Anesthetics : Before Using

Anesthetics - Topical

Anesthetics *** Before Using *** How to Use *** Fore Safe Use *** Side Effects

Before Using

If you are using this drug without a prescription, carefully read and follow any precautions on the label. For topical anesthetics, the following must be considered

Allergic reaction

Tell your family doctor if you have any unusual or allergy to a local anesthetic, especially when applied to the skin or other areas of the body. Also tell your health care professional if you are allergic to any other substances, such as foods, preservatives, or dyes, especially aminobenzoic acid - also called para-aminobenzoic acid "PABA ", to parabens - preservatives in many foods and medication, or to paraphenylenediamine - a hair dye.

Pregnancy care

Although studies on effects in pregnancy have not been done, topical anesthetics have not been reported to cause problems in humans. Lidocaine has not been shown to cause birth defects or other problems in animal studies. Other topical anesthetics have not been studied in pets.

Breast-feeding problem

Topical anesthetics have not been reported to cause problems in nursing babies.

Use for Children

Benzocaine may be absorbed through the skin of young children and cause unwanted effects. There is no special info comparing use of other topical anesthetics in child with use in other age groups, but it is possible that they may also cause unwanted effects in young children. Check with your family doctor before using any product that contains a topical anesthetic for a child younger than 2 years of age.

Elderly care

Many medication have not been studied specifically in elderly people. Therefore, it may not be known whether they work exactly the same way they do in adults people or if they cause various side effects or problems in elderly people. There is no special info comparing use of topical anesthetics in the elderly with use in other age groups.

Drug interactions

Although certain medication must not be using together at all, in other cases two various medication may be using together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your family doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. Tell your health care professional if you are taking any other prescription or nonprescription - over-the-counter "OTC " drug.

Other Information for using

The presence of other medical problems may effect the use of topical anesthetics. Before using a topical anesthetic, check with your health care professional if you have any other medical problems, especially:

Infection at or near the place of application
Large sores, broken skin, or severe injury at the area of application The risk of side effects may be increased