Dibucaine (Topical application)
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Feb 5, 2022.
Commonly used brand name(s)
In the U.S.
- Nupercainal
Available Dosage Forms:
- Ointment
Therapeutic Class: Anesthetic, Local
Chemical Class: Amino Amide
Uses for dibucaine
Dibucaine is used to relieve pain and itching caused by conditions such as sunburn or other minor burns, insect bites or stings, poison ivy, poison oak, poison sumac, minor cuts, or scratches.
Dibucaine belongs to a group of medicines known as topical local anesthetics. It deadens the nerve endings in the skin. Dibucaine does not cause unconsciousness as general anesthetics do when used for surgery.
Dibucaine is available without a prescription; however, your doctor may have special instructions on the proper use and dose for your medical problem.
Before using dibucaine
In deciding to use a medicine, the risks of taking the medicine must be weighed against the good it will do. This is a decision you and your doctor will make. For dibucaine, the following should be considered:
Allergies
Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to dibucaine or any other medicines. Also tell your health care professional if you have any other types of allergies, such as to foods, dyes, preservatives, or animals. For non-prescription products, read the label or package ingredients carefully.
Pediatric
Appropriate studies on the relationship of age to the effects of dibucaine have not been performed in the pediatric population. However, pediatric-specific problems that would limit the usefulness of this medication in children are not expected.
Geriatric
No information is available on the relationship of age to the effects of dibucaine in geriatric patients.
Interactions with medicines
Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. Tell your healthcare professional if you are taking any other prescription or nonprescription (over-the-counter [OTC]) medicine.
Interactions with food/tobacco/alcohol
Certain medicines should not be used at or around the time of eating food or eating certain types of food since interactions may occur. Using alcohol or tobacco with certain medicines may also cause interactions to occur. Discuss with your healthcare professional the use of your medicine with food, alcohol, or tobacco.
Other medical problems
The presence of other medical problems may affect the use of dibucaine. Make sure you tell your doctor if you have any other medical problems, especially:
- Infection at or near the place of application or
- Large sores, broken skin, or severe injury at the area of application—The chance of side effects may be increased.
Proper use of dibucaine
Use dibucaine exactly as directed by your doctor or as directed in the package instructions. Do not use it for any other reason without first checking with your doctor. Dibucaine may cause unwanted effects if it is used too much, because more of it is absorbed into the body through the skin.
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