EMLA

Medical abbreviation · Drug

EMLA
Stands forEutectic mixture of local anesthetics
CategoriesMedical

EMLA stands for Eutectic mixture of local anesthetics, a drug abbreviation.

Topical cream of lidocaine 2.5% and prilocaine 2.5% applied under an occlusive dressing to numb skin before IV starts, blood draws, vaccinations and minor skin procedures. It needs about 60 minutes to work.

Example: Apply EMLA to both antecubital fossae 60 minutes before the lab draw.

Usage notes

"Eutectic" means the two anesthetics melt together into an oil at a lower temperature than either alone, allowing a concentrated cream. Prilocaine can cause methemoglobinemia, so dose and area are limited in infants. Faster alternatives include 4% liposomal lidocaine cream (LMX4), which works in about 30 minutes.

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Edited by the AbbreviationList.com team. Spotted an error or a missing meaning? Contact us.

This entry is for general education and is not medical advice. Abbreviation use varies between institutions; always confirm in context.