professional will apply this medicine before your medical procedure. You may be taught how to give your medicine at home. Make sure you understand all instructions before you apply the patch. Do not use more medicine or use it more often than your doctor tells you to.

The patch is applied to your skin about 20 to 30 minutes before your procedure. Tell your doctor if you still have feeling in the skin after 30 minutes have passed.

To apply the patch:

Precautions while using lidocaine and tetracaine

It is very important that your doctor check you or your child's progress closely while receiving the medicine to make sure this medicine is working properly. Blood tests may be needed to check for any problems or unwanted effects that may be caused by this medicine.

This medicine may cause a rare, but serious blood problem called methemoglobinemia. The risk may be increased in children younger than 6 months of age, elderly patients, or patients with certain inborn defects. It is more likely to occur in patients receiving too much of the medicine, but can also occur with small amounts. Make sure you store this medicine out of reach of children. Call your doctor right away if you or your child has the following symptoms after receiving this medicine: pale, gray, or blue-colored skin, lips, or nails, confusion, headache, lightheadedness, fast heartbeat, or unusual tiredness or weakness.

This medicine may cause serious allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis, which can be life-threatening and require immediate medical attention. Call your doctor right away if you have itching, hives, hoarseness, trouble with breathing or swallowing, or any swelling of your hands, face, or mouth while you are using this medicine.

Check with your doctor right away if you have a rash, burning, stinging, swelling, or irritation of your skin after using this medicine.

Lidocaine and tetracaine combination cause numbness or loss of feeling in the skin. Be careful not to injure the treated skin by rubbing, scratching, or exposing the skin to extreme cold or heat.

Do not take other medicines unless they have been discussed with your doctor. This includes prescription or nonprescription (over-the-counter [OTC]) medicines and herbal or vitamin supplements.

Side Effects of lidocaine and tetracaine

Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor or nurse immediately if any of the following side effects occur:

More common

Less common

Rare

Incidence not known

Get emergency help immediately if any of the following symptoms of overdose occur:

Symptoms of overdose

Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

Rare

Incidence not known

Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Commonly used brand name(s)

In the U.S.

Available Dosage Forms:

Therapeutic Class: Dermatological Agent

Chemical Class: Amino Amide

Further information

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