Drug Detail:Pliaglis (Lidocaine and tetracaine topical [ lye-doe-kane-and-tet-ra-kane-top-i-kal ])
Drug Class: Topical anesthetics
Highlights of Prescribing Information
This package includes 1 unit of Pliaglis and 10 Alcohol Prep Pads
PLIAGLIS® (lidocaine and tetracaine) cream, for topical use
Initial U.S. Approval: 2006
Recent Major Changes
Dosage and Administration, Important Dosage and Administration Instructions (2.1) | 12/2018 |
Dosage and Administration, Recommended Dosage (2.3) | 12/2018 |
Warnings and Precautions, Methemoglobinemia (5.1) | 11/2018 |
Indications and Usage for Pliaglis
PLIAGLIS is a combination of lidocaine, an amide local anesthetic, and tetracaine, an ester local anesthetic, indicated for use on intact skin in adults to provide topical local analgesia for superficial dermatological procedures such as dermal filler injection, pulsed dye laser therapy, facial laser resurfacing, and laser-assisted tattoo removal. (1)
Pliaglis Dosage and Administration
- Apply only to intact skin. (2.1)
- Do not exceed the recommended dose of drug or duration of application. (2.1)
- Recommended duration of application (2.2):
For dermal filler injection ablative laser facial resurfacing, or pulsed-dye laser therapy | 20-30 minutes prior to procedure |
For superficial dermatological procedures such as laser-assisted tattoo removal | 60 minutes prior to procedure |
- See Full Prescribing Information for amount to apply based upon treatment site surface area. (2.3)
Dosage Forms and Strengths
Cream: 70 mg of lidocaine and 70 mg of tetracaine per gram (7%; 7%). (3)
Contraindications
- Known history of sensitivity to lidocaine or tetracaine, or local anesthetics of the amide or ester type. (4)
- Para-aminobenzoic acid (PABA) hypersensitivity. (4)
Warnings and Precautions
- Methemoglobinemia: Cases of methemoglobinemia have been reported in association with local anesthetic use. (5.1)
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Overexposure: To avoid overexposure that could lead to adverse effects,
- –
- do not use for longer duration or over larger surface areas than recommended. (5.2)
- –
- consider total amount of local anesthetics absorbed from all formulations. (5.2)
- –
- do not apply to mucous membranes or broken or inflamed skin. (5.2)
- –
- use with caution in patients who may be more sensitive to systemic effects of PLIAGLIS, including acutely ill or debilitated or those with severe hepatic disease or pseudocholinesterase deficiency. (5.2)
- Risk of Secondary Exposure to Children and Pets: Store and dispose of PLIAGLIS out of reach of children and pets due to the risk of accidental exposure and resulting toxicity. (5)
- Anaphylactic Reactions: Seek emergency help if an anaphylactic reaction occurs. (5.4)
- Eye Irritation: Avoid contact with eyes. (5.5)
Adverse Reactions/Side Effects
Most common local reactions were erythema (47%), skin discoloration (16%), and edema (14%). (6.1)
To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Taro Pharmaceuticals U.S.A., Inc. at 1-866-923-4914 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch.
Drug Interactions
- Antiarrhythmic Drugs: Use with caution in patients receiving Class I antiarrhythmic drugs (such as tocainide and mexiletine) because the systemic toxic effects are thought to be additive and potentially synergistic with lidocaine and tetracaine. (7.1)
See 17 for PATIENT COUNSELING INFORMATION.
Revised: 9/2020
Full Prescribing Information
1. Indications and Usage for Pliaglis
PLIAGLIS is indicated for use on intact skin in adults to provide topical local analgesia for superficial dermatological procedures such as dermal filler injection, pulsed dye laser therapy, facial laser resurfacing, and laser-assisted tattoo removal.
2. Pliaglis Dosage and Administration
2.1 Important Dosage and Administration Instructions
- For use in adults only.
- PLIAGLIS should only be applied to intact skin.
- PLIAGLIS should not be applied to a procedure site after the procedure has been performed.
- Remove PLIAGLIS if skin irritation or a burning sensation occurs during application.
- In order to minimize the risk of systemic toxicity, do not exceed the recommended amount of drug to apply or the duration of the application [see Overdosage (10)].
- Avoid eye and lip contact with PLIAGLIS.
- Wash hands after handling PLIAGLIS.
- Upon removal from the treatment site, discard the used PLIAGLIS in a location that is out of the reach of children and pets. Access to PLIAGLIS by children or pets should be prevented during usage and storage of the product [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2)].
- Use only as directed.
2.2 Recommended Dosing Duration
- For superficial dermatological procedures, such as dermal filler injection, non-ablative laser facial resurfacing, or pulsed-dye laser therapy, apply PLIAGLIS to intact skin for 20 to 30 minutes prior to the procedure. See Table 1 for instructions on the amount to apply.
- For superficial dermatological procedures, such as laser-assisted tattoo removal, apply PLIAGLIS to intact skin for 60 minutes prior to the procedure. See Table 1 for instructions on the amount to apply.
2.3 Recommended Dosage
The dose of PLIAGLIS that provides effective local dermal analgesia depends on the duration of the application. Although not specifically studied, a shorter duration of application may result in a less complete dermal analgesia or a shorter duration of adequate dermal analgesia.
Determine the amount of drug to apply
The amount (length) of PLIAGLIS that should be dispensed is determined by the size of the area to be treated (see Table 1).
- Using the ruler on the applicator included in the carton, squeeze out and measure the amount of PLIAGLIS that approximates the amount required to achieve proper coverage.
- Spread PLIAGLIS evenly and thinly (approximately 1 mm or the thickness of a dime) across the treatment area using a flat-surfaced tool such as a metal spatula or tongue depressor.
- After waiting the required application time, remove the PLIAGLIS by grasping a free-edge with your fingers and pulling it away from the skin.
Surface Area of Treatment Site (inch2) | Length of PLIAGLIS for 1 mm Thickness (inch) | Weight of PLIAGLIS Dispensed (g) |
---|---|---|
2 | 1 | 1 |
3 | 2 | 3 |
6 | 5 | 5 |
12 | 9 | 11 |
16 | 12 | 13 |
23 | 18 | 20 |
31 | 24 | 26 |
39 | 30 | 33 |
47 | 36 | 40 |
54 | 42 | 46 |
62 | 48 | 53 |
3. Dosage Forms and Strengths
Each gram of PLIAGLIS contains lidocaine 70 mg and tetracaine 70 mg and is a smooth, white to off-white, viscous cream.
4. Contraindications
- PLIAGLIS is contraindicated in patients with a known history of sensitivity to lidocaine or tetracaine, local anesthetics of the amide or ester type, or to any other component of the product [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4)].
- PLIAGLIS is contraindicated in patients with para-aminobenzoic acid (PABA) hypersensitivity.
5. Warnings and Precautions
5.1 Methemoglobinemia
Cases of methemoglobinemia have been reported in association with local anesthetic use. Although all patients are at risk for methemoglobinemia, patients with glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency, congenital or idiopathic methemoglobinemia, cardiac or pulmonary compromise, infants under 6 months of age, and concurrent exposure to oxidizing agents or their metabolites are more susceptible to developing clinical manifestations of the condition. If local anesthetics must be used in these patients, close monitoring for symptoms and signs of methemoglobinemia is recommended.
Signs of methemoglobinemia may occur immediately or may be delayed some hours after exposure, and are characterized by a cyanotic skin discoloration and/or abnormal coloration of the blood. Methemoglobin levels may continue to rise; therefore, immediate treatment is required to avert more serious central nervous system and cardiovascular adverse effects, including seizures, coma, arrhythmias, and death. Discontinue PLIAGLIS and any other oxidizing agents. Depending on the severity of the signs and symptoms, patients may respond to supportive care, i.e., oxygen therapy, hydration. A more severe clinical presentation may require treatment with methylene blue, exchange transfusion, or hyperbaric oxygen.
5.2 Overexposure
- Application of PLIAGLIS for longer times than those recommended or application of PLIAGLIS over larger surface areas than those recommended could result in absorption of lidocaine and tetracaine at doses that could lead to serious adverse effects [see Overdosage (10)].
- When PLIAGLIS is used concomitantly with other products containing local anesthetic agents, consider the amount absorbed from all formulations since the systemic toxic effects are thought to be additive and potentially synergistic with lidocaine and tetracaine.
- PLIAGLIS is not recommended for use on mucous membranes or on areas with a compromised skin barrier because these uses have not been adequately studied. Application to broken or inflamed skin may result in toxic blood concentrations of lidocaine and tetracaine from increased absorption.
- Use PLIAGLIS with caution in patients who may be more sensitive to the systemic effects of lidocaine and tetracaine, including the acutely ill or debilitated.
- Patients with severe hepatic disease or pseudocholinesterase deficiency, because of their inability to metabolize local anesthetics normally, are at a greater risk of developing toxic plasma concentrations of lidocaine and tetracaine.
5.3 Risks of Secondary Exposure to Children and Pets
Used PLIAGLIS contains a large amount of lidocaine and tetracaine. The potential exists for a small child or pet to suffer serious adverse effects from ingesting PLIAGLIS, although this risk with PLIAGLIS has not been evaluated. After use, replace the cap securely on the tube. It is important to store and dispose of PLIAGLIS out of the reach of children and pets.
5.4 Anaphylactic Reactions
Allergic or anaphylactic reactions have been associated with lidocaine and tetracaine and may occur with other components of PLIAGLIS. They are characterized by urticaria, angioedema, bronchospasm, and shock. If an allergic reaction occurs, seek emergency help immediately.
5.5 Eye Irritation
Avoid contact of PLIAGLIS with the eyes based on the findings of severe eye irritation with the use of similar products in animals. Also, the loss of protective reflexes may predispose to corneal irritation and potential abrasion. If eye contact occurs, immediately wash out the eye with water or saline and protect the eye until sensation returns.
6. Adverse Reactions/Side Effects
The following adverse reactions are described elsewhere in the labeling:
- Methemoglobinemia [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1)]
- Overexposure [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2)]
- Risks of Secondary Exposure in Children and Pets [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3)]
- Anaphylactic Reactions [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4)]
- Eye Irritation [see Warnings and Precautions (5.5)]
6.1 Clinical Trials Experience
Because clinical trials are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reaction rates observed in clinical trials of a drug cannot be directly compared to rates in the clinical trials of another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in practice.
However, the adverse reaction information from clinical trials does provide a basis for identifying the adverse events that appear to be related to drug use and for approximating their incidence in clinical practice.
PLIAGLIS has been evaluated for safety in 2159 persons undergoing a superficial dermal procedure. PLIAGLIS was studied in 11 placebo-controlled and 1 active-controlled trials, and in open-label safety trials. All 2159 persons were exposed to only a single application of PLIAGLIS. Adverse reactions were assessed by collecting spontaneously reported adverse reactions, and observations made on formal evaluation of the skin for specific reactions.
6.2 Postmarketing Experience
The following adverse reactions have been identified during post-approval use of PLIAGLIS.
Because these reactions are reported voluntarily from a population of uncertain size, it is not always possible to reliably estimate their frequency or establish a causal relationship to drug exposure.
Eye disorders: Eyelid swelling
Skin: Pruritus, Rash, Skin Burning Sensation, Erythema, Urticaria
Other: Drug ineffective
7. Drug Interactions
7.1 Antiarrhythmic Drugs
PLIAGLIS should be used with caution in patients receiving Class I antiarrhythmic drugs (such as tocainide and mexiletine) since the systemic toxic effects are thought to be additive and potentially synergistic with lidocaine and tetracaine.
7.2 Local Anesthetics
When PLIAGLIS is used concomitantly with other products containing local anesthetic agents, the amount absorbed from all formulations should be considered since the systemic toxic effects are thought to be additive and potentially synergistic with lidocaine and tetracaine.
7.3 Drugs That May Cause Methemoglobinemia When Used with PLIAGLIS
Patients who are administered local anesthetics are at increased risk of developing methemoglobinemia when concurrently exposed to the following drugs, which could include other local anesthetics:
Examples of Drugs Associated with Methemoglobinemia:
Class | Examples |
---|---|
Nitrates/Nitrites | nitric oxide, nitroglycerin, nitroprusside, nitrous oxide |
Local anesthetics | articaine, benzocaine, bupivacaine, lidocaine, mepivacaine, prilocaine, procaine, ropivacaine, tetracaine |
Antineoplastic agents | cyclophosphamide, flutamide, hydroxyurea, ifosfamide, rasburicase |
Antibiotics | dapsone, nitrofurantoin, para-aminosalicylic acid, sulfonamides |
Antimalarials | chloroquine, primaquine |
Anticonvulsants | phenobarbital, phenytoin, sodium valproate |
Other drugs | acetaminophen, metoclopramide, quinine, sulfasalazine |
8. Use In Specific Populations
8.4 Pediatric Use
Safety and effectiveness of PLIAGLIS in pediatric patients have not been established. Unintended exposure in pediatric patients could possibly lead to serious adverse effects [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2)]. In a trial of PLIAGLIS in pediatric patients aged 5 to 17 years undergoing venipuncture (blood draw or intravenous line placement), PLIAGLIS applied for 30 minutes failed to show efficacy over placebo in reducing the pain associated with the procedure.
8.5 Geriatric Use
Of the total number of subjects treated with PLIAGLIS in controlled clinical studies, 161 subjects were 65 years and older, while 50 subjects were over 75 years of age. No overall differences in safety and effectiveness were observed between these subjects and younger subjects. However, increased sensitivity in individual patients aged 65 years and older cannot be ruled out [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)].
10. Overdosage
Application of 59 g of PLIAGLIS over 400 cm2 (62 inch2) for up to 120 minutes to adults produces peak plasma concentrations of lidocaine of 220 ng/mL. Toxic levels of lidocaine (>5000 ng/mL) cause CNS toxicity, including the risk of seizure. Signs of CNS toxicity may start at plasma concentrations of lidocaine as low as 1000 ng/mL, and the risk of seizures generally increases with increasing plasma levels. Very high levels of lidocaine can cause respiratory arrest, coma, decreases in cardiac output, total peripheral resistance and mean arterial pressure, ventricular arrhythmias and cardiac arrest.
Tetracaine is associated with a profile of systemic CNS and cardiovascular adverse events similar to lidocaine, although toxicity associated with tetracaine is thought to occur at lower doses compared to lidocaine. The toxicity of co-administered local anesthetics is thought to be at least additive. In the absence of massive topical overdose or oral ingestion, other etiologies for the clinical effects or overdosage from other sources of lidocaine, tetracaine or other local anesthetics should be considered.
The management of overdosage includes close monitoring, supportive care and symptomatic treatment. Dialysis is of negligible value in the treatment of acute overdosage of lidocaine or tetracaine.
11. Pliaglis Description
PLIAGLIS (lidocaine and tetracaine) Cream 7% / 7% is a topical local anesthetic cream that forms a pliable peel on the skin when exposed to air. The drug formulation is an emulsion in which the oil phase is a 1:1 eutectic mixture of lidocaine 7% and tetracaine 7%. The eutectic mixture has a melting point below room temperature and therefore both local anesthetics exist as a liquid oil rather than as crystals.
The net weight of lidocaine is 2.1 g and of tetracaine is 2.1 g per 30 g tube.
Lidocaine, an amide local anesthetic, is chemically designated as acetamide,2-(diethylamino)-N-(2,6-dimethylphenyl) and has an octanol:water partition ratio of 182 at pH 7.3.
The molecular weight of lidocaine is 234.3, and the molecular formula is C14H22N2O. The structural formula is:
Tetracaine, an ester local anesthetic, is chemically designated as 2-dimethylaminoethyl 4-n-butyl-aminobenzoate and has an octanol:water partition ratio of 5370 at pH 7.3. The molecular weight of tetracaine is 264.4, and the molecular formula is C15H24N2O2. The structural formula is:
Each gram of PLIAGLIS contains lidocaine 70 mg and tetracaine 70 mg in a 1:1 eutectic mixture and it also contains the following inactive ingredients: anhydrous dibasic calcium phosphate, methylparaben, polyvinyl alcohol, propylparaben, purified water, sorbitan monopalmitate, and white petrolatum.
12. Pliaglis - Clinical Pharmacology
12.1 Mechanism of Action
Lidocaine is an amide-type local anesthetic agent and tetracaine is an ester-type local anesthetic agent. Both lidocaine and tetracaine block sodium ion channels required for the initiation and conduction of neuronal impulses which, in certain instances, results in local anesthesia. When applied to intact skin, PLIAGLIS provides local dermal analgesia by the release of lidocaine and tetracaine from the peel into the skin.
12.2 Pharmacodynamics
Duration of analgesia was evaluated using a pinprick test in 40 adult volunteers. The median duration of analgesia was 11 hours. There was no difference between the 30-minute and 60-minute PLIAGLIS application periods with respect to the mean for time to return of sensation. However, 55% of PLIAGLIS treated subjects still reported diminished sensation at the end of the 13-hour study period.
14. Clinical Studies
In four clinical trials, adult patients were treated with PLIAGLIS or placebo prior to undergoing a superficial dermatologic procedure. Drug was applied for 20 or 30 minutes for dermatologic procedures such as dermal filler injection, pulsed dye laser therapy, and facial laser resurfacing. Drug was applied for 60 minutes for laser-assisted tattoo removal.
Treatment with PLIAGLIS resulted in statistically significantly less pain compared to placebo treatment, as measured by a 100-mm visual analog scale (VAS). Patient efficacy ratings are shown in Table 3.
Mean VAS score | ||
---|---|---|
Dermatologic Procedure | PLIAGLIS Cream | Placebo |
20 Min Application | ||
Pulsed Dye Laser Therapy (N=80) | 16 | 31 |
30 Min Application | ||
Non-Ablative Laser Facial Resurfacing (N=54) | 21 | 38 |
Dermal Filler Injections (N=70) | 24 | 37 |
60 Min Application | ||
Laser-Assisted Tattoo Removal (N=62) | 39 | 59 |
16. How is Pliaglis supplied
PLIAGLIS (lidocaine and tetracaine) Cream (70 mg of lidocaine and 70 mg of tetracaine in 1 gram), 7% / 7%, appears smooth and white to off-white and is available as the following:
NDC 73575-0010-09 30 gram tube (with Child Resistant Cap) with applicator and 10 Alcohol Prep Pads
17. Patient Counseling Information
Prior to treatment, advise patient of the following:
- Inform patients that use of local anesthetics may cause methemoglobinemia, a serious condition that must be treated promptly. Advise patients or caregivers to stop use and seek immediate medical attention if they or someone in their care experience the following signs or symptoms: pale, gray, or blue colored skin (cyanosis); headache; rapid heart rate; shortness of breath; lightheadedness; or fatigue.
- Advise patients to inform the healthcare provider if they experience skin irritation or a burning sensation because the product will need to be immediately removed [see Dosage and Administration (2.1)].
- Advise patients of the signs and symptoms of hypersensitivity reactions and to seek immediate medical attention should they occur [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4)].
- Advise patients that PLIAGLIS may lead to diminished or blocked sensation in the treated skin and to avoid inadvertent trauma through rubbing, scratching, or exposure to heat or cold before complete sensation occurs.
- Advise breastfeeding women not to apply PLIAGLIS directly to the nipple and areola to avoid direct infant exposure [see Use in Specific Populations (8.2)].
PLIAGLIS
lidocaine and tetracaine cream |
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Labeler - Oba Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (117380833) |