What is Lidocaine Topical used for?

Lidocaine Topical is indicated for: Topical anesthesia, Topical anesthesia (catheter placement).

Which species have cited Lidocaine Topical dosing data?

Lidocaine Topical dosing in the ExoticRx formulary covers 2 species: Cat (Domestic), Dog (Domestic).

Is Lidocaine Topical a controlled substance?

Lidocaine Topical is not federally scheduled in the US. Controlled-drug status differs by country — verify your local rules.

Lidocaine Topical

US brand names:EMLA(with prilocaine), LidoVex

Also known as: Lignocaine Topical

Calculate dosage

Sourced from published veterinary references. Awaiting credentialed clinical reviewer — our editorial process.

Drug Class

Dermatologic

Routes

Topical

Indications

Topical anesthesiaTopical anesthesia (catheter placement)

Mechanism of Action

Blocks voltage-gated sodium channels in sensory nerve endings preventing pain signal transmission. Topical anesthesia.

Side effects & warnings

Apply 30-60 min before procedure under occlusive dressing. EMLA: prilocaine can cause methemoglobinemia in cats. Lidocaine patch: do not allow ingestion.

Species with Lidocaine Topical dosing data (2 dose rules)

Cat (Domestic)Dog (Domestic)

Species references:All Cat (Domestic) drugs All Dog (Domestic) drugs

Evidence levels across 2 dose rules

Moderate×2

Each ExoticRx dose rule is graded by the strength of its primary evidence — see the editorial process.

Backed by 2 published sources

· Verified against BSAVA Small Animal Formulary, 10th Ed, Part A, p.245 (2026-08-01). — LOCATOR CONVENTION 2026-08-07: the bare 'p.245' in this citation is the PDF index of the held scan, not the printed page. The PRINTED page is p.229; verified by finding the drug named there. If you are holding the book, turn to p.229. — SOURCE EDITION: BSAVA Small Animal Formulary, Part A — Canine and Feline — ISBN 9781910443705, https://openlibrary.org/isbn/9781910443705
· Verified against BSAVA Small Animal Formulary, 10th Ed, Part A, p.246 (2026-08-01). — LOCATOR CONVENTION 2026-08-07: the bare 'p.246' in this citation is the PDF index of the held scan, not the printed page. The PRINTED page is p.230; verified by finding the drug named there. If you are holding the book, turn to p.230. — SOURCE EDITION: BSAVA Small Animal Formulary, Part A — Canine and Feline — ISBN 9781910443705, https://openlibrary.org/isbn/9781910443705

Sample dosing (2 of 2 cited rules)

A dog/cat sample is shown here. Cited dosing for all 2 species — reptiles, birds, pocket pets, livestock, and equine — is free on the per-species pages above. Pro adds the weight-based calculator for every species.

Species	Route	Dose	Frequency	Evidence	Source
Cat (Domestic)	Topical	CAUTION: prilocaine in EMLA can cause methemoglobinemia in cats	EMLA applied 30-60 min before	Moderate	Verified against BSAVA Small Animal Formulary, 10th Ed, Part A, p.246 (2026-08-01). — LOCATOR CONVENTION 2026-08-07: the bare 'p.246' in this citation is the PDF index of the held scan, not the printed page. The PRINTED page is p.230; verified by finding the drug named there. If you are holding the book, turn to p.230. — SOURCE EDITION: BSAVA Small Animal Formulary, Part A — Canine and Feline — ISBN 9781910443705, https://openlibrary.org/isbn/9781910443705
Dog (Domestic)	Topical	See the cited source for the printed regimen	EMLA 30-60 min before procedure	Moderate	Verified against BSAVA Small Animal Formulary, 10th Ed, Part A, p.245 (2026-08-01). — LOCATOR CONVENTION 2026-08-07: the bare 'p.245' in this citation is the PDF index of the held scan, not the printed page. The PRINTED page is p.229; verified by finding the drug named there. If you are holding the book, turn to p.229. — SOURCE EDITION: BSAVA Small Animal Formulary, Part A — Canine and Feline — ISBN 9781910443705,

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