EMLA
This topical anesthetic is available for the treatment of intense pain only by prescription. It is a cream made with two chemicals (lidocaine and prilocaine) that when combined, dull and numb the pain. EMLA is commonly applied by a physician before a pain-inducing process. This may include getting a shot (especially for children), having blood extracted, inserting an intravenous line (IV), or having a growth (i.e. wart) removed.
LIDOCAINE PATCH
This anesthetic is also available only by a doctor's presciption most often given for severe pain relief associated with postherpetic neuralgia (post shingles) and pain from significant nerve damage.
OVER-THE-COUNTER
Several topical anesthetics are available for mild pain relief without a prescription (over-the-counter). Some brand names include Nupercainal, Xylocaine, Zilactin-L, Lanacane, Solarcain and Prax. The OTC medicines such as those mentioned above contain various numbing agents such as dibucaine, lidocaine, benzocaine and pramoxine. |
