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Lidocaine / prilocaine topical Side Effects

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Dec 19, 2023.

Applies to lidocaine/prilocaine topical: topical application cream. Other dosage forms:

Serious side effects

Along with its needed effects, lidocaine/prilocaine topical 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 immediately if any of the following side effects occur while taking lidocaine / prilocaine topical:

Rare

Incidence not known

Other side effects

Some side effects of lidocaine / prilocaine topical 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:

More common

For Healthcare Professionals

Applies to lidocaine / prilocaine topical: mucous membrane gel, topical cream, topical film, topical kit.

Local

Local side effects have included erythema, edema, and abnormal sensation. Local effects observed in the trials of the cream on intact skin have included paleness (37%), erythema (30%), alterations in temperature sensations (7%), edema (6%), itching (2%), and rash (<1%). The most commonly reported local side effects in clinical studies on genital mucous membranes were redness (21%), burning sensation (17%), and edema (10%).[Ref]

Cardiovascular

Cardiovascular side effects have included bradycardia, hypotension, and cardiovascular collapse leading to arrest.[Ref]

Nervous system

Nervous system side effects have included CNS excitation and/or depression. Excitatory CNS reactions may be brief or not occur at all.[Ref]

Hypersensitivity

Hypersensitivity side effects have included angioedema, bronchospasm, and shock.[Ref]

Dermatologic

Dermatologic side effects have included urticaria. The detection of sensitivity by skin testing is of doubtful value.[Ref]

References

1. Product Information. Emla (lidocaine-prilocaine topical). Astra-Zeneca Pharmaceuticals. 2022.

Further information

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

Some side effects may not be reported. You may report them to the FDA.