lidocaine + tetracaine at a glance
Medicine class
Topical local anaesthetic combination.
Where it is used
On intact skin before selected needle, superficial surgical or dermatological procedures.
Available forms
A heat-releasing medicated plaster and a cream that forms a removable peel.
Protect numb skin
Avoid scratching, rubbing and extreme heat or cold until normal sensation returns.
What is lidocaine + tetracaine used for?
Licensed uses differ by formulation:
The medicated plaster is licensed for adults before needle puncture or superficial skin procedures, including skin-lesion excision and punch biopsy.
The medicated plaster is licensed for children aged 3 years and over before needle puncture.
The cream is licensed for adults before dermatological procedures on intact skin.
How does lidocaine + tetracaine work?
Both local anaesthetics enter the upper skin layers and block sodium channels in nearby sensory nerves, interrupting pain signals.
lidocaine + tetracaine preparations and strengths
Cream
Route: Cutaneous
Strengths: 70 mg/g + 70 mg/g
How to take lidocaine + tetracaine
Use only on intact skin and follow the instructions for the particular product and procedure.
Keep it away from the eyes, mouth, other mucous membranes and broken or irritated skin.
Do not cover the heat-releasing plaster with an occlusive dressing. Cut hair rather than shaving it if necessary for adhesion.
Apply the peel-forming cream with a flat tool, not your fingers. Facial application should be performed by a healthcare professional.
Remove the plaster or cream peel before the procedure, clear away residue and wash your hands.
Protect the numb area from unnoticed injury until sensation returns.
lidocaine + tetracaine side effects
Common or expected effects
- Temporary redness, paleness or other skin-colour change at the application site
- Mild local swelling
- Application-site rash with the medicated plaster
Get urgent medical advice
- Severe allergic or anaphylactic reaction
- Blue or grey skin or lips, particularly with breathlessness or weakness
- Seizure, profound drowsiness, loss of consciousness or cardiovascular collapse
- Severe eye pain or injury after accidental eye exposure
lidocaine + tetracaine in pregnancy
Information about the combination during pregnancy is limited, and the product information advises caution. Tell the prescriber or procedural clinician if you are pregnant or planning pregnancy.
lidocaine + tetracaine while breastfeeding
Breastfeeding can generally continue because infant exposure is expected to be low. Do not apply the cream to the breast, prevent the baby contacting treated skin and wash your hands after handling it. Seek specialist advice if the baby is premature or unwell.
lidocaine + tetracaine interactions
Systemic interactions are unlikely after correct topical use, but additive toxicity is possible.
Class I or III antiarrhythmics, including quinidine, disopyramide and amiodarone
May increase cardiac or systemic local-anaesthetic toxicity.
Other products containing lidocaine, tetracaine or another local anaesthetic
All formulations contribute to cumulative exposure and toxicity risk.
Common questions about lidocaine + tetracaine
Answers are fully visible for fast scanning and source review.
Can children use lidocaine + tetracaine?
The plaster is licensed before needle puncture from age 3 years. The cream is not recommended for children or adolescents because its safety and efficacy have not been established.
Can it be used on broken skin?
No. These products are intended for intact skin and should not be applied to broken, irritated or otherwise compromised skin.
Sources
These sources were used to prepare and review this medicine page.
Prepared and reviewed by the iatroX editorial team.