EMLA

Generic Name: Lignocaine, Prilocaine
Product Name: EMLA

Indication

EMLA contains a combination of two local anaesthetics (lignocaine and prilocaine) which numbs the skin, allowing minor surgical procedures to occur without the pain. These procedures may include insertion of an intravenous catheter, cleaning of leg ulcers, skin grafting or obtaining blood samples.

Action

EMLA contains lignocaine and prilocaine and together with other ingredients, it penetrates the skin to numb that site. This allows minor surgical procedures such as taking blood samples to be a pain-free experience.

Dose advice

Contraindications:

Before you start EMLA advise your doctor or pharmacist if you have or develop any of the following:

• Allergies to the active ingredients (prilocaine and lignocaine)
• Allergies to any other local anaesthetics
• Allergies to adhesives or sticking plasters or any other ingredients in EMLA products
• Dermatitis
• Pregnancy
• Breastfeeding
• Children < 6 years old
• Methaemoglobinaemia
• Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency
• Mollusca contagiosa

If any of the above applies to you, EMLA may not be the best option for you. Please consult your doctor for an alternative.

Pregnancy:

EMLA is listed as EMLA is listed as category A and hence considered safe to use during pregnancy. This is because significant amounts of the pregnant population have used EMLA without exhibiting any serious harm.
However, it is recommended to consult your physician before using EMLA during pregnancy.

Breastfeeding:

There are currently insufficient data on how safe EMLA is while breastfeeding. For this reason, it is only recommended to use EMLA after you have considered all other alternatives.

Schedule

Schedule 2

Common side effects

All medications carry the risk of an adverse effect occurring. Sometimes they can be serious but more often than not, they are mild and short lived.

Common side effects are those which occur in more than 1% of patients using EMLA and may include the following:

• Local reactions at application area e.g. itching, redness, paleness, swelling or a burning warm sensation

Uncommon side effects

The following side effect is considered uncommon as it occurs in less than 1% of patients taking EMLA:

• Skin irritation

If you experience any side effects that worry you please consult your health professional.

References

1. EMLA. MIMS Online [online]. 2007 [cited June 20 2008]. Available from: [URL Link]
2. Australian Medicines Handbook 2007; Adelaide, Pharmaceutical Society of Australia, 2007

For further information talk to your doctor.