Lidocaine / Prilocaine Topical Side Effects

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

Applies to lidocaine/prilocaine topical: topical application cream.

Other dosage forms:

• gingival gel/jelly

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:

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:

Precautions

It is very important that your doctor check your or your child's progress closely to make sure this medicine is working properly. Blood tests may be needed to check for unwanted effects.

Do not use this medicine on a baby younger than 3 months of age unless your child's doctor tells you to. Young babies may have more unwanted effects if too much is used and absorbed through the skin. If you use this medicine on a baby younger than 3 months of age, blood tests may be needed to check for unwanted effects.

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

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

Using too much of this medicine or using it on a large area of your skin can cause serious unwanted effects. Remove the cream and contact your doctor right away if you or your child have any of these symptoms: lightheadedness, dizziness, vision problems, an irregular or slow heartbeat, difficulty with breathing, or convulsions (seizures).

During the time that the skin feels numb, serious injury can occur. Be especially careful to avoid injury until the numbness wears off and you or your child have normal feeling in the area. Do not scratch or rub the area, and do not allow very hot or very cold objects to touch it.

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