EMLA Cream

EMLA cream is a local numbing medication containing lidocaine and prilocaine. It works by blocking nerve signals in your body.

EMLA cream is used to numb normal intact skin or the membrane surface of the penis.

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General Info
Side Effects
Safety Information

How does EMLA cream work?

EMLA cream is a local numbing medication containing lidocaine and prilocaine. It works by blocking nerve signals in your body.

Directions on how to use for PE

  1. Pull back the foreskin and apply a pea-sized amount of EMLA cream to the underside of the head and neck of the penis.
  2. Leave the cream for 15 – 30 minutes before sex.
  3. Ensure you remove all the cream before having sex as it can be transferred to your partner and reduce their sensitivity.
  4. Emla cream is unaffected by food and alcohol, and is suitable for use with condoms.

Side effects not requiring immediate medical attention

Some side effects of lidocaine / prilocaine topical may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. 

Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or if you have any questions about them:

More common

  • Burning, swelling, itching, or skin rash at application site
  • White or red skin at the application site

Side effects requiring immediate medical attention

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur while taking lidocaine/prilocaine topical:

Rare

  • Cough
  • difficulty with swallowing
  • large, hive-like swellings on the eyelids, face, lips, tongue, or genitals
  • severe dizziness or feeling faint
  • skin rash, itching, or hives
  • stuffy nose
  • tightness in the chest
  • troubled breathing

Incidence not known

  • Blisters on the skin at application site
  • blue or blue-purple color of lips, fingernails, mouth, or skin
  • blurred or double vision
  • dark urine
  • dizziness or drowsiness
  • fainting
  • feeling hot, cold, or numb
  • headache
  • irregular or fast heartbeat
  • muscle twitching or trembling
  • nausea
  • ringing or buzzing in the ears
  • seizures
  • unusual excitement, nervousness, or restlessness
  • unusual tiredness or weakness
  • vomiting

Warnings

EMLA cream applied to the skin is not likely to cause an overdose unless you apply more than the recommended dose.

An overdose of numbing medicine can cause fatal side effects if too much of the medicine is absorbed through your skin. Overdose symptoms may include uneven heartbeats, seizure (convulsions), coma, slowed breathing, or respiratory failure (breathing stops).

Use the smallest amount of this medicine needed to numb the skin. Do not use large amounts of EMLA, or cover treated skin areas with a bandage or plastic wrap without medical advice.

Skin that is cut or irritated may also absorb more topical medication than healthy skin.

Use the smallest amount of this medication needed to numb the skin or relieve pain. Do not use large amounts of EMLA, or cover treated skin areas with a bandage or plastic wrap without medical advice. Be aware that many cosmetic procedures are performed without a medical doctor present.

Before EMLA is applied, tell your doctor if you have liver disease, a history of allergic reaction to lidocaine or prilocaine, or a personal or family history of methemoglobinemia, or any genetic enzyme deficiency.

Avoid accidentally injuring treated skin areas while they are numb. Avoid coming into contact with very hot or very cold surfaces.

Before using this medicine

You should not use EMLA cream if you are allergic to any type of numbing medicine.

To make sure EMLA is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have:

  • a blood cell disorder called methemoglobinemia;
  • liver disease;
  • a genetic enzyme deficiency called glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency; or
  • a family history of methemoglobinemia, or any genetic enzyme deficiency.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

What should I avoid while using EMLA?

Do not allow this medicine to come into contact with your eyes. If it does, rinse with water.

Do not take by mouth. EMLA is for use only on the skin.

Avoid accidentally injuring treated skin areas while they are numb. Avoid coming into contact with very hot or very cold surfaces.

What other drugs will affect EMLA?

Tell your doctor about all medicines you use, and those you start or stop using during your treatment with EMLA, especially:

  • chloroquine, dapsone, nitrofurantoin, isosorbide dinitrate, nitroglycerin, nitroprusside, quinine;
  • heart rhythm medication – amiodarone, dofetilide, dronedarone, mexiletine, sotalol, tocainide, and others;
  • seizure medicine – phenobarbital, phenytoin, primaquine; or
  • a sulfa drug – Bactrim, Septra, SMX-TMP or SMZ-TMP, and others.

This list is not complete. Other drugs may interact with lidocaine and prilocaine topical, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible interactions are listed in this medication guide.