Emla Cream 5% – 30g

Description

Emla Cream 5% – 30g

Emla Cream 5% is a topical anaesthetic cream used to numb the skin before procedures such as injections, vaccinations, blood tests, or minor skin surgery. It helps reduce pain and discomfort by temporarily desensitising the skin at the application site.

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How It Works

Emla Cream contains two local anaesthetics — lidocaine and prilocaine — which work together to block the nerve signals in the skin that send pain messages to the brain. When applied under an occlusive dressing, the cream penetrates the skin layers and produces a numbing effect, typically within 60 minutes.

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Directions for Use

For adults and children over 12 years: apply a thick layer of cream (approximately 1.5–2g per 10 cm² of skin) to the area to be treated. Cover with the occlusive dressing provided or a similar airtight dressing and leave in place for at least 60 minutes before the procedure (up to 5 hours for deeper numbing). Remove the dressing and wipe away the cream just before the procedure. For children under 12 years, dosage and application time vary by age and weight — refer to the patient information leaflet for full details. Always read the patient information leaflet before use. If you are unsure about the correct dose, speak to your PillSorted pharmacist.

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Active Ingredients

• Lidocaine 25 mg per gram (2.5% w/w)
• Prilocaine 25 mg per gram (2.5% w/w)

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Possible Side Effects

• Temporary paleness (blanching) of the skin at the application site
• Redness or flushing of the skin after the cream is removed
• Mild swelling or oedema at the application site
• Itching or burning sensation on the skin
• Skin rash or allergic reaction (less common)
• Methaemoglobinaemia — a rare but serious blood condition, particularly with large doses or in young infants
“If you experience any serious side effects, stop taking this medicine and seek medical advice immediately.”

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Who Should Not Take This Medicine

• People with a known allergy to lidocaine, prilocaine, or any other local anaesthetic of the amide type
• People with a known allergy to any other ingredient in Emla Cream
• Infants under 37 weeks gestational age (premature babies)
• People with congenital or idiopathic methaemoglobinaemia
• Do not apply to open wounds, broken skin, or mucous membranes unless specifically directed by a healthcare professional
• Do not apply near the eyes

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Interactions

Emla Cream may interact with other medicines that can cause methaemoglobinaemia, such as sulphonamides, dapsone, phenytoin, phenobarbital, and some antimalarials. Caution is also advised when using alongside other local anaesthetics or medicines with similar pharmacological properties, as the effects may be additive. Tell your PillSorted pharmacist or doctor about all medicines you are currently taking, including herbal remedies and supplements.

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Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Emla Cream is generally considered suitable for use during pregnancy and breastfeeding when used as directed, as systemic absorption through the skin is very low. However, caution is advised, particularly in late pregnancy. Speak to your doctor or PillSorted pharmacist before use if you are pregnant, trying to conceive, or breastfeeding.

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Alcohol

There is no known interaction between Emla Cream and alcohol when the cream is used topically as directed. As it is applied to the skin and not taken by mouth, alcohol consumption is not expected to affect how this medicine works.

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Driving and Operating Machinery

Emla Cream is applied locally to the skin and is not expected to cause drowsiness or impair your ability to drive or operate machinery. If you feel any unusual effects after use, exercise caution and seek advice if needed.

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Storage

Store Emla Cream below 25°C. Do not freeze. Keep the tube tightly closed when not in use. Keep out of sight and reach of children. Do not use after the expiry date shown on the packaging.

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Important Information

• This product is a medicine. Speak to your doctor or PillSorted pharmacist before taking this product if you have an underlying medical condition or are taking any other medication or complementary therapy.
• If symptoms worsen or persist, contact your doctor.
• If pregnant, trying to conceive or breastfeeding, seek medical advice before use.
• If you suffer from allergies, confirm suitability with your PillSorted pharmacist before use.
• Store out of sight and reach of children.
• Read the enclosed patient information leaflet carefully before use.
• Contact your GP where appropriate.

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Patient Information Leaflet

For the full Patient Information Leaflet (PIL) for this medicine, visit the electronic Medicines Compendium (EMC). For further information about this medicine, visit NHS.uk.

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This content has been medically reviewed and approved by Zeinab Ardeshir (GPhC 2075730), Superintendent Pharmacist at PillSorted (GPhC-registered online pharmacy 9011258). Last reviewed: February 2026.

Brand	EMLA