Emla 5% Cream 5g – 2 Dressings

Description

Emla 5% Cream 5g – 2 Dressings

Emla 5% Cream is a topical anaesthetic used to numb the skin before procedures such as injections, vaccinations, blood tests, or minor skin treatments. It provides effective, temporary pain relief by making the skin surface and the area just below it less sensitive to pain.

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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 would normally carry pain messages to the brain. When applied under an airtight dressing for the recommended time, the cream penetrates the skin to create a numbing effect in the treated area.

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Directions for Use

For adults and children, apply a thick layer of Emla Cream (approximately 1.5–2g per 10 cm² of skin) to the area to be numbed and cover with one of the occlusive dressings provided. Leave in place for at least 60 minutes before a procedure (up to 5 hours for deeper procedures). Remove the dressing and wipe away the cream shortly before the procedure begins. Dosage and application time may vary depending on the procedure and the patient’s age — use in infants and young children should follow specific guidelines. 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 25mg per gram (2.5%)
• Prilocaine 25mg per gram (2.5%)

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Possible Side Effects

• Temporary paleness (blanching) of the skin at the application site
• Temporary redness (erythema) at the application site
• Mild swelling or puffiness at the application site
• A burning or stinging sensation during application
• Mild itching at the treated area
• Rarely, localised skin reactions such as a rash or contact dermatitis
“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)
• Infants under 12 months who are receiving treatment with medicines that can cause methaemoglobinaemia (such as certain antimalarials or sulphonamides)
• Do not apply to open wounds, mucous membranes, or areas near the eyes

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Interactions

Emla Cream may interact with certain medicines that can increase the risk of methaemoglobinaemia, including some antimalarial drugs (such as dapsone), certain antibiotics (such as sulphonamides), and other local anaesthetic medicines. Class III antiarrhythmic medicines (such as amiodarone) may also interact with lidocaine. 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 safe when used occasionally and as directed during pregnancy, as systemic absorption is very low. Lidocaine and prilocaine may pass into breast milk in small amounts, but the risk to a breastfed infant is considered minimal with short-term topical use. 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 significant interaction between Emla Cream and alcohol, as the cream is applied topically and very little of the active ingredients are absorbed into the bloodstream. As a general precaution, avoid consuming alcohol before any medical procedure you are preparing for.

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Driving and Operating Machinery

Emla Cream is applied topically and is not expected to cause drowsiness or impair your ability to drive or operate machinery. The very small amount that may be absorbed through the skin is unlikely to have any effect on alertness or coordination.

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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