Lidocaine/Tetracaine Cream

The combination of lidocaine and tetracaine is applied to the skin to numb the area temporarily before procedures such as blood draws, IV insertions, or certain skin procedures like excisions and biopsies. As topical local anesthetics, lidocaine and tetracaine work by numbing the nerve endings in the skin, though they do not induce unconsciousness like general anesthetics used in surgeries. This medication requires a prescription from your doctor and is available in cream form.