Lidocaine and tetracaine (Topical application)

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Apr 22, 2022.

Commonly used brand name(s)

In the U.S.

• Synera

Available Dosage Forms:

• Cream
• Patch, Extended Release

Therapeutic Class: Dermatological Agent

Chemical Class: Amino Amide

Uses for lidocaine and tetracaine

Lidocaine and tetracaine combination is used on the skin to cause numbness or loss of feeling for patients before drawing blood or placing an intravenous (IV) line or having certain medical or skin procedures (eg, excision, electrodessication, shave biopsy).

Lidocaine and tetracaine combination belongs to a group of medicines known as topical local anesthetics. It deadens the nerve endings in the skin. Lidocaine and tetracaine does not cause unconsciousness as general anesthetics do when used for surgery.

Lidocaine and tetracaine is available only with your doctor's prescription.

Before using lidocaine and tetracaine

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 lidocaine and tetracaine, the following should be considered:

Allergies

Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to lidocaine and tetracaine 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 performed to date have not demonstrated pediatric-specific problems that would limit the usefulness of lidocaine and tetracaine combination in children 3 years of age and older. Safety and efficacy have not been established in children younger than 3 years of age.

Geriatric

Appropriate studies performed to date have not demonstrated geriatric-specific problems that would limit the usefulness of lidocaine and tetracaine combination in the elderly. However, elderly patients are more sensitive to the effects of lidocaine and tetracaine than younger adults.

Breastfeeding

Studies in women suggest that this medication poses minimal risk to the infant when used during breastfeeding.

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. When you are taking lidocaine and tetracaine, it is especially important that your healthcare professional know if you are taking any of the medicines listed below. The following interactions have been selected on the basis of their potential significance and are not necessarily all-inclusive.

Using lidocaine and tetracaine with any of the following medicines is not recommended. Your doctor may decide not to treat you with this medication or change some of the other medicines you take.

• Dihydroergotamine
• Dronedarone
• Saquinavir
• Vernakalant

Using lidocaine and tetracaine with any of the following medicines is usually not recommended, but may be required in some cases. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how of...