Information for Caregivers

Lidocaine + Prilocaine Cream for Local Anaesthesia

What is lidocaine + prilocaine cream?

Lidocaine + prilocaine cream contains 2.5% lidocaine and 2.5% prilocaine. It belongs to topical anaesthetics which is used to numb the skin before needle-required procedures, such as giving an injection, taking a blood sample and inserting a cannula into vein. It helps to relieve pain or discomfort and calm your child to facilitate a smooth procedure.

How much lidocaine + prilocaine cream should be used?

Your doctor or nurse will tell you how much cream to apply. Lidocaine + prilocaine cream should be applied to an intact skin area.

How to apply lidocaine + prilocaine cream?

Reserve sufficient application time before procedures to ensure enough time for effect.

1. Apply required quantity of cream onto the centre of planned injection site. Do not rub or spread out the cream.
2. Take out an occlusive dressing and cover the cream.
3. Stick the dressing edges carefully to avoid leakage.
4. Leave it on for 60 minutes or as recommended by your doctor or nurse.
5. Remove the dressings right before procedures.
6. Wipe off the cream with a tissue.

What are the safety precautions about lidocaine + prilocaine cream?

• Tell your doctor or nurse if your child has any allergies, Glucose-6-Phosphate Dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency, congenital or idiopathic methaemoglobinaemia, skin problems (e.g. atopic dermatitis); or if your child is currently taking any other drugs.
• Ensure the skin is clean and dry before application.
• Check the expiry date before use. Do not use if the cream is expired.
• If the procedure is delayed, the cream must be removed after maximum application time:
  • Age ≤ 1 year old: Maximum 1 hour
  • Age > 1 year old: Maximum 5 hours
• Do not apply the cream to open wound or broken skin, mucous membranes, mouth, area near the eyes, eyes and situations that penetration into middle ears may occur.

When should lidocaine + prilocaine cream start working?

• The cream should make the treated skin area numb after 1 hour of application.
• The skin will stay numb for 1-2 hours after removal.

What if I forget to apply lidocaine + prilocaine cream?

• If you forget to apply the cream or you applied it late, inform your doctor or nurse. They may decide to delay the procedure. Do not apply extra amount of the cream.

What are possible side effects of lidocaine + prilocaine cream?

• Mild and transient local reactions may occur at application site:
  • Temporary paleness, redness, swelling
  • Mild sensation of burning, warmth, or itching
• Rare but severe side effects (Immediately remove the cream and inform your doctor or nurse if happened):
  • Prolonged or severe skin reactions, such as purpura, petechiae
  • Allergic reactions, such as rash, feeling faint, shortness of breath, swelling of the face
  • Signs of methaemoglobinaemia, such as bluish or purplish skin, lips and nails.

How to store lidocaine + prilocaine cream?

• Keep out of reach from children.
• Store at room temperature below 30˚C. Do not freeze.
• For single use only. Discard any unused portion.

For any query, please seek advice from your doctor, pharmacist or nurse.

HKCH Department of Pharmacy and HKCH Sedation Committee
Version 1.0 Last updated: 07/2026