Lidocaine and prilocaine are local anesthetics (numbing medicines). They work by blocking nerve signals in your body.

Lidocaine and prilocaine topical (for the skin) is a combination medicine used to numb the skin or surfaces of the penis or vagina. This medicine is used to prepare you for minor surgery or medical procedures on these areas.

Lidocaine and prilocaine topical may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

You should not use lidocaine and prilocaine topical if you are allergic to any type of numbing medicine.

Fatal overdoses have occurred when numbing medicines were used without the advice of a medical doctor (such as during a cosmetic procedure like laser hair removal). However, overdose has also occurred in women treated with a numbing medicine before having a mammography.

Be aware that many cosmetic procedures are performed without a medical doctor present.

To make sure lidocaine and prilocaine topical is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have:

• a blood cell disorder called methemoglobinemia;
• liver disease;
• a genetic enzyme deficiency called glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency; or
• a family history of methemoglobinemia, or any genetic enzyme deficiency.

FDA pregnancy category B. Lidocaine and prilocaine topical is not expected to harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment.

Lidocaine and prilocaine can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. Tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

Use Emla (Topical) exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor. Do not use in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Call your doctor at once if you have:

• severe burning, stinging, or irritation where the medicine was applied;
• swelling or redness;
• sudden dizziness or drowsiness after medicine is applied;
• confusion, blurred vision, ringing in your ears;
• bruising or purple appearance of the skin; or
• unusual sensations of temperature.

Common side effects may include:

• mild burning where the medicine is applied;
• itching, rash; or
• changes in skin color where the medicine was applied.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Do not allow this medicine to come into contact with your eyes. If it does, rinse with water.

Do not take by mouth. Lidocaine and prilocaine topical is for use only on the skin.

Avoid accidentally injuring treated skin areas while they are numb. Avoid coming into contact with very hot or very cold surfaces.