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Prilocaine/Lignocaine

Drug Class: Commonly Known As: Category:
Prilocaine Hydrochloride + Felypressin Prilocaine/Lignocaine

Prilocaine/Lignocaine - Side Effects, Precautions, and Contraindications

What side effects can Prilocaine/Lignocaine cause?

Common side effects include: 
  • Whitening or redness of the skin 
  • Puffiness of the skin 
  • Burning or itching on the site of application 
These side effects may disappear during treatment. If any of the following effects persist or are severe, consult your doctor. Rare but serious side effects include: 
  • Allergic reactions which include 
    • Swollen face/eyes/lips/tongue 
    • Difficulty in breathing 
    • Itchy skin rashes over your whole body 
  • Small red dots (petechiae) at the application site, especially in children with skin problems (e.g., atopic dermatitis or eczema). 
  • Methaemoglobinemia 
    • Bluish or greyish color of the lips, nails, skin 
    • Abnormal heartbeat 
    • Seizures 
    • Severe dizziness, passing out 
    • Severe headache 
    • Shortness of breath 
    • Feeling weak or tired 
  • Slow heartbeat 
  • Change in balance or speech 
  • Ringing in ears 
  • Anxiety, restless, excitable, low mood 
  • Feeling lightheaded, confused, or having blurred vision

Before taking Prilocaine/Lignocaine , what precautions must I follow?

  • Inform your healthcare professional if you have: 
    • Allergy to prilocaine, lignocaine/lidocaine, local anaesthetics, or any of the other ingredients of this medication 
    • Dermatitis or any other skin problems 
    • Severe liver conditions 
    • Severe heart rhythm conditions 
    • Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency. 
    • Methaemoglobinaemia (a blood disorder that causes the skin, especially around lips and nails, to turn brownish or greyish) 
    • Infection, skin rash or broken skin at, or near the area where you want to apply EMLA cream 
    • Plans to become pregnant, are pregnant or breastfeeding 
  • The skin on which EMLA cream is applied may stay numb for up to several hours after the cream is removed. For this reason, you should be careful to avoid accidental injury to the treated area, such as scratching, rubbing or exposure to extreme temperatures, until complete sensation returns. 
  • Avoid getting EMLA cream in your eyes, nose, or mouth. If you get EMLA in your eyes, rinse them with plenty of water. If the medication is swallowed, call a doctor immediately. 
  • Do not apply to ruptured eardrum, anus, or children’s genital areas. 
  • Children should be closely observed during and after use of EMLA cream, as they are at greater risk than adults for serious side effects, such as methaemoglobinemia.

What food or medicine must I avoid when I take Prilocaine/Lignocaine ?

Inform your doctor if you are taking 
  • Other medications, especially
    • Antiarrhythmic drugs for heart problems e.g., amiodarone 
    • Other local anaesthetics 
    • Cimetidine 
    • Beta-blockers 
    • Other drugs which may trigger methaemoglobin formation e.g., sulfonamides, nitrofurantoin, chloroquine, dapsone, phenytoin, phenobarbital 
  • Are taking supplements, traditional medications and herbal remedies

Prilocaine/Lignocaine - Additional Information

  • Updated on
  • Article contributed by PSS National Medication Information Workgroup PSS National Medication Information Workgroup
The information provided is not intended as medical advice. Terms of use. Information provided by SingHealth

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