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Cancer Medications

EMLA" Cream

Related Services

(EM-la)

Definition | Special instructions | How to give medication | Missed dose | Side effects | Warnings |

What is EMLA" cream?

The purpose of EMLA" cream is to numb the skin before a painful procedure. It contains a mixture of two ingredients, lidocaine and prilocaine, which work together to numb the skin. It is usually applied to the skin and covered with a clear dressing about 1 hour before the procedure or needle stick to help reduce the pain associated with the procedure or needle stick.

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Special Instructions

  • Do not put near eyes. If EMLA" should get into your child's eye, wash the eye with water and call the doctor immediately.
  • Do not put onto an open wound like a cut or a scrape.
  • Do not use on children less than one month old.
  • This medication should only be used on the skin.
  • Store at room temperature.
  • Do not use after the expiration date on the package.
  • Children with darker skin may need to leave the cream on longer to get the appropriate numbing effect.
  • Keep this medication out of the reach of children
  • If too much medication is taken by accident, call the Drug and Poison Information Center (DPIC), 513-636-5111 or 1-800-222-1222 or call your child's doctor right away.

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Instructions for use

  1. At least 1 hour before the procedure squeeze an appropriate amount onto the skin where the procedure will happen.
  2. Cover the cream with a dressing making sure that the edges seal the cream onto the skin and the cream does not leak out.
  3. Before the procedure, remove the dressing and clean the skin.

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Missed dose

For any medication information related to your child's dosing schedule and/or missed doses, contact the healthcare provider who prescribed the medication.

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Side effects

Contact your child's doctor if symptoms persist or become bothersome:

  • Redness or bruising
  • Swelling
  • Itching
  • Change in skin temperature

Warning signs

Call your child's doctor immediately if your child develops:

  • Dizziness
  • Decreased heart rate

Contact Us

For additional information on this or any Health Topic, please call the Family Resource Center, 513-636-7606, or your pediatrician.

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Rev. 3/07, 8/07