Lidocaine / Prilocaine Topical Side Effects

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Jul 8, 2024.

Applies to lidocaine / prilocaine topical: gingival gel/jelly.

Other dosage forms:

• topical application cream

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 or nurse immediately if any of the following side effects occur while taking lidocaine / prilocaine topical:

Get emergency help immediately if any of the following symptoms of overdose occur while taking lidocaine / prilocaine topical:

Symptoms of overdose

• blue or blue-purple color of the lips, fingernails, mouth, or skin
• blurred or double vision
• dark urine
• dizziness or drowsiness
• fainting
• feeling hot, cold, or numb
• headache
• irregular or fast heartbeat
• muscle twitching or trembling
• ringing or buzzing in the ears
• seizures
• unusual excitement, nervousness, or restlessness
• unusual tiredness or weakness
• vomiting

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:

Precautions

It is very important that your dentist check your progress closely for any problems or unwanted effects that may be caused by this medicine.

This medicine may cause serious types of allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis, which can be life-threatening and require immediate medical attention. Tell your dentist right away if you have a rash, itching, hoarseness, trouble with breathing or swallowing, or any swelling of your hands, face, or mouth after you receive the medicine.

This medicine may cause a rare, but serious blood problem called methemoglobinemia. Call your dentist right away if you develop a blue or bluish purple color on the lips, fingernails, or skin, or have headaches, dizziness, fainting, sleepiness, or trouble with breathing after you receive this medicine.

During the time that the gum feels numb, serious injury can occur. Be especially careful to avoid injury until the numbness wears off and you have normal feeling in the area. Avoid foods or liquids that are very hot or very cold. Do not chew gum or food while your mouth feels numb. You may accidentally bite your tongue or the inside of your cheeks.

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.

For healthcare professionals

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

Local adverse events

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]

See also:

Further information

Lidocaine/prilocaine topical side effects can vary depending on the individual. Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Note: Medication side effects may be underreported. If you are experiencing side effects that are not listed, submit a report to the FDA by following this guide.

Medical Disclaimer