If you’re seeking to numb your skin or mouth for a minor procedure, you might be wondering which drugs are available. The FDA encourages consumers to report negative side effects of prescription drugs, including topical anesthetics. In addition to Lidocaine, there are several other types of topical anesthetics. Read on to learn more about the differences between them. Also, check out this list of the most popular topical anesthetics.
Benzocaine:
Benzocaine is a common topical anesthetic used during cannulation and minor surgical procedures. However, this medication has the potential to cause life-threatening methemoglobinemia in some patients. Because of this risk, clinical practitioners should be aware of the warning signs and follow up with appropriate diagnostic tests.
Ropivacaine:
Ropivacaine is an anesthetic usually given to patients before medical procedures. This medication is not typically given on a regular dosing schedule but is usually given as needed. Overdose symptoms of Ropivacaine may include severe forms of numbness over large body areas. Other symptoms of an overdose may include difficulty breathing, excessive sweating, facial swelling, rapid heartbeat, or unusually high body temperature.
Prilocaine:
When you read a list of topical anesthetics, you might notice that prilocaine is on the list. But what is the difference between these two compounds? The main difference is that Lidocaine is metabolized in the liver, and amidases metabolize prilocaine. Although the safety limit for each drug is the same, clinicians should consider their interactions and adherence to the recommended dosage levels.
Tetracaine:
The safety and effectiveness of tetracaine in topical anesthetics are disputed. The two are prone to systemic absorption and can cause serious neurological and cardiac side effects. This article provides an overview of the properties and potential side effects of tetracaine and how they may be used. The information provided is not exhaustive, however.
Lidocaine:
Although Lidocaine has been known to cause systemic absorption, it is relatively safe for intranasal use in most patients. This is important because Lidocaine can cause severe cardiac and neurological side effects if absorbed into the body. It is therefore critical to follow the dosage recommendations of topical lidocaine products. Despite the lack of rigorous clinical studies, the safety of Lidocaine is generally considered high.
