dibucaine
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.
What is Dibucaine (Nupercainal)?
What is Dibucaine (Nupercainal) used for?
- 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
How Dibucaine (Nupercainal) works
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.
Drug facts
Side effects of Dibucaine (Nupercainal)
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
See Risks and Warnings
Less Common Side Effects
- Redness
- Irritation
- Swelling
- Pain
The following Dibucaine (Nupercainal) side effects have also been reported
Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:
- Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report these to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):
- Irritation at application site
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Pros and cons of Dibucaine (Nupercainal)
Pros
- Available as a lower-cost generic medication
- Usually works within 15 minutes to relieve pain and itching
- Easy to use
- Available over the counter
Cons
- 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
Pharmacist tips for Dibucaine (Nupercainal)
- 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.
Common questions about Dibucaine (Nupercainal)
No, dibucaine (Nupercainal) is available over the counter and you don’t need a prescription.
You might start to feel relief within 15 minutes of using dibucaine (Nupercainal). The relief is temporary, which is why you’ll need to reapply it throughout the day. If your symptoms don’t improve within 7 days, contact your provider.
While dibucaine (Nupercainal) and hydrocortisone (Anusol HC) both treat pain and itching caused by hemorrhoids, they work differently. Dibucaine (Nupercainal) is a local anesthetic and works by numbing the area where it’s applied. Hydrocortisone (Anusol HC) is a corticosteroid, and it blocks the release of chemicals in your body in order to relieve swelling and itching. Both medications are available over the counter, but some forms of hydrocortisone (Anusol HC) are only available with a prescription.
It isn't known if dibucaine (Nupercainal) is safe to use while pregnant because there haven’t been enough studies done in pregnant women. Discuss with your healthcare provider if the benefits of taking this medication outweigh the risks to you and your unborn baby.
There are many treatment options available for hemorrhoids. Eating more fiber has been shown to lower bleeding and other symptoms. A sitz bath (a shallow bath of warm water that you can sit in) can also help you feel better. Over-the-counter medications that can be used to relieve symptoms of hemorrhoids include witch hazel, stool softeners (e.g., docusate (Colace)), zinc oxide, phenylephrine, and other topical anesthetics (e.g., lidocaine). Prescription medications, like higher strengths of hydrocortisone (Anucort) and a compounded medication (meaning it isn't available commercially) called nifedipine, are also options. Talk with your provider about the best treatment options for you.
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Risks and warnings for Dibucaine (Nupercainal)
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
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.
Dibucaine (Nupercainal) dosage
Tube of ointment| Dosage | Quantity | Price as low as | Price per unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 oz of 1% | 1 tube | $5.73 | $5.73 |
Typical dosage for Dibucaine (Nupercainal)
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.
How much does Dibucaine (Nupercainal) cost?
$5.73
Dibucaine (Nupercainal) contraindications
Contraindications are specific health conditions or situations in which a person should not take a medication due to safety concerns. If you have any of the following conditions or if any of the following apply to you, let your healthcare provider know because Dibucaine (Nupercainal) will not be safe for you to take.
- Children under 2 years of age
What are alternatives to Dibucaine (Nupercainal)?
Dibucaine (Nupercainal) images
