Dibucaine topical

Generic Name: dibucaine (topical) (DYE bue kane)

Brand Names: Dibucaine, Nupercainal

What is Dibucaine (dibucaine (topical))?

Dibucaine topical (for the skin) is an antiseptic, or numbing medicine.

Dibucaine topical is used to treat pain and itching cause by minor burns, insect bites, hemorrhoids, sunburn, or other minor skin irritations.

Dibucaine topical may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What is the most important information I should know about Dibucaine (dibucaine (topical))?

You should not use this medication if you are allergic to dibucaine.

Before using dibucaine topical, tell your doctor if you have asthma or any allergies.

Use this medication as directed on the label, or as your doctor has prescribed. Do not use the medication in larger amounts or for longer than recommended.

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Less serious side effects are more likely, and you may have none at all. Talk to your doctor about any unusual or bothersome side effects.

What should I discuss with my health care provider before using Dibucaine (dibucaine (topical))?

You should not use this medication if you are allergic to dibucaine.

Before using dibucaine topical, tell your doctor if you have asthma or any allergies.

FDA pregnancy category C. This medication may be harmful to an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant while you are using this medication. It is not known whether dibucaine topical passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

How should I use Dibucaine (dibucaine (topical))?

Use this medication exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor. Do not use it in larger amounts or for longer than recommended.

Dibucaine is usually applied to the affected area 3 to 4 times daily, depending why you are using the medication. Follow the label directions or your doctor's instructions about how much medication to use and how often.

Apply enough of this medication to cover the entire area to be treated.

Dibucaine ointment may be used on the rectum after each bowel movement or up to 4 times per day to treat hemorrhoid pain and itching.

Wash your hands after applying dibucaine topical.

It is best to use no more than 1 tube of dibucaine per day (24 hours). If you use the ointment on a child, use no more than 1/4 of a tube per day.

You may cover the treated skin area with a light bandage or gauze dressing. Avoid any covering that does not allow air to pass through it, such as plastic wrap.

Stop using dibucaine and call your doctor if your symptoms get worse, if you have a new skin rash or irritation, or if you have rectal bleeding.

Store this medication at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Since dibucaine topical is used as needed, it is not likely that you will be on a dosing schedule. Using extra dibucaine to make up a missed dose will not make the medication more effective. If you are using the medication regularly, use the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then to use the medicine and skip the missed dose. Do not use extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have used too much of this medicine, or if anyone has accidentally swallowed it.

Overdose symptoms include confusion, blurred vision, ringing in your ears, extreme or ongoing numbness, slow heartbeat, or feeling like you may pass out.

What should I avoid while using Dibucaine (dibucaine (topical))?

Avoid getting this medication in your mouth or eyes. If it does get into any of these areas, rinse with water right away. Do not use dibucaine topical on deep skin wounds or severe burns. Get medical attention for more severe skin irritation or injury. Avoid exposure to sunlight or artificial UV rays (sunlamps or tanning beds). Dibucaine can make your skin more sensitive to sunlight and sunburn may result. Use a sunscreen (minimum SPF 15) and wear protective clothing if you must be out in the sun.

Dibucaine (dibucaine (topical)) side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. Call your doctor at once if you have any pain, bleeding, swelling, redness, or new skin irritation where the medicine was applied.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What other drugs will affect Dibucaine (dibucaine (topical))?

Avoid applying other skin medications on the same treatment area with dibucaine, unless your doctor has told you to.

It is not likely that other drugs you take orally or inject will have any effect on topically applied dibucaine. But many drugs can interact with each other. Tell your doctor about all your prescription and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start a new medication without telling your doctor.

More Dibucaine resources

• Dibucaine Side Effects (in more detail)
• Dibucaine Use in Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
• Dibucaine Support Group
• 2 Reviews for Dibucaine - Add your own review/rating

Compare Dibucaine with other medications

• Anal Itching
• Burns, External
• Hemorrhoids
• Local Anesthesia

Where can I get more information?

• Your pharmacist can provide more information about dibucaine topical.

See also: Dibucaine side effects (in more detail)