Prescription
Prescription RequiredCompoundedLidocaine | Tetracaine Spray
Topical anesthetic spray compounded with lidocaine and tetracaine to help numb the skin before certain minor procedures. This product is used on intact skin only and should be used exactly as directed by a licensed healthcare provider. It may help reduce pain from needle sticks, laser procedures, or other office-based skin treatments. This is a compounded preparation and has not been reviewed by the FDA for safety, effectiveness, or quality in the same way as an FDA-approved drug product.
Requires a valid prescription from your provider. Not sure if it's right for you? Ask a pharmacist.
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Compounded products are not FDA-approved and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Individual results may vary. This information is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice — always consult your healthcare provider before starting any new treatment.
Clinical information
Medication information for patients and providers.
Use as directed by your healthcare provider. This spray is for external use on intact skin only. Apply the smallest amount needed to the treatment area and avoid using more often or over larger areas than prescribed. Do not apply to broken, irritated, or infected skin unless your healthcare provider specifically tells you to do so. If you think you used too much, wash the area if possible and contact your healthcare provider or Poison Control right away.
This medication works by temporarily blocking nerve signals in the skin that carry pain messages to the brain. Lidocaine and tetracaine both reduce the movement of sodium through nerve cells, which stops the nerves from sending pain signals normally. Patients often notice numbing within about 20 to 60 minutes, depending on the amount used, the body area, and the procedure being done. The numbing effect usually lasts for a short time after the medicine is removed or absorbed, often around 1 to 2 hours, though this can vary. Patients may notice less pain, burning, or stinging during minor skin procedures.
Do not use if you are allergic to lidocaine, tetracaine, other local anesthetics of the amide or ester type, or any ingredient in the product, because a serious allergic reaction may occur. Do not use on broken skin, open wounds, severely irritated skin, or mucous membranes unless specifically directed by your healthcare provider, because this can increase drug absorption and raise the risk of serious side effects. Do not use in or near the eyes, inside the mouth, or inside the nose unless specifically prescribed for that purpose. Do not use in infants or young children without clear medical direction, because they may be more sensitive to toxic effects. Use during pregnancy or breastfeeding only if your healthcare provider decides the benefit outweighs the risk. Use extra caution or avoid use if you have severe liver disease, certain heart rhythm problems, a history of seizures, methemoglobinemia, or glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency, because side effects may be more serious.
This medication may interact with other medicines that numb the body, such as injectable lidocaine, bupivacaine, benzocaine products, or over-the-counter pain-relief creams, and using them together may increase the risk of toxicity. Use caution with heart rhythm medicines such as amiodarone, mexiletine, or procainamide, because combined effects on the heart may increase risk; ask your healthcare provider before use. Medicines that can raise the risk of methemoglobinemia include nitrates and nitrites, dapsone, sulfonamide antibiotics, primaquine, and some seizure medicines; this interaction can be serious and needs medical review. Beta-blockers such as propranolol and medicines that affect liver blood flow may slow lidocaine breakdown in the body. Herbal products and supplements are less likely to cause major interactions, but tell your healthcare provider about everything you take. Avoid heating pads, tight coverings, or large treated areas, because heat and occlusion can increase absorption and side effects. Alcohol does not directly interact with the spray on the skin, but heavy alcohol use may increase dizziness or mask warning signs of side effects.
Very common: temporary skin redness, pale skin, mild burning, stinging, or numbness at the application site. Common: itching, swelling, tingling, tenderness, or mild rash where the product was applied. These effects are usually mild and often improve within a few hours after the product is removed or the area is washed. Uncommon: dizziness, ringing in the ears, blurred vision, unusual sleepiness, metallic taste, nausea, or feeling nervous; these may be warning signs that too much medicine has been absorbed and you should stop use and contact your healthcare provider. Rare but serious: allergic reaction with hives, trouble breathing, or swelling of the face or throat; seizure; irregular heartbeat; fainting; or signs of methemoglobinemia such as blue or gray lips, nail beds, or skin, shortness of breath, headache, confusion, or unusual tiredness. Get emergency medical help right away if serious symptoms happen.
Store at room temperature, preferably between 68-77 degrees F (20-25 degrees C). Keep the container tightly closed and protect from excessive heat, freezing temperatures, moisture, and direct sunlight. Do not store in the bathroom, car, or near open flame or high heat. Keep out of reach of children and pets. Use only until the beyond-use date listed on the label for this compounded medication. Dispose of unused or expired product through a pharmacy take-back program when available, or follow your pharmacist's instructions for safe disposal.
Frequently asked questions.
This spray is used to temporarily numb the skin before certain minor procedures. It may help lower pain from needle sticks, laser treatments, or other office skin procedures. Use it only for the reason your healthcare provider gave it to you.
Many people start to feel numbing within about 20 to 60 minutes. The exact time can vary based on where it is applied and how much is used. Follow your provider's timing instructions for the best result.
The numb feeling often lasts about 1 to 2 hours, but this can vary. Some people may feel numb for a shorter or longer time depending on the area treated. Protect the numb area from heat, cuts, or rubbing until normal feeling returns.
Do not use extra unless your healthcare provider tells you to do so. Using too much or covering a large area can cause serious side effects because more medicine may enter your bloodstream. If the area is not numb enough, contact your provider for guidance.
No, not unless your healthcare provider clearly tells you to. Broken or inflamed skin can absorb much more medicine, which raises the risk of serious side effects. Do not use it on open wounds, severe rash, or infected skin.
Get emergency help right away if you have trouble breathing, swelling of the face or throat, severe dizziness, seizure, fainting, or blue or gray lips or skin. These can be signs of a serious reaction or too much medicine in the body. Stop using the product and seek urgent care.
Do not combine it with other numbing products unless your healthcare provider says it is safe. Using more than one local anesthetic product can raise the risk of toxicity. Tell your provider about all prescription, over-the-counter, and procedural anesthetic products you use.
Talk with your healthcare provider before using this product if you are pregnant, planning pregnancy, or breastfeeding. Topical numbing medicines may still be absorbed into the body, especially if used on large areas. Your provider can help decide if it is appropriate for you.
Store it at room temperature and keep it away from heat, moisture, and direct sunlight. Keep the container tightly closed and out of reach of children and pets. Check the label for the beyond-use date and do not use it after that date.
This specific compounded preparation is not FDA-approved in the same way as a manufactured drug product. Compounded medicines are made for a patient's specific needs based on a prescriber's order. If you have questions about quality or use, speak with your pharmacist or healthcare provider.
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