The spelling of the word "EMLA" is an acronym for Eutetic Mixture of Local Anesthetics. In terms of phonetic transcription, "EMLA" can be pronounced as /ˈɛmlə/ which represents the different sounds of each letter in the word. The first two letters, "EM", are pronounced as the short "e" sound, followed by the letter "m" which makes the "m" sound. The last two letters, "LA", are pronounced as "lə" which represents the schwa vowel sound. This combination of sounds creates the word "EMLA".
EMLA is an acronym that stands for Eutectic Mixture of Local Anesthetics. It refers to a topical cream composed of two local anesthetics, lidocaine and prilocaine. Lidocaine and prilocaine are both medications used to numb or desensitize the skin surface to alleviate pain or discomfort.
EMLA cream works by blocking the nerves that transmit pain signals to the brain, thus numbing the area where it is applied. It is typically used on intact skin surfaces prior to minor surgical procedures, vaccinations, blood draws, or the insertion of intravenous catheters to help reduce pain and discomfort associated with these procedures.
EMLA cream contains equal proportions of lidocaine and prilocaine, which have complementary properties. Lidocaine acts as a local anesthetic by preventing the electrical signals that transmit pain sensations along the nerves. Prilocaine, on the other hand, functions as a local anesthetic by interfering with the way the nerves send pain signals to the brain.
EMLA cream is typically recommended to be applied to the desired area about one hour prior to the procedure, as it takes this time for the cream to take effect. It is crucial to follow the instructions provided by healthcare professionals on the proper application, dosage, and duration of use to ensure safe and effective pain relief.