Lidocaine Cream

Using Lidocaine Cream to Help with Pain

4% Lidocaine Cream is a numbing medicine that can be used to lessen the feeling of a blood draw. When put on the skin at least 30 minutes ahead of time, numbing cream will lessen the feeling of the poke. Using 4% Lidocaine Cream along with placing your child in a comfortable position and distraction can give your child a more comfortable experience when having their blood drawn.

4% Lidocaine Cream is safe to use as directed. Itching, redness, swelling, or rash may occur. If this happens, wipe the cream off and talk to your child’s doctor. Do not let your child lick or eat the cream, or get it near their eyes; keep it covered until it is time for it to be removed. Do not apply more than directed.  

Where to Get Lidocaine Cream

You can get 4% Lidocaine Cream at the Outpatient Pharmacy at Strong Memorial Hospital or at your local pharmacy. The cream is available over-the-counter and there are many different brand names. When purchasing, make sure that the brand you find truly is 4% Lidocaine. Some brand names are Anecream, LMX4, GoldBond Lidocaine, and Aspercreme with 4% Lidocaine. Because it is available over-the-counter, insurance may not cover its cost.

Applying Lidocaine Cream

Please apply the cream on 2-3 places so that the person drawing the blood can choose the best place to do the poke. We recommend the inside of each elbow and the top of one hand (see photos below). If you can see your child’s veins (blue lines), put the cream on top of them. Once you put the cream on, cover it with plastic wrap or a Tegaderm Dressing. The amount of cream to put on each place depends on the size of your child:

• Under 22 pounds: Put a dime-size amount of cream on 2 sites and cover with plastic wrap.
• Over 22 pounds: Put a quarter-size amount of cream on 3 sites and cover with plastic wrap.

4% Lidocaine Cream should be on the skin for at least 30 minutes before the poke, and can be left on for up to 2 hours. Once removed, the site will stay numb for about 1 hour.

Safety of Lidocaine Cream

4% Lidocaine Cream is safe to use as directed. Itching, redness, swelling, or rash may occur. If this happens, wipe the cream off and talk to your child’s doctor. Do not let your child lick or eat the cream, or get it near their eyes; keep it covered until it is time for it to be removed. Do not apply more than directed.

This is general information and for educational use only. If you have questions, please reach out to your child’s medical provider.