Prilocaine: What It Is, How It's Used, and What You Need to Know

When you get a dental filling or a minor skin procedure, you might not think about the numbing shot you receive—but prilocaine, a local anesthetic used to block nerve signals and prevent pain during medical procedures. Also known as Citanest, it's one of the most common drugs doctors and dentists reach for when they need to numb a specific area without putting you to sleep. Unlike general anesthesia, prilocaine only affects the spot where it's injected, so you stay awake and alert while feeling no pain. It's often mixed with epinephrine to make the numbing last longer and reduce bleeding, which is why you might feel your heart race a little after the shot.

Prilocaine works similarly to other local anesthetics like lidocaine, a widely used numbing agent found in creams, gels, and injections for everything from tattoos to minor surgeries, but it has a few key differences. For one, prilocaine is less likely to cause allergic reactions, making it a go-to for people who can’t tolerate lidocaine. It’s also metabolized differently in the body, which means it’s often chosen for longer procedures or for patients with liver concerns. But there’s a catch: prilocaine can, in rare cases, lead to methemoglobinemia—a condition where your blood can’t carry oxygen properly. This is more likely in infants, older adults, or if too much is used. That’s why dosing matters, and why doctors check your weight and medical history before giving it.

Prilocaine is also found in some topical creams used for numbing skin before needle sticks or laser treatments. It’s often paired with lidocaine in products like EMLA cream, which is why you might see both names together. If you’ve ever had a blood draw or IV started without flinching, chances are you’ve benefited from this combination. It’s not just for hospitals—prilocaine is used in dermatology, emergency rooms, and even veterinary clinics. But it’s not a one-size-fits-all solution. Some people need faster-acting drugs, others need longer-lasting effects, and some can’t use it at all due to health conditions.

What you’ll find in the posts below is a collection of real-world insights about drugs like prilocaine and how they fit into everyday medical care. You’ll see comparisons with similar anesthetics, warnings about hidden risks, and how combinations with other meds can change how your body responds. Whether you’re a patient who’s been given prilocaine and wants to understand why, or just curious about how local anesthesia works, these articles cut through the jargon and give you the facts you need to stay informed and safe.