Pramoxine is a local anesthetic and a topical treatment. Typically, a doctor may recommend pramoxine for temporary pain and itch relief.

Pramoxine is a common ingredient in prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) medications for various causes of pain and itching. It comes in many forms, including gel, spray, cream, foam, lotion, ointment, and liquid solution on individual wipes.

In this article, we discuss pramoxine, including its uses, how it works, and how to use it.

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A doctor typically prescribes pramoxine for treating pain or itching caused by any of the following:

  • insect bites
  • contact with poison ivy, poison oak, or poison sumac
  • minor burns
  • minor cuts
  • minor scrapes
  • minor rashes or other skin irritation
  • dry skin
  • hemorrhoids

Pramoxine works by temporarily blocking the nerve signals that transmit pain and itching sensations to the brain.

When a person applies pramoxine to their skin, it affects nerve endings in the skin, preventing them from initiating and sending certain nerve signals. This provides temporary relief from pain and itching within 3–5 minutes.

Before a person uses pramoxine, they should inform their doctor of any known allergies to anesthetics, current or planned pregnancy, and any other medications or supplements they are using. Additionally, a person should not apply pramoxine to large areas of skin, damaged or blistered skin, or open wounds.

Pramoxine should not come into contact with the eyes or nose as this can cause irritation. If a person gets pramoxine in their eyes, they should immediately flush them with water and contact their doctor.

A person can use pramoxine by applying it to the skin as a gel, spray, cream, foam, lotion, ointment, or liquid solution several times a day. A person can apply pramoxine spray or gel up to 3 or 4 times a day, and individual pramoxine wipes up to 5 times a day.

Depending on the form of pramoxine a person is using and their reason for using it, the way they should apply it differs slightly. A person should always read and follow the instructions that come with the medication and any given to them by their doctor.

If a person is applying pramoxine gel, spray, cream, foam, ointment, or lotion to the skin, they should follow these steps:

  1. Use mild soap and warm water to gently clean the affected area before rinsing it clean.
  2. Gently dry the affected area with a soft cloth or tissue.
  3. Apply a thin layer of pramoxine to the affected area.
  4. Thoroughly wash their hands.

If a person is using individual wipes to apply a pramoxine solution for treating hemorrhoids, they should follow these steps:

  1. Thoroughly wash their hands.
  2. Use mild soap and warm water to gently clean the affected rectal area before rinsing it clean.
  3. Gently dry the affected rectal area with a soft cloth or tissue.
  4. Apply the pramoxine by gently wiping or patting the affected rectal area with one of the wipes.
  5. Remove the used wipe and safely dispose of it.
  6. Thoroughly wash their hands.

If a person is applying a pramoxine foam for treating hemorrhoids, they should follow these steps:

  1. Thoroughly wash their hands.
  2. Use mild soap and warm water to gently clean the affected rectal area before rinsing it clean.
  3. Gently dry the affected rectal area with a soft cloth or tissue.
  4. Apply a small amount of pramoxine foam to a clean, dry tissue.
  5. Apply the pramoxine by gently patting the affected rectal area with the tissue.
  6. Remove the used tissue and safely dispose of it.
  7. Thoroughly wash their hands.

Pramoxine can cause side effects in some people. These can include:

  • irritation
  • dryness
  • redness
  • stinging
  • burning
  • swelling
  • pain

If these side effects do not go away on their own or become more severe, a person should contact their doctor.

Less common and more serious side effects may include:

  • severe itching
  • rash
  • swelling of the throat, tongue, lips, face, eyes, feet, hands, ankles, or lower legs
  • dizziness
  • trouble breathing

If a person experiences these or any other unusual side effects, they should immediately contact their doctor. If a person’s symptoms continue for more than 7 days, worsen, or disappear briefly before returning, they should stop using pramoxine and contact their doctor.

Pramoxine is a local anesthetic found in OTC and prescription topical medications. Doctors often prescribe it for treating various types of skin inflammation and irritation.

A person using pramoxine should follow the instructions that come with their medication and any given to them by their doctor.

If a person experiences side effects that do not go away or become severe, or if their symptoms have not improved in more than 7 days, they should contact their doctor.