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Lidocaine / Prilocaine Coupon - Lidocaine / Prilocaine 30g of 2.5%/2.5% tube of cream

lidocaine / prilocaine

Generic Nuvakaan (no brand equivalent to generic)
Used for Itching, Pain, Anesthesia
Used for Itching, Pain, Anesthesia

Lidocaine/prilocaine is a combination medication containing lidocaine and prilocaine. It works well to treat and prevent pain on your skin or genital area, and it's typically used to numb the skin before procedures or injections. It is available as a lower-cost, generic cream.

Reviewed by:
reviewer
Kristianne Hannemann, PharmD
reviewer
Cydnee Ng, PharmD
Last reviewed on September 30, 2021
BasicsSide effectsPros & consPharmacist tipsFAQsWarningsDosageInteractionsCostAlternativesImagesPricesMedicare
basics-icon

What is Lidocaine/prilocaine?

What is Lidocaine/prilocaine used for?

  • Pain on unbroken skin

  • Pretreatment for local infiltration anesthesia (when a medication is injected in an area of your body to take away feeling, usually before surgery) of inner lining of genitals

  • Pain from minor surgery on inner lining of genitals

How Lidocaine/prilocaine works

Lidocaine/prilocaine is a combination of two local anesthetics, lidocaine and prilocaine. Both medications are absorbed through your skin, where they work on your nerves to lower how much pain you feel. By applying lidocaine/prilocaine onto an area of your skin, it causes a loss of feeling where you apply it.

Are you looking for information on lidocaine (Lidoderm) or Ana-Lex (lidocaine / hydrocortisone) instead?
When does Lidocaine/prilocaine start working?
Time passed since treatment started:
MINUTES
HOURS
DAYS
WEEKS
MONTHS
Initial effect
Full effect

Drug Facts

Common BrandsAprizio Pak, Nuvakaan II, Prizotral II, Prilovix
Drug ClassLocal anesthetic
Controlled Substance ClassificationNot a controlled medication
Generic StatusLower-cost generic available
AvailabilityPrescription only
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Avg retail price
$58.37(save 89.93%)
GoodRx discount
$5.88
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What are the side effects of Lidocaine/prilocaine?

The following side effects may get better over time as your body gets used to the medication. Let your healthcare provider know immediately if you continue to experience these symptoms or if they worsen over time.

Common Side Effects

  • Paleness (skin turning white, 37% on unbroken skin)
  • Skin redness (30% on unbroken skin, 21% on genital mucosa)
  • Burning sensation (17% on genital mucosa)
  • Swelling (6% on unbroken skin, 10% on genital mucosa)
  • Change in temperature sensations (7% on unbroken skin)
  • Itching (2% on unbroken skin)
  • Rash (fewer than 1% on unbroken skin)

Other Side Effects

The following side effects can occur if too much lidocaine/prilocaine is absorbed into your body:
  • Lightheadedness
  • Nervousness
  • Feeling excited
  • Confusion
  • Dizziness
  • Drowsiness
  • Ringing in the ears
  • Blurred or double vision
  • Vomiting
  • Twitching
  • Tremors
  • Seizures
  • Unconsciousness (not responding to sound or touch)
  • Shallow or stopped breathing

Serious Side Effects

Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.
  • Allergic reaction: trouble breathing, swelling, low blood pressure, rash
  • Methemoglobinemia: blue or gray skin color, seizures, coma, changes in heart rate or rhythm
When do Lidocaine/prilocaine possible side effects begin and end?
Time passed since treatment started:
MINUTES
HOURS
DAYS
WEEKS
MONTHS
Paleness
Skin redness
Swelling
Change in temperature sensations
Burning sensation
Itching

Source: DailyMed

The following side effects have also been reported

Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur:

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

Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome 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

Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

pros-and-cons

Pros and cons of Lidocaine/prilocaine

thumbs-up

Pros

Starts working to numb the area where you apply it within an hour

Available in cream form

Safe to use during pregnancy

Available in a lower-cost generic form

thumbs-down

Cons

Can’t use on broken skin

Not a good option if you have pain in many areas on your body

Can take a few hours for numbness to wear off

Might need to wait 1 to 2 hours until it works before a procedure

pharmacist-tips

Pharmacist tips for Lidocaine/prilocaine

pharmacist

  • Wash your hands before and after using lidocaine/prilocaine, unless you're applying it to your hands.

    • Avoid touching your eyes after using lidocaine/prilocaine, since it can cause irritation. If medication gets into your eye, immediately wash out the eye with water or saline and protect it until you can feel around your eye again.

      • Don’t apply lidocaine/prilocaine to areas of your skin with open cuts or wounds because this can raise your risk of side effects.

        • Avoid scratching the treated areas or exposing them to hot or cold temperatures until the numbness goes away because you might not feel if you hurt yourself.

          • Only apply lidocaine/prilocaine the way your provider has told you to, and use the dosing diagram provided in the instructions to measure your dose correctly. Using too much medication on large areas of your body and using it too often can cause serious side effects like seizures or trouble breathing.

            • If you’re applying lidocaine/prilocaine onto your child’s skin, watch out for accidental ingestion of or eye contact with the medication. Also, if you notice that your child becomes dizzy, very sleepy, or their face or lips darkening in color after applying lidocaine/prilocaine, remove the cream from your child’s skin and contact your child’s provider right away. These can be signs of serious side effects from the medication.

              • Some products (e.g., Nuvakaan II, Prizotral II, Aprizio Pak) come as kits that have extra lidocaine medication or wound care treatment. Follow your provider’s instructions on how to use any other treatments that come with lidocaine/prilocaine to make sure you’re using them correctly and safely.

                faqs

                Frequently asked questions about Lidocaine/prilocaine

                Is lidocaine/prilocaine safe to use while breastfeeding?
                Lidocaine can be found in the breast milk of nursing mothers who use it. Generally, lidocaine hasn't shown side effects in breastfed infants. Currently, the use of prilocaine in nursing mothers and its effects on breastfed infants aren’t known. If you're breastfeeding, ask your provider if lidocaine/prilocaine is the best option for you.
                Is lidocaine/prilocaine available over the counter?
                No, Lidocaine/prilocaine isn't available over the counter, so you'll need a prescription from your provider.
                How long does it take for lidocaine/prilocaine to work?
                It typically takes 1 hour after applying lidocaine/prilocaine onto your skin before you notice the full effects, but it might work faster if it's applied on the genitals.
                How long will my skin be numb after applying lidocaine/prilocaine?
                Your skin can be numb for anywhere between 5 minutes and a few hours, depending on the amount of lidocaine/prilocaine and the area of your body you're applying it to.
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                What are the risks and warnings for Lidocaine/prilocaine?

                Lidocaine/prilocaine 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.

                risk-warning

                Overdose

                • Risk factors: Applying the cream to broken skin | Using the cream longer than recommended | Using the cream on large areas of your body | Severely weak or ill | Older age | History of severe liver disease

                  Applying lidocaine/prilocaine to larger areas of skin or for a longer period of time than recommended by your provider can cause too much medication to be absorbed into your body. In addition, people with severe liver disease might have problems getting rid of the medication and it can build up in the body. This can cause serious side effects, like seizures or trouble breathing. Older adults and people who are severely weak or ill might be more sensitive to the side effects of this medication. Make sure to use lidocaine/prilocaine only as directed by your provider.

                  risk-warning

                  Changes in heart rate or rhythm

                  • Risk factors: People taking antiarrhythmic medications, like amiodarone (Pacerone) or sotalol (Betapace)

                    Using lidocaine/prilocaine while taking certain heart medications (e.g., amiodarone (Pacerone), sotalol (Betapace)) can cause changes in your heart rate or rhythm, because it might add to the effects of your heart medications. Lidocaine itself can cause changes to your heart rhythm when it’s injected into the veins. Though lidocaine/prilocaine is applied onto your skin, it’s important to note that it might boost the effects of your heart medications. Tell your provider if you are taking any heart medications and check if you need to be monitored while taking lidocaine/prilocaine.

                    risk-warning

                    Methemoglobinemia (a blood condition)

                    • Risk factors: Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency | Lung problems | Heart problems | Methemoglobinemia | Infants under 6 months of age | Taking medications known as oxidizing agents (e.g., benzocaine, dapsone (Aczone))

                      Some people taking lidocaine/prilocaine are at a higher risk of developing a serious blood condition called methemoglobinemia. When your body makes too much of a protein called methemoglobin, your red blood cells deliver less oxygen to different parts of your body. This can cause serious side effects like blue or gray skin color, seizures, coma, changes in heart rate or rhythm, and death. Let your provider know if you have a genetic condition called G6PD deficiency, heart or lung problems, or taking medications known as oxidizing agents like benzocaine or dapsone (Aczone) before using lidocaine/prilocaine. Get medical help as soon as possible if you experience pale, blue, or gray skin color, headache, fast heart rate, shortness of breath, or lightheadedness, as these can be early signs of this blood condition.

                      risk-warning

                      Not for use in ears

                      Animal studies have shown that applying lidocaine/prilocaine to the middle ear can cause ringing in the ears, hearing loss, or balance problems. Only apply lidocaine/prilocaine onto your skin and as directed by your provider.

                      dosage

                      Lidocaine/prilocaine dosage forms

                      The average cost for 1 tube of 30g of 2.5%/2.5% of Lidocaine/prilocaine is $10.97 with a free GoodRx coupon. This is 81.21% off the average retail price of $58.37.
                      tube of cream
                      Tube of cream
                      DosageQuantityPrice as low asPrice per unit
                      5g of 2.5%/2.5%1 tube$5.88$5.88
                      30g of 2.5%/2.5%1 tube$10.97$10.97

                      Typical dosing for Lidocaine/prilocaine

                      Adults

                      • Unbroken skin: The typical dose is to apply a thick layer of lidocaine/prilocaine to unbroken skin. Then, cover with an air- and water-tight dressing (bandaging and sealing the area to protect from injury and infections).

                      • Minor skin procedures: The typical dose is to apply 2.5 grams of lidocaine/prilocaine over 20 cm2 to 25 cm2 of skin and leave on for at least 1 hour.

                      • Major skin procedures: The typical dose is to apply 2 grams of lidocaine/prilocaine per 10 cm2 of a larger area of skin and leave on for at least 2 hours.

                      • Male genital skin before local anesthetic infiltration: The typical dose is to apply 1 gram of lidocaine/prilocaine per 10 cm2 of skin and leave on for 15 minutes.

                      • Female genital mucous membranes (e.g., area around the vagina) before local anesthetic infiltration and minor procedures: The typical dose is to apply 5 to 10 grams of lidocaine/prilocaine to the affected areas and leave on for 5 to 10 minutes.

                      Children: The dose and the maximum amount of time lidocaine/prilocaine should be left on your child’s skin depends on your child’s age and weight. Maximum dosages can range from 1 to 20 grams per specific body area. Talk to your child’s provider and check the package insert for dosing information.

                      The cream contains 2.5% lidocaine and 2.5% prilocaine.

                      interactions

                      Interactions between Lidocaine/prilocaine and other drugs

                      Lidocaine/prilocaine may interact with certain medications or supplements. Always let your doctor and pharmacist know about any other medications or supplements (including prescribed and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and dietary or herbal supplements) that you are currently taking. The list below does not include all possible drug interactions with Lidocaine/prilocaine. Please note that only the generic name of each medication is listed below.

                      Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is not recommended. Your doctor may decide not to treat you with this medication or change some of the other medicines you take.

                      • Dihydroergotamine
                      • Dronedarone
                      • Saquinavir
                      • Vernakalant

                      Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is usually not recommended, but may be required in some cases. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.

                      Using this medicine with any of the following medicines may cause an increased risk of certain side effects, but using both drugs may be the best treatment for you. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.

                      drug-cost

                      How much does Lidocaine/prilocaine cost?

                      To access savings, use a GoodRx coupon and pay just a fraction of the retail price.
                      Lidocaine/prilocaine (generic)
                      GoodRx lowest price

                      $5.88

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                      alternatives

                      What are alternatives to Lidocaine/prilocaine?

                      There are a number of medications that your doctor can prescribe in place of Lidocaine/prilocaine. Compare a few possible alternatives below.
                      Lidocaine/prilocaine
                      Used for:

                      • Pain on unbroken skin

                      • Pretreatment for local infiltration anesthesia (when a medication is injected in an area of your body to take away feeling, usually before surgery) of inner lining of genitals

                      • Pain from minor surgery on inner lining of genitals

                      $5.88 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
                      Lidocaine 5% patch (Lidoderm)
                      Used for:
                      $51.68 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
                      images

                      Lidocaine/prilocaine images

                      white - Lidocaine / Prilocaine 2.5%-2.5% Topical Cream
                      This medicine is White Tube Of Cream.white - Lidocaine / Prilocaine 2.5%-2.5% Topical Cream
                      white - Lidocaine / Prilocaine 2.5%-2.5% Topical Cream
                      This medicine is White Tube Of Cream.white - Lidocaine / Prilocaine 2.5%-2.5% Topical Cream
                      white - Lidocaine / Prilocaine 2.5%-2.5% Topical Cream
                      This medicine is White Tube Of Cream.white - Lidocaine / Prilocaine 2.5%-2.5% Topical Cream
                      white - Lidocaine / Prilocaine 2.5%-2.5% Topical Cream
                      This medicine is White Tube Of Cream.white - Lidocaine / Prilocaine 2.5%-2.5% Topical Cream
                      white - Lidocaine / Prilocaine 2.5%-2.5% Topical Cream
                      This medicine is White Tube Of Cream.white - Lidocaine / Prilocaine 2.5%-2.5% Topical Cream
                      white - Lidocaine / Prilocaine 2.5%-2.5% Topical Cream
                      This medicine is White Tube Of Cream.white - Lidocaine / Prilocaine 2.5%-2.5% Topical Cream

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