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Lidocaine / Prilocaine Topical Side Effects

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Feb 19, 2024.

Applies to lidocaine/prilocaine topical: topical application cream.

Other dosage forms:

Other side effects

Some side effects of lidocaine / prilocaine 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:

More common side effects

  • burning, swelling, itching, or skin rash at application site
  • white or red skin at the application site

Serious side effects

Along with its needed effects, lidocaine/prilocaine 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 immediately if any of the following side effects occur while taking lidocaine / prilocaine topical:

Rare side effects

  • cough
  • difficulty with swallowing
  • large, hive-like swellings on the eyelids, face, lips, tongue, or genitals
  • severe dizziness or feeling faint
  • skin rash, itching, or hives
  • stuffy nose
  • tightness in the chest
  • troubled breathing

Incidence not known

  • blisters on the skin at application site
  • blue or blue-purple color of lips, fingernails, mouth, or skin
  • blurred or double vision
  • dark urine
  • dizziness or drowsiness
  • fainting
  • feeling hot, cold, or numb
  • headache
  • irregular or fast heartbeat
  • muscle twitching or trembling
  • nausea
  • ringing or buzzing in the ears
  • seizures
  • unusual excitement, nervousness, or restlessness
  • unusual tiredness or weakness
  • vomiting
Managing side effects (general information)

For healthcare professionals

Applies to lidocaine / prilocaine topical: mucous membrane gel, topical cream, topical film, topical kit.

Local adverse events

Local side effects have included erythema, edema, and abnormal sensation. Local effects observed in the trials of the cream on intact skin have included paleness (37%), erythema (30%), alterations in temperature sensations (7%), edema (6%), itching (2%), and rash (<1%). The most commonly reported local side effects in clinical studies on genital mucous membranes were redness (21%), burning sensation (17%), and edema (10%).[Ref]

Cardiovascular

Cardiovascular side effects have included bradycardia, hypotension, and cardiovascular collapse leading to arrest.[Ref]

Nervous system

Nervous system side effects have included CNS excitation and/or depression. Excitatory CNS reactions may be brief or not occur at all.[Ref]

Hypersensitivity

Hypersensitivity side effects have included angioedema, bronchospasm, and shock.[Ref]

Dermatologic

Dermatologic side effects have included urticaria. The detection of sensitivity by skin testing is of doubtful value.[Ref]

References

1. (2022) "Product Information. Emla (lidocaine-prilocaine topical)." Astra-Zeneca Pharmaceuticals

Further information

Lidocaine/prilocaine 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.

Some side effects may not be reported. You may report them to the FDA.

Medical Disclaimer