Composition:
Pridocaine cream contains:
Lidocaine 2.5% & Prilocaine 2.5%.
Pharmacodynamics:
Pridocaine cream contains a combination of two local anesthetics of the amide type, lidocaine & prilocaine.
They act by causing a reversible block to conduction of nerve impulses from sensory nerves along nerve fibers.
This action results from an alteration of the cell membrane permeability to ions.
Penetration & subsequent systemic absorption of this mixture is enhanced over use of each agent alone. Onset, depth & duration of dermal analgesia provided by this mixture depends primarily on duration of application.
Pharmacokinetics:
Systemic absorption appears to be minimal when applied to intact skin even after treating large areas or leaving the cream in place for many hours.
Therapeutic Indications:
Local anesthetic for topical use to produce surface anesthesia of the skin for:
Minor dermatological procedures under occlusive dressing, e.g. needle insertion & surgical treatment of localized lesions.
Venepuncture for blood sampling, intravenous or arterial cannulation.
Dermal procedures on larger areas under occlusive dressing, e.g. split skin grafting.
For topical use on the genital mucosa to facilitate the removal of warts in adults.
Dosage and Administration:
Anesthesia before minor skin procedures including venepuncture:
Apply thick layer under occlusive dressing 1-5 hours before procedure (2-5 hours before procedures on large areas e.g. split skin grafting).
Removal of warts from genital mucosa in adults, apply up to 10 g 5-10 minutes before removal.
Precautions:
Should not be applied to wounds, mucous membranes or in areas of atopic dermatitis.
Should not be applied to genital mucosa in children.
Should not be applied to or near the eyes or middle ear.
Although the systemic availability of prilocaine by percutaneous absorption is low, caution should be exercised in patients with anemia, congenital or acquired methemoglobinemia or patients on concomitant therapy known to produce such conditions.
Avoid in pregnancy & lactation.
Contraindications:
Known hypersensitivity to anesthetics of the amide type.
Adverse Reactions:
Transient paleness, redness & edema have been reported.
Presentation & Storage:
Pridocaine cream is supplied in tubes of 15 g each.
Store below 30°C.