Lidocaine/Prilocaine Biogaran (Lidocaine, Prilocaine)

• Lidocaine/Prilocaine is a topical local anesthetic used to numb the skin for various minor procedures.
• Minor skin procedures: provides surface anesthesia for biopsies, suturing or excision.
• Venipuncture or catheter insertion: reduces pain during needle placement.
• Laser or dermabrasion: offers pre‑procedural analgesia for cosmetic skin treatments.

• Lidocaine and prilocaine act by reversibly binding to neuronal voltage‑gated sodium channels in the peripheral nerve membrane. This blocks the influx of sodium ions, preventing depolarization and the propagation of action potentials. The combined effect results in a temporary loss of sensation in the applied area without affecting deeper tissues. The inhibition is concentration‑dependent and reversible, allowing normal nerve function to resume as the drug diffuses away from the site.

Lidocaine/Prilocaine may cause local and systemic adverse reactions, most of which are mild and reversible.

Common Side Effects

• Mild burning or stinging at the application site
• Transient erythema or redness
• Pruritus or itching

Serious or Rare Side Effects

• Methemoglobinemia, especially with large‑area application
• Systemic toxicity presenting as dizziness, tinnitus, or seizures
• Severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) with hives, swelling, or respiratory distress

• When using Lidocaine/Prilocaine, certain precautions should be observed to minimize risk.
• Allergy assessment: confirm no known hypersensitivity to amide‑type local anesthetics.
• Application area: apply only to intact, non‑mucosal skin and avoid broken skin.
• Maximum treated surface: do not exceed the recommended total area (generally ≤10% of body surface) in a single session.
• Concurrent anesthetics: avoid using additional topical anesthetics on the same area to prevent additive toxicity.
• Systemic absorption monitoring: observe for signs of CNS or cardiovascular effects when large areas are treated.
• Store at room temperature: keep in the original container, protect from moisture and direct sunlight.

Lidocaine/Prilocaine can interact with other medicines, influencing its safety profile.

Major Interactions (Avoid)

• Co‑administration with other sodium channel blockers (e.g., bupivacaine, mepivacaine) may increase risk of systemic toxicity.
• Concurrent use with monoamine oxidase inhibitors can potentiate local anesthetic effects and raise toxicity risk.

Moderate Interactions (Monitor Closely)

• Vasoconstrictors (e.g., epinephrine) may alter drug absorption and prolong effect.
• Drugs affecting hepatic metabolism such as cimetidine may modify clearance of lidocaine.
• Systemic analgesics or sedatives can mask early signs of toxicity, requiring careful monitoring.