Let's learn about the numbing cream (Lidocaine; Prilocaine Cream) before injections and minor surgeries!

Have you ever heard of a numbing cream that numbs the area before you have a minor surgery or an injection ? You may have used one yourself. Today, we're going to talk about a cream that numbs the skin and reduces pain. This is something that really helps a lot, especially when it comes to giving small children injections.

What kind of medicine is this? (What is this medication?)

Simply put, this Lidocaine and Prilocaine cream is a type of topical anesthetic. This means that when you apply it, your skin and surrounding tissues lose sensation, like they're numb. It's used to numb the skin before a medical procedure or injection. Then you won't feel any pain.

Imagine, you have to remove a small tumor from your skin, or take some blood. Then the doctor will apply this cream to the area and tell you to leave it there for a while. Then, when the area is numb, you won't feel any pain while doing the procedure. It's very easy, right?

This medicine can sometimes be used for other things. You can ask your doctor or pharmacist about this.

Some of the brand names of this medicine are:

(ANODYNE LPT, DermacinRx, DermacinRx Prizopak, EMLA, IV Novice Pack, Leva Set, Lido-Prilo Caine, Lidotor, LiProZonePak, LIVIXIL Pak, LP Lite Pak, Medolor Pak with Tegaderm Dressing, Microvix LP, Nuvakaan, Nuvakaan-II, Port-Prep, PrepIV, PRILOHEAL PLUS 30, Prilovix, Prilovix Lite, Prilovix Lite Plus, Prilovix Plus, Prilovix Ultralite, Prilovix Ultralite Plus, Prilovixil, Prizopak-II, REAL HEAL-I, Relador, Soluline, SOLUPICC, VallaDerm-90)`

What should I tell the doctor before using this medicine?

Before you use this cream, there are a few things you should definitely tell your doctor. Because some people may not be able to tolerate this medicine. So it's very important to be honest about these things.

If you have any of these conditions, tell your doctor:

• G6PD deficiency : This is a genetic condition.
• Heart disease : If there is any problem with the heart.
• Kidney disease: A problem with kidney function.
• Liver disease : Any disorder of the liver.
• Skin conditions or sensitivities : If you have very sensitive skin, or if you have other skin conditions.
• If you have ever had an unusual or allergic reaction to lidocaine, prilocaine, or any other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives .
• If you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant .
• If you are a breastfeeding mother .

It is very important for your safety that the doctor knows these things.

How do you use this medicine correctly?

This is the most important part. When it comes to medicine, it's very important to use it properly, right?

• This medicine is for external use only . Do not take it by mouth for any reason .
• Follow the instructions on the prescription label given to you by your doctor exactly.
• Wash your hands thoroughly before and after applying the medicine.
• Do not apply more than the recommended amount or leave it on the skin for too long .
• Do not apply to eyes or open wounds . This may cause eye irritation, blurred vision, or even temporary loss of vision.
• If this medicine accidentally gets into your eyes, immediately rinse them thoroughly with water . Do not rub or rub your eyes. Then see your doctor immediately.

What if it is used for children?

Doctors sometimes prescribe this medicine to children. However, there are some special precautions to be taken when using it in children . Therefore, if you are using this medicine for your child, talk to your pediatrician about it and get advice.

For example, imagine that your little child gets a little hurt while playing, and the doctor says that he needs to put a little stitch. The child is afraid that it will hurt. Then the doctor can apply a little of this cream to the area, and after a while, when the area becomes numb, he can put the stitch. Then the child will not feel any pain. However, the doctor decides the amount to apply and the time to keep it, depending on the child's age and weight.

What to do if you overdose? (Overdosage)

If you think you've taken more of this medicine than you think, call a poison control center or emergency room immediately . This is not a joke, so act quickly.

This is only good for you!

This medicine has been prescribed for you by your doctor. Never share this medicine with anyone else.Because everyone's circumstances are different, what works for you may not work for someone else, and side effects may occur.

What if I miss a dose of medication?

This medicine is usually used once before a medical procedure . It needs to be on the skin for a while to work properly. If you are late in applying this medicine, be sure to tell your doctor or healthcare provider before the procedure .

What other medications may interact with this medicine?

This cream may interact with other medications you are taking. This means that using both together may change the effectiveness of one or increase the side effects.

Here are some medications that may interact with this cream:

• Acetaminophen (like paracetamol)
• Some types of antibiotics : for example, dapsone, nitrofurantoin, aminosalicylic acid, sulfasalazine
• Some medications for seizures : For example, `(phenobarbital)`, `(phenytoin)`, `(valproic acid)`
• Chloroquine (a medicine for malaria)
• Cyclophosphamide
• Flutamide `(flutamide)`
• Hydroxyurea `(hydroxyurea)`
• Ifosfamide `(ifosfamide)`
• Metoclopramide (an anti-vomiting medicine)
• Nitroglycerin (a medicine for heart disease)
• Other local anesthetics : for example, pramoxine, tetracaine
• Primaquine
• Quinine

This list is not exhaustive. Therefore, tell your doctor about all the medicines you take (prescribed, over-the-counter, herbal, vitamin, dietary supplements). Also tell your doctor if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some things can interact with your medicine.

Things to be careful about when using this medicine

After applying this cream and numbing the skin, you will not feel any pain in that area, so it is very important to take care not to injure the area .

• Don't pick or rub the numb area.
• Also, avoid exposing the area to very hot or very cold things until full sensation returns. For example, don't put a numb hand in a hot oven or in ice water. You can get burned or injured by the cold because you won't be able to feel the heat or cold.
• The numbness will disappear within a few hours of applying the cream.

What are the possible side effects of this medicine?

Like any medicine, this can cause side effects in some people. Not everyone will, but it's good to be aware of them.

Side effects that you should tell your doctor about immediately:

If you experience any of these symptoms, tell your doctor or healthcare provider as soon as possible :

• Blurred vision
• Chest pain
• Difficulty breathing
• Dizziness
• Drowsiness (unusual)
• Fast or irregular heartbeat
• A skin rash or itching ( not just where the medicine was applied, but also in other places)
• Swelling of your throat, lips, or face (this could be a sign of a severe allergy)
• Trembling

Side effects that are usually not serious, but should be reported to your doctor if they persist:

These things are usually not a big problem, but if they persist or bother you, tell your doctor:

• Changes in ability to feel hot or cold ( where the medicine was applied)
• Redness and slight swelling at the application site

This list may not include all side effects. If you notice anything else unusual, ask your doctor about it.

How do you store the medicine?

Storing medicines properly also helps maintain their quality.

• Keep it out of the reach of children . This is very important.
• Store at room temperature (between 15 and 30 degrees Celsius / 59 and 86 degrees Fahrenheit).
• Keep the mouth of the medicine tube/container tightly closed .
• Throw away unused medication that has passed its expiration date .

Finally, things to remember

This is a brief summary of the lidocaine and prilocaine cream we discussed. It may not contain all the information. If you have any further questions about this medicine, please feel free to ask your doctor, pharmacist, or other healthcare provider .

The most important thing is to use this medicine exactly as your doctor tells you, and to inform your doctor about any other illnesses you have and any other medications you are taking. That way, you can get the most out of this medicine and stay safe.

` Lidocaine, Prilocaine, skin numbing, topical anesthetic, injection pain, medical procedures, skin medication