FDA Issues Alert on Topical Anesthetics

An FDA public health advisory reminds patients and physicians of potentially serious side effects from the improper use of topical anesthetics, including lidocaine, tetracaine, benzocaine, and prilocaine.


The latest advisory was prompted by a small study that tested whether lidocaine reduced discomfort during breast mammography. No serious adverse events were noted. However, the FDA remains concerned about the potential for seizures, irregular heartbeat, and breathing problems when topical anesthetics are applied over a large area or are covered by plastic wrap or a heating pad. Two deaths were previously reported in women using the anesthetics before laser hair removal.


The FDA urges patients to use the products sparingly in the weakest effective formulations