Comparative Pharmacology
Head-to-head clinical analysis: EMLA versus LIDOCAINE HYDROCHLORIDE 0 1 AND DEXTROSE 5 IN PLASTIC CONTAINER.
Peer-Reviewed Evidence
Head-to-head clinical analysis: EMLA versus LIDOCAINE HYDROCHLORIDE 0 1 AND DEXTROSE 5 IN PLASTIC CONTAINER.
EMLA vs LIDOCAINE HYDROCHLORIDE 0.1% AND DEXTROSE 5% IN PLASTIC CONTAINER
Comparing the clinical profiles, pharmacokinetic behaviors, and safety indices of these two therapeutic agents.
EMLA is a eutectic mixture of lidocaine 2.5% and prilocaine 2.5%. Lidocaine and prilocaine are amide-type local anesthetics that block sodium ion channels in neuronal membranes, inhibiting the initiation and conduction of nerve impulses, thereby producing local analgesia.
Lidocaine is a sodium channel blocker, which stabilizes neuronal membranes and inhibits the initiation and conduction of nerve impulses. Dextrose 5% provides caloric support.
Apply a thick layer of cream (approximately 2.5 g per 20 cm²) to intact skin under an occlusive dressing for at least 1 hour for minor procedures; for dermal procedures on larger areas, apply up to 60 minutes before procedure, maximum single application area of 600 cm² in adults.
Intravenous: 50-100 mg bolus (1-2 mg/kg) over 2-3 minutes, followed by continuous infusion at 1-4 mg/min (20-50 mcg/kg/min). Total maximum dose: 300 mg over 1 hour.
None Documented
None Documented
After topical application, the terminal elimination half-life of lidocaine is approximately 1.5-2 hours; prilocaine half-life is approximately 1.5 hours. In neonates, half-life may be prolonged due to immature hepatic function. Clinical context: Steady state is achieved within 12-24 hours with repeated application.
Terminal elimination half-life: 1.5–2.0 hours in adults with normal hepatic function. In patients with hepatic impairment or heart failure, half-life may be prolonged (>3 hours). Clinical context: short half-life requires continuous infusion for sustained antiarrhythmic effect.
Lidocaine and prilocaine are metabolized in the liver; lidocaine metabolites (primarily 4-hydroxyxylidine) and prilocaine metabolites (primarily o-toluidine) are excreted renally. Less than 5% of unchanged lidocaine and prilocaine are excreted unchanged in urine. Fecal excretion is negligible.
Renal: approximately 10% unchanged; hepatic metabolism to 4-hydroxy-2,6-xylidine and glycylxylidide, which are excreted renally. Total renal excretion of metabolites and parent drug accounts for >95% of the dose. Fecal excretion is minimal (<5%).
Category C
Category A/B
Local Anesthetic
Local Anesthetic / Antiarrhythmic (Class Ib)