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Topical Anesthetic Spray (Lidocaine-Prilocaine)

EMLA Cream, LMX

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

Drug Class

Miscellaneous

Routes

Topical

Indications

IV catheter placementIV catheter placement/Minor procedure anesthesia

Mechanism of Action

Eutectic mixture of lidocaine and prilocaine that penetrates intact skin, blocking sodium channels in dermal nociceptors for localized anesthesia.

Side effects & warnings

Methemoglobinemia risk in cats from prilocaine metabolite. Limit application area and duration. Do not apply to open wounds. Onset 30-60 minutes on intact skin.

Species with Topical Anesthetic Spray (Lidocaine-Prilocaine) dosing data (2 dose rules)

Cat (Domestic)Dog (Domestic)

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

Evidence levels across 2 dose rules

Moderate×1Weak×1

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

Backed by 2 published sources

  • · AAHA Pain Management Guidelines; Plumb's 9th Ed
  • · Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 9th Ed; AAFP Pain Guidelines

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.

SpeciesRouteDoseFrequencyEvidenceSource
Dog (Domestic)Topical0 apply thin layerSingle application 30-60 min before procedureModerateAAHA Pain Management Guidelines; Plumb's 9th Ed
Cat (Domestic)Topical0 apply thin layerSingle application 20-30 min before procedureWeakPlumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 9th Ed; AAFP Pain Guidelines

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