Lidocaine and Prilocaine: Uses, Side Effects, and Precautions

What Are Lidocaine and Prilocaine?

Local anesthetics lidocaine and prilocaine are frequently employed to numb the skin and alleviate pain or discomfort associated with medical and cosmetic procedures. They fall under amide-type anesthetics and numb a given area by restricting nerve activity in that region.

Uses of Lidocaine and Prilocaine

1. Medical Applications

Topical Anesthesia: Used for skin biopsies, laser treatments, and injections, lidocaine and prilocaine are utilized as local surgical anesthetics in dermatology and other minor surgery specialties.

Dental Procedures: Tooth extractions and fillings can be performed under local anesthesia with lidocaine.

IV Insertion and Blood Draws:Lidocaine and prilocaine in topical form are used to numb the skin before IV catheter insertion.

Pain Relief for Burns and Wounds: Certain prescription drugs aid in the relief of pain from burn injuries and wounds.

2. Cosmetic and Tattoo Industry

Tattooing and Permanent Makeup:TKTX numbing cream, lidocaine cream, is widely employed to numb the skin prior to tattoo sessions.

Laser Hair Removal: For people undergoing laser hair removal, prilocaine and lidocaine cream is applied to alleviate discomfort.

Microneedling and Skin Procedures: For facial treatments that include microneedling, chemical peels, and botulinum toxin, prilocaine and lidocaine are used.

3. Medical Treatment

Soothing discomfort from hemorrhoids: Pain from hemorrhoids may be alleviated using lidocaine creams.

Prilocaine is occasionally used in topical treatments for erectile dysfunction to inhibit ejaculation for the treatment of PE.

Side Effects of Lidocaine and Prilocaine

Even though these anesthetics are relatively safe, some problems may arise, especially with chronic or excessive exposure.

Common Side Effects

• Superficial inflammation of the skin, such as redness, itching or burning
• Numbness beyond the area of application
• Mild inflammation at the site of application

Exceptionally severe side effects

• Rash, hives and difficulty breathing are possible signs of an allergic reaction.
•Methemoglobinemia: This condition is more frequently associated with prilocaine use. It involves a decrease in methemoglobin levels in the blood, leading to blue-colored skin, dizziness, and a rapid heartbeat.
•Lidocaine toxicity: This results from overuse or incorrect application of lidocaine. Symptoms include dizziness, confusion, irregular heart rate, or even seizures.

Safety Measures And Precautions

1. Safe Practices

• Always adhere to dosage instructions indicated on the product label or ask a qualified medical practitioner.
• Direct application to inflamed or blistered skin is prohibited due to the greater risk of toxicity.
• Large regions of skin should not be treated without direct medical supervision.

2. Contraindications

• Amide anesthetic type allergy is the sole known direct contraindication for the use of lidocaine and prilocaine.
• Patients with heart disease, hepatic disorder, or methemoglobinemia should be referred to a specialist.
• Consult a doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, as there are safety concerns.

3. Drug Interactions

• May interact with beta-blockers, antiarrhythmic agents, and certain antibiotics.
• Do not combine with alcohol or any other central nerve system depressants as the risks may increase.