Have you ever had to undergo a minor skin surgery, laser treatment, or any other painful medical procedure? You may have seen the doctor apply a numbing cream to the area. Today, we're talking about a special cream that's used to temporarily block pain.
What exactly is this cream?
It contains two types of drugs called Lidocaine and Tetracaine. Simply put, it is a local anesthetic . This means that when this cream is applied to the skin, it temporarily numbs only the area where it is applied.
Imagine that there are small "wires" that carry pain messages from our skin to the brain, that is, nerves . What this cream does is temporarily block the pain message from going to the brain through those "wires." It's like turning off a switch there. Then, when the doctor performs the necessary treatment, you won't feel any pain.
Things you need to tell your doctor before using this medicine
It is very important that your doctor is fully aware of your health condition before giving you this medicine. Therefore, if you have any of the following conditions, be sure to tell your doctor.
- If you have a blood disorder such as G6PD deficiency .
- If you have heart disease.
- If you have kidney disease or liver disease.
- If you have an enzyme deficiency called pseudocholinesterase deficiency .
- If you have skin diseases , skin sensitivity, or injuries .
- If you have previously had an allergy to lidocaine, tetracaine, or any other anesthetic, food, or dye.
- If you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant.
- If you are a nursing mother.
It is very important for your safety to tell the doctor these things without hiding them.
How do you use this cream?
This is not a medicine that you can take home with you. It is for external use only . Usually, a doctor or nurse will apply this cream to your skin before your treatment at a hospital or clinic.
They will tell you how long to leave the cream on your skin. Sometimes it may be 20-30 minutes or an hour. During that time, the area will be very numb. If you have any questions about this, don't be afraid to ask your doctor.
What to do if you take too much medicine?
This is usually used by medical staff, so mistakes are rare. However, if you accidentally use too much of this medicine or get it in your mouth, go to the nearest hospital Emergency Department (ETU) immediately. Or call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital .
The most important thing is that this is a medicine prescribed for you only. Never share this medicine with anyone else or let anyone else use it.
Other drugs that may interact with this medicine (Drug Interactions)
If you are taking medication for another condition, it may interact with this cream. Therefore, tell your doctor about all the medications you are taking (including vitamins and herbal remedies). It is especially important to tell your doctor if you are taking any of the following medications:
| Drug category | Examples |
|---|---|
| Some painkillers | Acetaminophen |
| Some antibiotics | Dapsone, nitrofurantoin, sulfasalazine |
| Seizure medications | Phenobarbital, phenytoin, valproic acid |
| Medicine for malaria | Chloroquine, Primaquine, Quinine |
| Other local anesthetics | Other painkillers, such as pramoxine |
| Other medications | Nitroglycerin, Metoclopramide, Cyclophosphamide |
This list is not complete, so it's safest to tell your doctor about all the medications you're taking.
Things to be careful about when using
- Do not let it get into your eyes! This cream is very harmful to your eyes. If you accidentally get it in your eyes, immediately open your eyes and rinse them thoroughly with clean water. Then protect your eyes until you regain sensation.
- If you experience any irritation or burning sensation while applying the cream, tell your doctor or nurse immediately.
- Most importantly: Don't pick, scratch, or rub the area vigorously while it's numb. Also, don't expose it to extreme heat or cold. This can damage the skin even if you don't feel the pain. Take care of the area until the numbness goes away and normal sensation returns.
What are the expected side effects?
Like any medicine, this can cause side effects in some people, but not everyone gets them.
| Type of side effect | Description |
|---|---|
| Symptoms you should report to your doctor immediately | |
| Allergic reactions | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat. |
| Symptoms of Methemoglobinemia | (This is a serious condition that affects the blood's ability to carry oxygen) - Sudden headache, extreme fatigue, difficulty breathing, nausea, vomiting, rapid heartbeat, blue/gray skin or lips. |
| Changes in heart rate | Fast or irregular heartbeat, dizziness, feeling faint, chest pain, difficulty breathing. |
| Symptoms that are usually not serious, but should be reported to the doctor if they persist | |
| Skin discoloration | Paleness or redness where the cream was applied. |
| A slight inflammation | A slight burning or discomfort where the cream was applied. |
If you experience any other unusual symptoms not mentioned in this list, tell your doctor about them as well.
Take-Home Message
- Lidocaine; Tetracaine is a topical cream used to numb the skin before a medical procedure.
- This is not a medicine that is usually given at home. It is applied by medical staff in a hospital or clinic.
- Be sure to tell your doctor about any other medical conditions you have and any other medications you are taking.
- When your skin is numb, it is your responsibility to take care of the area so that it does not become injured.
- If you experience any serious side effects such as difficulty breathing, blue lips, or rapid heartbeat, seek medical advice immediately.
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