What is a Generic Drug?
A generic drug is a copy of the brand-name drug with the same dosage, safety, strength, quality, consumption method, performance, and intended use. Before generics become available on the market, the generic company must prove it has the same active ingredients as the brand-name drug and works in the same way and in the same amount of time in the body.
The only differences between generics and their brand-name counterparts is that generics are less expensive and may look slightly different (eg. different shape or color), as trademarks laws prevent a generic from looking exactly like the brand-name drug.
Generics are less expensive because generic manufacturers don't have to invest large sums of money to develop a drug. When the brand-name patent expires, generic companies can manufacture a copy of the brand-name and sell it at a substantial discount.
Emla Cream (Lidocaine / Prilocane)
Also Known as Emla Surgpack
Generic Equivalent - Emla Cream (Lidocaine / Prilocane)
Prescription Required
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Product Details
Description
Emla (lidocaine and prilocaine) is a prescription numbing cream used on the skin before procedures, such as IV placement, blood draws, injections, or minor skin surgery. It can also be used on genital mucous membranes before superficial minor surgery.
It contains two numbing medicines, lidocaine 2.5% and prilocaine 2.5%, which temporarily block pain signals in the skin. Emla is usually applied in a thick layer to unbroken skin and covered with an airtight dressing.
Numbing often starts about 1 hour after application. Emla can be used in adults and children, including infants, when used as directed.
Fact Table
Formula
C14H22N2O (lidocaine); C13H20N2O (prilocaine)
License
US FDA, NDA 019941
Bioavailability
Application-dependent; after 60 g over 400 cm² of intact skin for 3 hours: lidocaine approximately 3.6%, prilocaine approximately 6.1% absorbed
Legal status
Rx-only (US)
Chemical Name
2-(Diethylamino)-N-(2,6-dimethylphenyl)acetamide; N-(2-methylphenyl)-2-(propylamino)propanamide
Elimination half-life
Lidocaine: 65–150 minutes (mean 110 minutes); prilocaine: 10–150 minutes (mean 70 minutes), following intravenous administration
Dosage (Strength)
Lidocaine 2.5% and prilocaine 2.5% (25 mg/g each); 5 g and 30 g tubes
Pregnancy
Use during pregnancy only if clearly needed; consult a doctor
Brands
Emla, generic Lidocaine and Prilocaine Cream
Protein binding
Lidocaine approximately 70%; prilocaine approximately 55%
PubChem CID
9911821 (combination); 3676 (lidocaine); 4906 (prilocaine)
MedlinePlus
a625032
ChEBI
6456 (lidocaine); 8404 (prilocaine)
ATC code
N01BB20
DrugBank
DB00281 (lidocaine); DB00750 (prilocaine)
KEGG
D02740
Routes of administration
Topical (cutaneous and genital mucosal application)
Directions
Use Emla exactly as directed by a healthcare provider. For small procedures such as shots or blood draws, apply 2.5 grams, approximately half of a 5-gram tube, in a thick layer over the area at least 1 hour before the procedure. Cover the cream with an airtight bandage.
For larger or more painful procedures, apply 2 grams for every 10 cm² of skin at least 2 hours before the procedure.
The skin usually starts to feel numb after about 1 hour, works best after 2 to 3 hours, and may remain numb for 1 to 2 hours after the cream is removed.
For children, the safe amount, treatment area, and application time depend on the child’s age and weight. Follow a healthcare provider’s instructions carefully.
Watch young children closely to make sure they do not swallow the cream or bandage. Avoid rubbing, scratching, or exposing numb skin to very hot or cold temperatures until normal feeling returns.
Ingredients
The active ingredients in Emla are lidocaine and prilocaine. Inactive ingredients may include polyoxyethylene fatty acid esters, carboxypolymethylene, sodium hydroxide, and purified water.
Cautions
Before using this medication, you may want to consult a healthcare provider about the following:
- Any existing health conditions
- Any allergies
- A list of all medications currently being taken
Applying Emla to larger areas of skin or for longer than recommended can cause too much of the medication to be absorbed, which may lead to serious side effects.
Emla can cause methemoglobinemia, a rare but serious blood condition. The risk may be higher in infants younger than 6 months, people with glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency, and people taking certain medications, including sulfonamide antibiotics, antimalarials, nitrates, or acetaminophen.
People taking heart rhythm medications, such as amiodarone, sotalol, tocainide, or mexiletine, should use Emla with caution because its effects on the heart may be increased.
Do not apply Emla near the eyes, on open wounds, or inside or near the ears where it could reach the middle ear.
Use with caution in people with severe liver disease and in people who are acutely ill, debilitated, elderly, or otherwise more vulnerable to side effects.
Emla should be used during pregnancy only if clearly needed. Caution is also advised while breastfeeding because lidocaine passes into breast milk.
Contraindications
Avoid using this medication if there is a known history of sensitivity or an allergic reaction to local anesthetics or any of the ingredients in the product.
Side Effects
Common side effects of Emla may include:
- Paleness or whitening of the skin where the cream is applied
- Redness
- Swelling
- Changes in how the skin senses temperature
- Itching
- A burning sensation
Serious side effects are rare but possible. Stop using Emla and get medical help immediately if signs of methemoglobinemia appear, such as pale, gray, or blue-colored skin, headache, rapid heart rate, shortness of breath, lightheadedness, or fatigue.
Allergic reactions can also occur, including hives, swelling of the face or throat, trouble breathing, and shock. These symptoms require immediate medical attention.
References
- Emla Prescribing Information. Parsippany, NJ: Actavis Pharma, Inc.; 2018.
- Lidocaine and Prilocaine Cream Drug Label Information. Melville, NY: E. Fougera and Co.; 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions about Emla Cream
What is Emla Cream?
Emla Cream is a topical local anesthetic containing lidocaine 2.5% and prilocaine 2.5%. It temporarily numbs the skin by blocking pain signals from nearby nerves.
What is Emla Cream used for?
Emla is commonly used before procedures involving needles or the skin, such as injections, blood draws, intravenous line placement, minor skin procedures, and certain dermatological treatments.
How should Emla Cream be applied?
Apply the prescribed amount in a thick layer over intact skin without rubbing it in, then cover it with an appropriate occlusive dressing when instructed. The required amount and application time depend on the procedure, treatment area, and patient’s age.
How long does Emla take to work?
For many procedures on intact skin, Emla is applied at least one hour beforehand. Deeper numbing may require a longer application period, but it should not be left on longer than directed.
How long does the numbing effect last?
After the cream and dressing are removed, numbness commonly continues for about one to two hours. The duration can vary depending on how long it was applied and the area treated.
What are the common side effects of Emla Cream?
Temporary paleness, redness, mild swelling, warmth, itching, tingling, or burning may occur where the cream was applied. These reactions are usually mild and resolve after the cream is removed.
Where should Emla Cream not be applied?
Avoid contact with the eyes, mouth, inside of the nose, ears, or other sensitive areas unless specifically directed. Do not apply it to open wounds, severely irritated skin, or large areas without medical supervision.
Can too much Emla Cream be dangerous?
Yes. Applying excessive amounts, covering very large areas, leaving it on too long, or using it on damaged skin can increase absorption and cause serious toxicity. Possible warning signs include dizziness, confusion, ringing in the ears, seizures, breathing problems, irregular heartbeat, or bluish-grey skin or lips.
Who should use Emla Cream cautiously?
Extra caution is needed in infants, people with methemoglobinemia, severe liver disease, glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency, or those taking medicines that can affect blood oxygen levels or heart rhythm. People allergic to amide-type local anesthetics should not use it.
How should Emla Cream be stored?
Store Emla at room temperature, away from excessive heat and moisture, and keep it securely out of the reach of children and pets. Accidental swallowing or excessive skin exposure requires prompt medical attention.
IMPORTANT NOTE: The above information is intended to increase awareness of health information and does not suggest treatment or diagnosis. This information is not a substitute for individual medical attention and should not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. See your health care professional for medical advice and treatment.Product Code : 4
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