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Nupercainal
Generic name: dibucaine topical
What is Nupercainal?
Dibucaine is a numbing medicine.
Nupercainal (for the skin) is used to treat minor pain and itching from minor cuts or burns, insect bites or stings, sunburn, or other skin irritations.
Nupercainal is also used to relieve rectal pain and itching from hemorrhoids or other rectal irritations.
Nupercainal may also be used for purposes not mentioned in this medication guide.
This section was rewritten for readability and reviewed for meaning.
Warnings
Follow all directions on your medicine label and package. Inform each of your healthcare providers about all your medical conditions, allergies, and all medicines you are using.
This section was rewritten for readability and reviewed for meaning.
Before taking this medicine
You should not use Nupercainal if you are allergic to it.
Ask a doctor or pharmacist if Nupercainal is safe to use if you have any type of allergy.
Ask a doctor before using this medicine if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
If you apply Nupercainal to your chest, avoid areas that may come into contact with the baby's mouth.
Do not use this medicine on a child younger than 12 years old without medical advice.
This section was rewritten for readability and reviewed for meaning.
Nupercainal side effects
Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; trouble breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Nupercainal may cause serious side effects. Stop using Nupercainal and call your doctor right away if you have:
- severe burning or stinging;
- rectal bleeding; or
- a rash or other irritation of your skin.
Less serious side effects may happen more often, and you may not have any side effects at all.
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You can report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
This section was rewritten for readability and reviewed for meaning.
How should I use Nupercainal?
Use exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor.
Do not take by mouth. Topical medicine is for use only on the skin. Nupercainal can cause serious side effects if it gets into the mouth, especially in a child.
It is best to use no more than 1 ounce of dibucaine per day (24 hours). If you use the ointment on a child, use no more than 1/4 of an ounce per day.
Wash your hands before and after applying this medication.
Do not apply this medicine to areas of infection, open wounds, broken skin, burns, or irritated skin.
You may cover the treated skin area with a light bandage or gauze dressing.
For hemorrhoids, apply the ointment to the outside of the rectum after each bowel movement, up to 4 times per day.
Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve after 7 days of treatment, or if they get worse.
Store at room temperature. Do not freeze. Keep the tube tightly closed when not in use.
What happens if I miss a dose?
Apply the medicine as soon as you can, but skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose. Do not apply two doses at one time.
This section was rewritten for readability and reviewed for meaning.
What happens if I overdose?
An overdose of Nupercainal is not expected to be dangerous. Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222 if anyone has accidentally swallowed the medication.
Do not get Nupercainal in your eyes, nose, or mouth. If contact does occur, rinse with water.
Avoid using other medications or skin products on the areas you treat with dibucaine unless your doctor tells you to.
This section was rewritten for readability and reviewed for meaning.
What other drugs will affect Nupercainal?
Medicine applied to the skin is not likely to be influenced by other medications you take. However, many medications can interact with one another. Inform all your healthcare providers about every medicine you are using, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.
This section was rewritten for readability and reviewed for meaning.
Related medicines
Content is provided for education and is not medical advice. See our medical disclaimer.