Lidocaine / Tetracaine Topical Side Effects

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Aug 17, 2023.

Applies to lidocaine/tetracaine topical: topical application cream, topical application patch extended release.

Precautions

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.

Serious side effects

Along with its needed effects, lidocaine / tetracaine 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 / tetracaine topical:

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

Symptoms of overdose

• change in consciousness
• fast, pounding, or irregular heartbeat or pulse
• no blood pressure or pulse
• stopping of the heart

Other side effects

Some side effects of lidocaine / tetracaine 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:

For healthcare professionals

Applies to lidocaine / tetracaine topical: topical cream, topical film.

Local adverse events

Local side effects have included erythema , blanching, edema, or abnormal sensation at the site of treatment. The most common of the local reactions were erythema (71%), blanching (12%), and edema (12%). These reactions were generally mild, and resolved spontaneously soon after treatment.^[Ref]

Hypersensitivity

Hypersensitivity side effects have included allergic or anaphylactoid reactions to the active or inactive ingredients. They may be characterized by urticaria, angioedema, bronchospasm, and shock.^[Ref]

Nervous system

Nervous system side effects are unlikely with appropriate use of lidocaine-tetracaine topical. Potential side effect include CNS excitation and/or depression (light-headedness, nervousness, apprehension, euphoria, confusion, dizziness, drowsiness, tinnitus, blurred or double vision, vomiting, sensations of heat, cold, or numbness, twitching, tremors, convulsions, unconsciousness, respiratory depression and arrest). Excitatory CNS reactions may be brief or not occur at all, in which case the first manifestation may be drowsiness developing into unconsciousness. Signs of CNS toxicity may start at plasma concentrations of lidocaine as low as 1000 ng/mL. The plasma concentrations at which tetracaine toxicity may occur are less well characterized; however, systemic toxicity with tetracaine is thought to occur with much lower plasma concentrations compared with lidocaine. The toxicity of co-administered local anesthetics is thought to be at least additive.^[Ref]

Cardiovascular

Cardiovascular side effects are unlikely with appropriate use of lidocaine-tetracaine topical. Potential side effects include bradycardia, hypotension and cardiovascular collapse leading to arrest.^[Ref]

See also:

Further information

Lidocaine/tetracaine 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.

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