Lidocaine/prilocaine
647283
215695892
2008-05-29T08:49:01Z
Emlagirl
7205150
'''Lidocaine/prilocaine''' is a [[Eutectic point|eutectic]] mixture of equal quantities (by weight) of [[lidocaine]] and [[prilocaine]]. A 5% [[emulsion]] preparation, containing 2.5% each of lidocaine/prilocaine, is marketed by [[AstraZeneca]] under the [[trade name]] '''EMLA''' (an abbreviation for '''eutectic mixture of local anesthetic''').
"Lidocaine/prilocaine" is also available as a non-brand generic drug. Walgreens dispenses it in a version manufactured by Fougera.
==Eutectic mixture==
Separately, lidocaine and prilocaine are solid bases. When mixed together in equal quanitites by weight, however, they form a eutectic mixture – that is the [[melting point]] of the mixture is lower than the melting points of the individual components. The lidocaine/prilocaine eutectic mixture is an oil with a melting point of 16°C, thus can be formulated into preparations without the use of a non-[[aqueous]] solvent. This allows higher concentrations of anaesthetic to be formulated into the preparation and maintained during application.
==Clinical use==
===Indications===
The lidocaine/prilocaine combination is indicated for [[dermal]] [[anaesthesia]]. Specifically it is applied to prevent pain associated with [[intravenous]] [[catheter]] insertion, blood sampling, superficial surgical procedures; and topical anaesthesia of leg ulcers for cleansing or debridement. Also, it can be used to numb the skin before tattooing.
===Dosage forms===
Lidocaine/prilocaine eutectic mixture is marketed as a 5% oil-in-water emulsion incorporated in a cream base (EMLA cream) or a cellulose disk (EMLA patch). The cream is applied under an [[occlusive dressing]], while the patch incorporates an occlusive dressing to facilitate absorption of lidocaine and prilocaine into the area where anaesthesia is required. Local dermal anaesthesia is achieved after approximately 60 minutes, whereupon the occlusive dressing (or patch) is removed. The duration of anaesthesia is approximately two hours following removal of the occlusive dressing.
== Emla Cream ==
EMLA (Eutectic Mixture of Lidocaine and Prilocaine) is a local anaesthetic for topical application, developed to anaesthetise intact skin.EMLA is used to prevent pain associated with needle insertion, intravenous cannulation, and superficial surgery on skin and genital mucous membrane. It can also be used to relieve and prevent pain associated with the cleansing and treatment of leg ulcers.
== See also ==
* [[Eutectic point]]
* [[Lidocaine]]
* [[Prilocaine]]
==External links==
* [http://www.ihateneedles.co.uk/ Emla Product Information]
* [http://www.astrazeneca-us.com/pi/EMLA.pdf AstraZeneca product information]
{{pharma-stub}}
{{Local anesthetics}}
[[Category:Local anesthetics]]
[[nl:Lidocaïne-prilocaïnecrème]]