Lidocaine cream is a topical anesthetic that is used to temporarily numb and relieve pain from minor burns (including sunburn), skin abrasions, insect bites, and other painful conditions affecting mucous membranes. It is also used to relieve nerve pain caused by herpes zoster or shingles (postherpetic neuralgia) . Lidocaine cream is available in different strengths, with lidocaine 4% cream being used for temporary relief of pain and itching due to minor cuts, minor scrapes, minor skin irritations, minor burns, and insect bites. Lidocaine cream 5% is available over-the-counter (OTC) to help with itching and pain caused by hemorrhoids.
Ingredients or materials:
- Lidocaine hydrochloride: Lidocaine cream contains lidocaine hydrochloride, which is a local anesthetic agent of the amide type. Local anesthetics reversibly block the initiation and conduction of nerve impulses by interfering with the flux of sodium ions through the neuronal membrane.
- Butylated Hydroxytoluene: This is an antioxidant that is added to lidocaine cream to prevent the oxidation of other ingredients.
- Cetostearyl Alcohol: This is a mixture of cetyl and stearyl alcohols that is used as an emulsifier and thickener in lidocaine cream.
- Citric Acid: This is added to lidocaine cream as a pH adjuster.
- Edetate Disodium: This is a chelating agent that is added to lidocaine cream to improve its stability.
- Light Mineral Oil: This is a mineral oil that is used as a moisturizer in lidocaine cream.
- Methylparaben: This is a preservative that is added to lidocaine cream to prevent the growth of bacteria and fungi.
- Polyoxyl 20 Cetostearyl Ether: This is a surfactant that is used as an emulsifier in lidocaine cream.
- Propylene Glycol: This is a humectant that is added to lidocaine cream to help retain moisture.
- Propylparaben: This is a preservative that is added to lidocaine cream to prevent the growth of bacteria and fungi.
- Purified Water: This is used as a solvent in lidocaine cream.
- White Petrolatum: This is a petroleum jelly that is used as an emollient in lidocaine cream[[2]](https://dailyme...
