LMX4 Numbing Cream - 5g

LMX4 Numbing Cream – 5g contains lidocaine 4% w/w (40mg per gram), a local anaesthetic that temporarily numbs the surface of the skin.

It is used to provide pain relief:

• Before a needle is inserted into the skin or a vein, for clinical procedures such as venipuncture (blood tests) or venous cannulation
• Before painful topical treatments on larger areas of intact skin (adults 18+ only)

Format: white to off-white cream in a 5g tube. Some packs may include dressings to cover the cream after application. 

Always use this medicine exactly as described in the patient leaflet or as instructed by a doctor/nurse/other trained person involved in your treatment.

For needle procedures (skin/vein)

Apply at least 30 minutes before the procedure starts.

How much to apply (guide):

• 1g is approx. a 5cm length squeezed from the 5g tube
• Adults (including elderly) and children over 1 year: apply 1g to 2.5g to cover about 2.5cm x 2.5cm. Do not leave on longer than 5 hours.
• Infants over 3 months and under 1 year: apply no more than 1g. Do not leave on longer than 4 hours.
• Infants over 1 month and under 3 months: apply no more than 1g. Do not leave on longer than 1 hour.
• Do not use in infants below 1 month old.

Application steps:

1. Apply the cream in a uniform layer to intact skin.
2. If told to do so, cover with a dressing to stop it rubbing off.
3. Shortly before the procedure, remove any dressing and wipe off the cream thoroughly with a gauze swab.

For painful topical treatments on larger intact skin areas (adults 18+ only)

• Apply 30 to 60 minutes before the procedure.
• Use 1.5g to 2g per 10cm², up to a maximum total area of 900cm² (about a back or thigh).
• Remove thoroughly with a gauze swab shortly before the procedure.
• Do not reapply for at least 12 hours after removal.
• Do not use on patients under 18 years for large surface areas.

If you use too much: overdose is unlikely, but seek medical advice. Possible overdose symptoms include blurred vision, dizziness/drowsiness, breathing difficulty, trembling, chest pain or irregular heartbeat.

Active ingredient:

• Lidocaine 4% w/w (40mg per 1g cream)

Other ingredients:

Benzyl alcohol, carbomers, cholesterol, phospholipon 80H (hydrogenated soy lecithin), polysorbate 80, propylene glycol, trolamine, vitamin E acetate, purified water. 

Do not use

• If allergic to lidocaine, any ingredient, or similar local anaesthetics
• On infants below 1 month old

Important warnings & precautions

• For external use only. Do not exceed the recommended dose.
• Do not apply to: raw or blistered skin, in the ear, inside the nose, in the mouth, to the anus (back passage), areas with a skin rash or eczema, or where there are cuts, grazes or wounds.
• Avoid getting the cream in the eyes. If it happens, rinse well immediately with lukewarm water or sodium chloride (salt) solution and protect the eye until sensation returns.
• Speak to a healthcare professional before use if you are acutely ill, debilitated or elderly, have a history of sensitivity to local anaesthetics, or have severe liver disease.

Interactions

Tell a healthcare professional if you are using:

• Other local anaesthetics
• Medicines for irregular heartbeat (e.g. tocainide, mexiletine, amiodarone)
• Propranolol or cimetidine
• Live vaccines: do not administer into areas where LMX4 has been applied, as vaccine effect may be affected

Pregnancy & breastfeeding

If pregnant or breastfeeding (or planning a baby), ask for advice before use.

Contains

• Propylene glycol (75mg per 1g): may cause skin irritation. Do not use on open wounds or large areas of broken/damaged skin (such as burns) without checking with a doctor/pharmacist.
• Benzyl alcohol (15mg per 1g): may cause allergic reactions or mild irritation.

Possible side effects

• Common (up to 1 in 10): skin irritation, redness, itching, dryness or rash where applied
• Rare (up to 1 in 1,000): allergic reaction (may include rash, swelling, very low blood pressure, anaphylactic shock). Remove the cream and seek urgent medical help.

Side effect reporting: MHRA Yellow Card Scheme.

Storage

• Keep out of the sight and reach of children.
• Use within 6 months of opening. No special storage conditions required.