EMLA Cream 5% - 5g

EMLA Cream 5% – 5g is a topical local anaesthetic cream that temporarily numbs the surface of the skin. It contains lidocaine + prilocaine, helping reduce pain from certain procedures. You may still feel pressure and touch.

What it’s used for

Adults, adolescents and children:

• Numbing the skin before needles (e.g., injections, blood tests)
• Numbing the skin before minor skin operations

Adults and adolescents:

• Numbing the genitals before injections or procedures (e.g., wart removal)
• A doctor or nurse should apply EMLA on the genitals.

Adults (supervised use):

• Numbing skin on leg ulcers before cleansing or removal of damaged skin (doctor/nurse supervision required)

Pack size

• 5g tube (some packs include dressings; some do not). 

Always use exactly as described in the leaflet or as your doctor, pharmacist or nurse has told you.

Before needles / minor skin procedures (intact skin)

• Apply the cream in a thick layer (do not rub in) and cover with a dressing/occlusive cover.
• Adults & adolescents over 12: usual dose 2g. Apply at least 60 minutes before the procedure (not on genitals). Do not apply more than 5 hours before.
• Children: typical application time is about 1 hour, with age-based maximum dose/area limits:
• 0–2 months: up to 1g on max 10 cm² for 1 hour (max 1 dose in 24 hours)
• 3–11 months: up to 2g on max 20 cm² for ~1 hour
• 1–5 years: up to 10g on max 100 cm² for ~1 hour (max 5 hours)
• 6–11 years: up to 20g on max 200 cm² for ~1 hour (max 5 hours)
• Over 3 months: up to 2 doses (at least 12 hours apart) in 24 hours

Step-by-step application (at home)

1. Squeeze the cream into a mound where needed. Do not rub in.
2. Apply the dressing over the mound and smooth down edges (don’t spread the cream under the dressing).
3. Leave in place for the recommended time (for intact skin: at least 60 minutes).
4. Remove dressing and wipe off the cream just before the procedure (often done by the clinician).

Important timing notes

• Children under 3 months: do not leave on longer than 60 minutes.
• Atopic dermatitis (eczema): use for 30 minutes only (and longer times may increase local reactions). 

Active ingredients (per 1g): Lidocaine 25mg + Prilocaine 25mg.

Other ingredients: Macrogolglycerol hydroxystearate, Carbomer 974P, sodium hydroxide, purified water.

Do not use

• If allergic to lidocaine, prilocaine, similar local anaesthetics, or any ingredients.
• On cuts, grazes, wounds, or skin rash/eczema (except leg ulcers, which are supervised use).
• In or near the eyes, inside the nose, ear or mouth, in the back passage (anus).
• On the genitals of children (under 12 years).
• In preterm newborn infants.

Speak to a healthcare professional before use if

• You or your child have glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency or methaemoglobinaemia.
• You/your child are taking medicines linked to methaemoglobinaemia risk (e.g., sulphonamides) or certain antiarrhythmics (e.g., amiodarone).
• You are using EMLA before live vaccines (follow-up may be needed).

Possible side effects

• Common: temporary skin reactions (paleness, redness, swelling) at the application site.
• Uncommon: burning/itching/warmth on treated skin; tingling/numbness in treated area.
• Rare: small dot-shaped bleeding on treated area (especially in children with eczema after longer application times); eye irritation if it gets into the eyes.
• Stop use and seek urgent advice if signs of allergic reaction occur (rash, swelling, breathing difficulty, fainting).
• Methaemoglobinaemia (rare): may cause bluish-grey skin colour due to low oxygen; risk higher with overdose and in very young infants.

Storage

• Keep out of the sight and reach of children.
• Do not store above 30°C. Do not freeze.