Anesthetics (Topical)

Proper Use of This Medicine

For safe and effective use of this medicine:

• Follow your doctor's instructions if this medicine was prescribed.
• Follow the manufacturer's package directions if you are treating yourself.
• Unless otherwise directed by your doctor, do not use this medicine on large areas, especially if the skin is broken or scraped. Also, do not use it more often than directed on the package label, or for more than a few days at a time . To do so may increase the chance of absorption through the skin and the chance of unwanted effects. This is especially important when benzocaine is used for children younger than 2 years of age.

This medicine should be used only for problems being treated by your doctor or conditions listed in the package directions. Check with your doctor before using it for other problems, especially if you think that an infection may be present . This medicine should not be used to treat certain kinds of skin infections or serious problems, such as severe burns.

Read the package label very carefully to see if the product contains any alcohol. Alcohol is flammable and can catch on fire. Do not use any product containing alcohol near a fire or open flame, or while smoking. Also, do not smoke after applying one of these products until it has completely dried .

If you are using this medicine on your face, be very careful not to get it in your eyes, mouth, or nose . If you are using an aerosol or spray form of this medicine, do not spray it directly on your face. Instead, use your hand or an applicator (for example, a sterile gauze pad or a cotton swab) to apply the medicine.

For patients using butamben :

• Butamben may stain clothing and discolor hair. It may not be possible to remove the stains. To avoid this, do not touch your clothing or your hair while applying the medicine. Also, cover the treated area with a loose bandage after applying butamben, to protect your clothes.

To use lidocaine film-forming gel (e.g., DermaFlex):

• First dry the area with a clean cloth or a piece of gauze. Then apply the medicine. The medicine should dry, forming a clear film, after about 1 minute.

Dosing - The dose of a topical anesthetic 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 these medicines. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.

For benzocaine and for benzocaine and menthol combination
• For topical dosage forms (aerosol solution, cream, lotion, ointment, and spray solution):
  • For pain and itching caused by minor skin conditions:
    • Adults and children 2 years of age and older - Apply to the affected area three or four times a day as needed.
    • Children younger than 2 years of age - Dose must be determined by your doctor.

For butamben
• For topical dosage form (ointment):
  • For pain and itching caused by minor skin conditions:
    • Adults - Apply to the affected area three or four times a day as needed.
    • Children - Dose must be determined by your doctor.

For dibucaine
• For topical cream dosage form:
  • For pain and itching caused by minor skin conditions:
    • Adults and children 2 years of age and older - Apply to the affected area three or four times a day as needed.
    • Children up to 2 years of age - Dose must be determined by your doctor.
• For topical ointment dosage form:
  • For pain and itching caused by minor skin conditions:
    • Adults - Apply to the affected area three or four times a day as needed. The largest amount that may be used in a twenty-four-hour period is 30 grams, but much smaller amounts are usually enough.
    • Children 2 years of age and older - Apply to the affected area three or four times a day as needed. Do not use more than 7.5 grams in a twenty-four-hour period.
    • Children up to 2 years of age - Dose must be determined by your doctor.

For lidocaine
• For topical dosage forms (aerosol solution, film-forming gel, jelly, ointment, and spray solution):
  • For pain and itching caused by minor skin conditions:
    • Adults - Apply to the affected area three or four times a day as needed.
    • Children - Dose must be determined by your doctor.

For pramoxine and for pramoxine and menthol combination
• For topical dosage forms (cream, gel, and lotion):
  • For pain and itching caused by minor skin conditions:
    • Adults and children 2 years of age and older - Apply to the affected area three or four times a day as needed.
    • Children younger than 2 years of age - Dose must be determined by your doctor.

For tetracaine and for tetracaine and menthol combination
• For topical dosage forms (cream and ointment):
  • For pain and itching caused by minor skin conditions:
    • Adults and teenagers - Apply to the affected area three or four times a day as needed. The largest amount that may be used in a twenty-four-hour period is 30 grams (a whole tube of the medicine), but much smaller amounts are usually enough.
    • Children 2 years of age and older - Apply to the affected area three or four times a day as needed. Do not use more than 7 grams (about one-fourth of a tube of the medicine) in a twenty-four-hour period.
    • Children younger than 2 years of age - Dose must be determined by your doctor.

Missed dose - If your doctor has ordered you to use this medicine according to a regular schedule and you miss a dose, use it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and use your next dose at the regularly scheduled time.

Storage - To store this medicine:

• Keep out of the reach of children.
• Store away from heat and direct light.
• Keep the medicine from freezing.
• Do not puncture, break, or burn aerosol containers, even when they are empty.
• Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed. Be sure that any discarded medicine is out of the reach of children.