Dibucaine (Nupercainal) is an over-the-counter topical (meaning it’s applied to the surface of your body) medication used to treat pain and itching from skin irritations and hemorrhoids. It’s available as a lower-cost generic medication, but it only provides temporary relief so you might need to reapply it multiple times throughout the day.
Pain, itching, and burning caused by hemorrhoids or other problems near the anus or rectum
Pain and itching caused by sunburns, insect bites, and minor cuts, burns, and skin irritation
Dibucaine (Nupercainal) is a local anesthetic. It works on the nerves to lower how much pain you feel and numbs the area where it’s applied.
Source: DailyMed
Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report these to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):
Available as a lower-cost generic medication
Usually works within 15 minutes to relieve pain and itching
Easy to use
Available over the counter
Can't be used in children under 2 years of age
Needs to be used multiple times a day
Can't be used for more than 7 days
Only available as an ointment
Always wash your hands before and after using dibucaine (Nupercainal). Avoid touching your eyes because this medication can irritate your eyes.
If you're applying dibucaine (Nupercainal) to hemorrhoids, clean the affected area with a mild soap and warm water and rinse. Gently dry by patting with a soft cloth, then apply the medication.
Don't use dibucaine (Nupercainal) in large quantities or on larger open wounds or blistered areas of your skin. This can raise your risk of side effects.
Dibucaine (Nupercainal) should only be applied on the outside of your body. Don't put dibucaine (Nupercainal) in your rectum by using your fingers, any other device, or applicator.
Stop using dibucaine (Nupercainal) and contact your healthcare provider if your symptoms get worse or don’t improve within 7 days, if your symptoms go away then come back within a few days, or if bleeding occurs.
If you accidentally swallow this medication, get medical help or contact a Poison Control Center immediately. Swallowing this medication can cause serious side effects, like changes in your heart rhythm.
Dibucaine (Nupercainal) can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.
Allergic reactions to dibucaine (Nupercainal) or ingredients in the medication are possible. Stop using dibucaine (Nupercainal) and contact your provider right away if you notice any redness redness, irritation, swelling, or pain.
Dosage | Quantity | Price as low as | Price per unit |
---|---|---|---|
1 oz of 1% | 1 tube | $5.73 | $5.73 |
Hemorrhoids
People aged 12 years and older: Apply dibucaine (Nupercainal) to the affected area up to 3 or 4 times per day.
Children under 12 years old: Ask your child’s provider.
Painful or itchy skin
People aged 2 years and older: Apply dibucaine (Nupercainal) to the affected area up to 3 or 4 times per day.
Children under 2 years old: Ask your child’s provider.
Children under 2 years of age
Pain, itching, and burning caused by hemorrhoids or other problems near the anus or rectum
Pain and itching caused by sunburns, insect bites, and minor cuts, burns, and skin irritation
Anal itching - cream
Hemorrhoids - suppository
Proctitis (swelling and redness inside the rectum) - suppository
Chronic ulcerative colitis, as an add-on treatment - suppository
Cryptitis (swelling and redness in the in the guts) - suppository
Nerve pain caused by shingles (postherpetic neuralgia)
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