LMX4 Lidocaine 4% Numbing Cream 5g

What is LMX4 Lidocaine 4% Numbing Cream 5g?

LMX4 is a pharmacy local anaesthetic cream that numbs the surface of the skin before venepuncture (a blood test) or venous cannulation (a drip), and - for adults - before painful treatments on larger areas of intact skin.

How does it help?

Lidocaine blocks the nerve signals in the skin so the area goes numb. Before a needle: apply 1 to 2.5g (about 5 to 12cm from the 5g tube) to cover a 2.5cm square where the needle will go, leave it undisturbed for about 30 minutes - a dressing can hold it in place - then wipe it off just before the procedure. No more than 1g for babies under 1, and limit how long it stays on: up to 1 hour for babies 1-3 months, 4 hours for 3-12 months, 5 hours from 1 year. Do not reapply within 12 hours (no more than 2 doses in 24 hours).

Key benefits

• Numbs the skin in about 30 minutes
• For blood tests and cannulas
• From 1 month of age
• No prescription needed

Who should take care?

Not for babies under 1 month. Only on unbroken skin - not on wounds, burns, eczema patches, the eyes, the inside of the mouth or the ear canal. Do not use more, over a bigger area or for longer than directed: too much lidocaine through the skin can cause serious side effects. Do not use if allergic to lidocaine or other amide local anaesthetics. Contains propylene glycol, benzyl alcohol and polysorbate 80. The skin may go pale, then red, for a short time.