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Anaesthetics (topical)

  • Take care to avoid getting any of the preparation in your eyes or ears.
  • Do not apply to inflamed or injured skin.

About anaesthetics (topical)

Type of medicine Topical anaesthetic
Used for Numbing an area of the skin
Also called Cinchocaine (Nupercainal®)
Lidocaine (Versatis®, Emla®, Xylocaine®)
Tetracaine (Ametop®)
Available as Ointment
Cream
Plaster
Spray
Gel

Anaesthetics (topical) work by blocking the message from the pain receptors to the brain, hence blocking the sensation of pain.

Before using anaesthetics (topical)

Before using anaesthetics (topical) make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:

  • If you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breast-feeding.
  • If the preparation is to be used on very young children.
  • If you suffer from porphyria (a rare blood disorder).

How to use anaesthetics (topical)

  • Follow the instructions given to you by your doctor.
  • If using the Versatis® patch, keep on for a maximum of 12 hours only (with a 12 hour plaster-free interval).

Getting the most from your treatment

  • Take care to avoid getting any of the preparation in your eyes or ears.
  • Do not apply to inflamed or injured skin.

Can anaesthetics topical cause problems

Along with their useful effects all medicines can cause unwanted side effects, which usually improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine. Speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following side effects continue or become troublesome.

Common side-effects - these affect less than 1 in 10 people who take this medicine What can I do if I experience this
Redness, swelling and paleness These symptoms should pass- speak to your doctor if they persist.
Mild burning sensation, itch or warmth at the application site These symptoms should pass- speak to your doctor if they persist.

How to store anaesthetics topical

  • Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.
  • Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.

Important information about all medicines


  • Keep all medicines out of the sight and reach of children.
  • Make sure that the person prescribing this medicine knows about any other medicines that you are taking. This includes medicines you buy and herbal and homeopathic medicines.
  • If you buy any medicines check with a pharmacist that they are safe to take with your other medicines.
  • Before taking this medicine tell your doctor if you have ever had an allergic reaction after taking any medicine.
  • Never take more than the prescribed dose. If you suspect that you or someone else has taken an overdose of this medicine go to the accident and emergency department of your local hospital at once. Always take the container with you, if possible, even if it is empty.
  • If you are having any treatment like an operation or dental treatment tell the person carrying out the treatment which medicines you are taking.
  • Always read the printed information leaflet that comes with your medicine.
  • This medicine is for you. Never give it to other people even if their condition appears to be the same as yours.
  • Never keep out of date or unwanted medicines. Take them to your local pharmacy which will dispose of them for you.
  • If you have any questions about this medicine ask your pharmacist.

References

Comprehensive patient resources are available at www.patient.co.uk
© EMIS 2008 DocID:
3671		 DocRef:
dils3468		 Last Updated:
20 Mar 2008		 Date of Next Review:
20 Mar 2010		 Version:
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PS - Health and Poverty

Perhaps the biggest cause of ill health in the world is poverty. Help to Make Poverty History. For example, why not lend some of your money to disadvantaged communities to enable them to trade their way out of poverty through schemes such as Shared Interest.

See also MAKEPOVERTYHISTORY North East for details and links to campaigns against poverty.

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