We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Medicine

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

What Are the Uses of Lidocaine and Prilocaine?

Autumn Rivers
By
Updated: May 17, 2024
Views: 4,026
References
Share

A combination of lidocaine and prilocaine is often used during various medical procedures, because the blend is a topical anesthetic that can numb the surface to which it is applied. The point of this medication is to keep the patient from feeling pain, because it tends to dull the skin's nerve endings. One of the most common uses of lidocaine and prilocaine is as a local anesthetic just before a procedure that involves injections, because the medication can keep patients from feeling the pain of the needle. It also can be applied to mucous membranes, such as the gums or genitals, before surgery. In many cases, the medication needs to be applied hours before the procedure so it has time to deaden the nerves, though some procedures only call for it to be applied immediately beforehand.

Many people are sensitive to the pain of a needle poking the surface of the skin, which is why doctors often use a topical mixture of lidocaine and prilocaine to numb the area. This is often useful when getting blood from a vein or injecting medicine through a needle. It also can be used before surgery such as having a wart removed or skin grafted from one area to another. In such cases, the doctor will likely apply the medicine, though he may show the patient how to do it in instances when it is necessary to put it on the skin hours before surgery. Patients should avoid placing lidocaine and prilocaine on any wounds, cuts or skin rashes to avoid irritation.

This medication is sometimes used during surgery on mucous membranes. For example, it may be applied to the genitals to remove warts, in which case it is usually placed on the surface only a few minutes before the procedure. When a local anesthetic needs to be injected into the groin area of males, a lidocaine and prilocaine combination is often applied first to numb the sensitive area. This medication blend also is used during periodontal procedures, being applied to the gums just before scaling and root planing, for example.

When this topical anesthetic is used before surgery, it usually is best when applied one or two hours prior to the procedure so it has time to work. In many cases, the cream is placed on the surface in a thick layer and then covered with a dressing until just before the procedure begins. This cream is typically given by prescription only, and patients are usually given thorough instructions if they have to apply it on their own, because it may be dangerous when used incorrectly.

Share
WiseGeek is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.
Link to Sources
Autumn Rivers
By Autumn Rivers
Autumn Rivers, a talented writer for WiseGeek, holds a B.A. in Journalism from Arizona State University. Her background in journalism helps her create well-researched and engaging content, providing readers with valuable insights and information on a variety of subjects.

Editors' Picks

Discussion Comments
Autumn Rivers
Autumn Rivers
Autumn Rivers, a talented writer for WiseGeek, holds a B.A. in Journalism from Arizona State University. Her background in journalism helps her create well-researched and engaging content, providing readers with valuable insights and information on a variety of subjects.
Share
https://www.wisegeek.net/what-are-the-uses-of-lidocaine-and-prilocaine.htm
Copy this link
WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.