Emla Cream - action, dosage, use, side effects

Emla Cream is a topical anesthetic used to temporarily numb the skin and surrounding area. It acts by blocking the nerve signals in your body. The cream contains two active ingredients, Lidocaine and Prilocaine, which are both local anesthetics. These ingredients work by temporarily blocking the pathway of pain signals along nerves.

Lidocaine and Prilocaine work by preventing the nerves from transmitting painful impulses to the brain. It does this by stopping the sodium entering the nerve ending at the site of the pain. This prevents an electrical signal building up and passing along the nerve fibres to the brain.

When Emla Cream is applied to the skin, the Lidocaine and Prilocaine prevent pain signals passing from that area to the brain and so numb the skin. This numbing effect allows minor surgical procedures to be performed without causing pain.

Emla Cream, also known as a local anesthetic, is most often used to numb specific areas on the human body. This topical cream is primarily used to temporarily numb the surface of the skin before specific procedures such as injections, skin grafts or skin laser surgeries. It is also used to reduce pain or discomfort caused by minor skin irritations, sunburn, insect bites, poison ivy, poison oak, poison sumac, and minor cuts, scratches, or burns.

Additionally, Emla cream is used in the treatment of premature ejaculation, as its numbing effect can help delay ejaculation. However, this usage needs to be done under the guidance of a healthcare professional.

It's worth noting that Emla cream should not be used in cases of severe wound or deep puncture wounds without doctor's consultation. Also, it is not intended for internal use, so avoid such areas as the eyes or inside the nose or mouth.

Emla Cream - contraindications

Contraindications are specific conditions or factors that make the use of Emla Cream inadvisable. It's crucial to know these as it may lead to severe health issues if overlooked. Here are the primary contraindications associated with Emla Cream:

• Emla Cream should not be used on open wounds or damaged skin. This can cause the active ingredients to penetrate deeper into the skin, potentially leading to systemic absorption and adverse effects.

• It is contraindicated in patients who have a known allergy to lidocaine, prilocaine, or any other component present in the formulation of Emla Cream. An allergic reaction may result in symptoms such as hives, breathing difficulties, or swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat.

• Patients with methemoglobinemia, a rare blood disorder, should not use Emla Cream. Both lidocaine and prilocaine, the active ingredients in Emla Cream, can exacerbate this condition.

• Emla Cream is also contraindicated in premature infants due to their incomplete skin development and potential for increased systemic absorption.

If you fall under any of the above categories, it's essential to seek medical advice before using Emla Cream. Remember, your health and safety should always come first.

Like any other medication, Emla Cream can also produce some unwanted side effects. However, not everyone who uses this cream will experience these side effects. Many people using Emla Cream have had no serious side effects.

Common side effects include temporary redness, swelling, lightening of the skin, rash, itching, or a feeling of warmth at the application site may occur. If these effects persist or worsen, consult your doctor or pharmacist promptly.

Although uncommon, Emla Cream can also cause serious side effects. These include slow/shallow breathing, pale/bluish skin around the mouth or on the fingers or toes, dizziness, fainting, fast/slow/irregular heartbeat. If you experience any of these symptoms, stop using the cream and seek immediate medical attention.

It is important to note that this list is not complete, and other side effects may occur. Always consult your healthcare provider for medical advice about side effects. Individuals react differently to medications and side effects may vary.

The dosage of Emla Cream can vary depending on the individual and the specific condition it is being used to treat. However, it's crucial to follow the guidelines provided by your healthcare provider or the instructions on the packaging to ensure safe and effective use.

For minor procedures such as needle insertion and surgical skin cleaning, the typical dosage is a thick layer of cream applied to the skin area 1 hour prior to the procedure. The cream should then be covered with an occlusive dressing.

For more in-depth procedures such as split skin grafting, a thicker layer of cream is applied 2 hours prior to the procedure. The area should then be covered with an occlusive dressing.

The Emla Cream should be removed just prior to the start of the procedure. It's important to note that the cream should never be applied to open wounds or damaged skin as it could potentially cause further harm.

In case of missed dosage, Emla Cream should be applied as soon as possible unless it's almost time for the next dose. In this case, the missed dose should be skipped.

In the event of an overdose, immediate medical attention should be sought. Symptoms of an overdose could include irregular or slow heartbeat, seizure, slowed breathing, or unconsciousness.

Emla Cream is primarily used as a local anesthetic. It's applied topically to numb the skin and underlying tissues in preparation for minor surgical procedures. The cream's active ingredients, lidocaine and prilocaine, work by blocking the pain signals from the nerves under the skin, providing temporary numbing effect.

Before applying Emla Cream, the skin should be clean and dry. Using the cream is simple. Usually, a thick layer of the cream is applied to the area that needs to be numbed. The cream is then covered with an occlusive dressing, such as a plastic wrap, to enhance absorption. The cream should be left on the skin for at least one hour, but no more than five hours. After this, the cream should be wiped off and the area can be cleaned before the procedure.

It's vital to follow the instructions of the healthcare provider or the directions on the package. Overuse or misuse of Emla Cream can lead to serious side effects, including irregular heartbeat or seizures. Therefore, it should only be used under the guidance of a medical professional.

When using Emla Cream, it's important to be aware of several precautions to ensure the safety and efficacy of the treatment. Careful application is key to avoid potential side effects or negative interactions with other substances.

Firstly, Emla Cream should not be applied to broken or inflamed skin, as this may increase the risk of systemic absorption, potentially leading to unwanted side effects. Also, it should not be applied near the eyes or on the inner ear, as it could cause severe irritation.

Secondly, avoid application on large areas of skin or for prolonged periods of time, especially in children and elderly patients, as they may be more susceptible to systemic absorption.

Thirdly, it's important to remember that Emla Cream can make the skin numb. Therefore, avoid scratching, rubbing, or exposing the treated area to extreme temperatures until the numbness has completely worn off.

It's also crucial to inform your doctor or pharmacist about all the products you use, including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products, before starting treatment with Emla Cream. This is to avoid any potential interactions that could alter the effectiveness of Emla Cream or increase the risk of side effects.

Finally, pregnant or breastfeeding women should consult their health care provider before using Emla Cream, as it's not known whether it can harm an unborn baby or if it passes into breast milk.

When using Emla Cream, it's crucial to be aware of its potential interactions with other substances. These interactions can alter the way Emla Cream works, potentially reducing its effectiveness or increasing the risk of adverse reactions.

Firstly, this cream should not be used in combination with certain medications. If you are taking any medication, especially those for heart diseases or arrhythmias, such as amiodarone or mexiletine, you should immediately discuss this with your doctor. The interaction of these drugs with Emla Cream may cause serious heart problems.

Secondly, the use of Emla Cream with other local anesthetics or substances that are similar in structure, such as prilocaine or lidocaine, should be avoided. This is because the combined effect of these substances can potentially lead to a condition known as methemoglobinemia, a serious blood disorder.

Also, certain vaccines, such as the Bacillus of Calmette and Guérin (BCG) vaccine, may interact with Emla Cream. The cream may potentially interfere with the vaccine's effectiveness, so it's recommended to consult your doctor or pharmacist before using Emla Cream if you have recently been vaccinated or plan to be.

It's also important to note that Emla Cream can interact with certain foods, particularly those containing tyramine, such as cheese and red wine. These foods may increase the risk of developing methemoglobinemia when using Emla Cream.

Lastly, certain medical conditions can also interact with Emla Cream. For example, people with liver disease or those who have a history of methemoglobinemia should use this cream with caution, as it may further complicate these conditions.

Remember, this is not a complete list of possible interactions. Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the safe use of Emla Cream.

The price of Emla Cream is a significant factor to consider when weighing its benefits against its cost. This topical anesthetic is available in pharmacies and online marketplaces, and its price can vary considerably depending on the location, pharmacy, or platform.

It's important to note that the cost of Emla Cream is not always indicative of its quality or effectiveness. This medication has been proven to be effective for its indicated uses, regardless of its price. However, the price may dictate the affordability and accessibility of the product for some patients.

In general, the price of a 30g tube of Emla Cream can range from $25 to $50. Keep in mind that this is an estimated price range and actual costs can vary. Also, these prices are subjected to changes and may not include additional costs like shipping fees for online purchases.

Furthermore, it's worth noting that, although Emla Cream is available over the counter in some countries, it may require a prescription in others. This requirement can also influence the final cost of the product. Therefore, it's always advised to check the current pricing from a reliable source or consult with a healthcare professional before purchasing.

In conclusion, while the price of Emla Cream is an important consideration, it should not be the sole factor in deciding whether to use this product. The effectiveness, safety profile, and individual needs should also be taken into account.

The Emla Cream is a widely used anesthetic cream but in some cases, it might be necessary to use a substitute. This could be due to numerous reasons such as unavailability, allergenic ingredients, or personal preference. There are several substitutes available on the market that function similarly to Emla Cream.

• Prilox Cream: This is a mixture of lidocaine and prilocaine, similar to Emla. It's used to numb the skin before painful procedures.
• Lidocaine Cream: This is a topical anesthetic that can be used in place of Emla. It's often used for minor surgeries or dental procedures.
• Topical Lidocaine Patch: Patient's who don't like using creams might prefer this patch. It's placed on the skin to provide local numbing.
• Maxilene Cream: This is another lidocaine-based cream that can be used as a substitute for Emla. It's often used for minor skin procedures.

It's crucial to remember that while these creams function similarly to Emla, they may have different strengths, usage instructions, and potential side effects. Always consult with a healthcare provider before switching to a different product.