Dibucaine (Topical application)

Dibucaine is used to ease pain and itching from conditions like sunburn or other minor burns, insect bites or stings, poison ivy, poison oak, poison sumac, minor cuts, or scratches.

Dibucaine is part of a group of medicines called topical local anesthetics. It numbs the nerve endings in the skin. This medicine does not make you unconscious like general anesthetics do when used for surgery.

This medicine can be bought without a prescription; however, your doctor may have specific instructions on how to use it and the right dose for your medical issue.

If your condition does not get better within 7 days, or if it gets worse, contact your doctor.

After you apply this medicine to your child's skin, keep a close eye on them to ensure they do not get any of the medicine in their eyes or mouth. Dibucaine can lead to serious side effects, especially in children, if it is swallowed.

Stop using this medicine and contact your doctor immediately if you notice a skin rash, burning, stinging, swelling, or irritation on your skin.

Do not use cosmetics or other skin care products on the areas of skin that you treated.

In deciding to use a medicine, you and your doctor need to consider the risks of taking the medicine against the benefits it may provide. For this medicine, the following points should be taken into account:

Allergies

Inform your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to this medicine or any other medicines. Also, let your healthcare professional know if you have any other allergies, such as to foods, dyes, preservatives, or animals. For non-prescription products, read the label or package ingredients carefully.

Pediatric

There have not been appropriate studies on how dibucaine affects children. However, there are no known specific problems that would limit the use of this medication in children.

Geriatric

There is no available information on how dibucaine affects older adults.

Interactions with Medicines

Some medicines should not be used together at all, while in other cases, two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might happen. In those situations, your doctor might adjust the dose or take other precautions. Inform your healthcare professional if you are taking any other prescription or nonprescription (over-the-counter [OTC]) medicine.

Interactions with Food/Tobacco/Alcohol

Some medicines should not be used around mealtimes or with certain types of food due to possible interactions. Using alcohol or tobacco with certain medicines may also lead to interactions. Talk with your healthcare professional about using your medicine with food, alcohol, or tobacco.

Other Medical Problems

Having other medical issues may affect how you can use this medicine. Be sure to inform your doctor if you have any other medical problems, especially:

• Infection at or near the application site or
• Large sores, broken skin, or severe injury in the area of application—This may increase the chance of side effects.

Along with its necessary effects, a medicine can cause some unwanted effects. Not all of these side effects may happen, but if they do, they might need medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur:

Incidence not known

• Chest pain
• fast or irregular heartbeat
• tightness in the chest
• unusual warmth or flushing of skin

Some side effects may happen that usually do not require medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body gets used to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to suggest ways to prevent or lessen some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue, are bothersome, or if you have any questions about them:

Incidence not known

• Diarrhea
• eye irritation
• nausea
• skin irritation
• vomiting

Other side effects not listed may also happen in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You can report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

In the U.S.

• Nupercainal

Available Dosage Forms:

• Ointment

Therapeutic Class: Anesthetic, Local

Chemical Class: Amino Amide

Use this medicine exactly as directed by your doctor or as directed in the package instructions. Do not use it for any other reason without first checking with your doctor. This medicine may cause unwanted effects if it is used too much, because more of it is absorbed into the body through the skin.

Wash your hands with soap and water before and after using this medicine.

Unless otherwise directed by your doctor, do not apply this medicine to open wounds, burns, or broken or inflamed skin.

This medicine should be used only for problems being treated by your doctor or conditions listed in the package directions. Check with your doctor before using it for other problems, especially if you think that an infection may be present. This medicine should not be used to treat certain kinds of skin infections or serious problems, such as severe burns.

Be careful not to get any of this medicine in your nose, mouth, and especially in your eyes, because it can cause severe eye irritation. If any of the medicine does get on these areas, wash the area with water for at least 15 minutes and check with your doctor right away.

Dosing

The dose of this medicine will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label. The following information includes only the average doses of this medicine. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.

The amount of medicine that you take depends on the strength of the medicine. Also, the number of doses you take each day, the time allowed between doses, and the length of time you take the medicine depend on the medical problem for which you are using the medicine.

• For topical dosage form (ointment):For pain and itching caused by minor skin conditions: Adults—Apply to the affected area three or four times a day as needed. The largest amount that may be used in a 24-hour period is 30 grams (g), but much smaller amounts are usually enough. Children 2 years of age and older—Apply to the affected area three or four times a day as needed. Do not use more than 7.5 g in a 24-hour period. Children younger than 2 years of age—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose of this medicine, apply it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule.

Storage

Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Keep from freezing.

Keep out of the reach of children.

Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.

Ask your healthcare professional how you should dispose of any medicine you do not use.