Proper Use

Drug information provided by: Merative, Micromedex®

A nurse or other trained health care professional will apply this medicine to you or your child before a medical procedure in a medical facility.

You may be taught how to apply this medicine to yourself or your child at home before the medical procedure. Use this medicine exactly as directed by your doctor. Do not use it for any other condition without first checking with your doctor. This medicine may cause unwanted effects if too much is used, because more of it is absorbed through the skin.

Do not apply this medicine to open wounds, burns, or broken or inflamed skin, unless directed otherwise by your doctor.

Be careful not to get any of this medicine in the eyes, because it can cause severe eye irritation. If any of the medicine does get into your eye, do not rub or wipe the eye, even if it hurts. Wash the eye with water and call your doctor right away.

Be careful not to get any of this medicine in the ears (especially in the middle ear), because it can cause serious hearing problems. If any of the medicine does get into your ear, wash the ear with water and call your doctor right away.

Be careful not to get any of this medicine in the mouth. Serious unwanted effects may occur if the medicine is swallowed.

To use:

  • Wash your hands with soap and water before and after applying the medicine.
  • Apply a thick layer of medicine to the area where numbness is needed. Do not spread the medicine on the skin.
  • Cover the medicine with a special bandage called an occlusive dressing. This will keep the medicine in place. Your doctor will give you the bandage or tell you what to use.
  • Seal the edges of the bandage to keep the medicine from leaking. Do not lift the bandage or disturb it. Keeping the medicine tightly covered helps it work properly.
  • For babies or young children, a second covering may be used to prevent them from touching the medicine.
  • Carefully watch your baby or child while the medicine is in place. Do not let them loosen or remove the bandage, touch the medicine, or put it in the mouth, eyes, nose, or ears.
  • Keep the bandage in place until you or your child arrive at the hospital or clinic.
  • Your doctor will remove the bandage and wipe the medicine off the skin before the medical procedure.

Dosing

The dose of this medicine will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label. The following information includes only the average doses of this medicine. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.

The amount of medicine that you take depends on the strength of the medicine. Also, the number of doses you take each day, the time allowed between doses, and the length of time you take the medicine depend on the medical problem for which you are using the medicine.

  • For topical dosage form (cream):
    • For preventing pain caused by medical procedures:
      • Adults—Apply 1 to 2.5 grams (g) in a thick layer to the skin area. The size of the area to be covered and the length of time the medicine is kept in place will depend on the procedure. Cover the area with a bandage. The medicine may need to stay on the skin for up to 2 hours. Your doctor will remove the bandage and wipe the medicine off the skin before the medical procedure.
      • Children—Dose is based on body weight and must be determined by your doctor. The cream is applied in a thick layer to the skin area. The size of the area to be covered and the length of time the medicine is kept in place will depend on the procedure. Cover the area with a bandage. Your doctor will remove the bandage and wipe the medicine off the skin before the medical procedure.

Storage

Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Keep from freezing.

Keep out of the reach of children.

Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.

Ask your healthcare professional how you should dispose of any medicine you do not use.

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Portions of this document last updated: April 01, 2024

Copyright: © Merative US L.P. 1973, 2024. All rights reserved. Information is for End User's use only and may not be sold, redistributed or otherwise used for commercial purposes.