Pliaglis

Generic name:lidocaine and tetracaine topical [ LYE-doe-kane-and-TET-ra-kane-TOP-i-kal ]
Brand names: Pliaglis, Synera
Drug class:Topical anesthetics

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com on Mar 31, 2021. Written by Cerner Multum.

What is Pliaglis?

Pliaglis (for use on the skin) is a combination medicine used to numb a small area of your skin. This can help prevent pain during certain medical procedures such as a skin biopsy, minor skin surgery, insertion of an intravenous (IV) needle, or other needle-stick procedures.

Pliaglis is also used to numb a skin area during minor cosmetic procedures such as a Botox injection, laser treatment, or tattoo removal.

Pliaglis may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Warnings

An overdose of numbing medicine can cause fatal side effects if too much of the medicine is absorbed through your skin. This can happen if you apply more than the recommended dose, or if you leave a skin patch on too long.

Keep both used and unused skin patches out of the reach of children or pets.

Before taking this medicine

You should not use Pliaglis if you are allergic to:

• any type of numbing medicine; or

• sunscreen or other skin products that contain para-aminobenzoic acid (PABA).

Fatal overdoses have occurred when numbing medicines were used without the advice of a medical doctor (such as during a cosmetic procedure like laser hair removal). Be aware that many cosmetic procedures are performed without a medical doctor present.

The Pliaglis cream should not be used on a child younger than 3 years old. The skin patch is not approved for use by anyone younger than 18 years old.

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

• liver disease;

• a blood cell disorder called methemoglobinemia (in you or a family member);

• a genetic enzyme deficiency called glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency;

• a condition for which you take a heart rhythm medicine; or

• allergy to any other medicine used for anesthesia.

Older adults and people who are debilitated may be more sensitive to the effects of this medicine.

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

If you apply Pliaglis to your chest, avoid areas that may come into contact with the baby's mouth.

The lidocaine and tetracainetransdermal patch may burn your skin if you wear the patch during an MRI (magnetic resonance imaging). Remove the patch before undergoing such a test.