Alternatives to Relador If You Can't Fill Your Prescription

Relador (lidocaine 2.5%/prilocaine 2.5% cream) is a reliable topical anesthetic, but when it's unavailable at pharmacies near you, you have options. This guide covers the most common alternatives that healthcare providers may consider when Relador is out of stock, along with key differences and what to discuss with your doctor.

First Option: Switch to Generic Lidocaine-Prilocaine Cream

The easiest substitution is the generic version of Relador itself: lidocaine 2.5%/prilocaine 2.5% topical cream. This is the same active ingredient combination in the same concentrations — it is therapeutically equivalent and FDA-rated as such (AB rating). Brand-name Relador Pak is essentially a kit that includes the cream plus occlusive dressings (Tegaderm); the generic cream can be used with a standard occlusive dressing purchased separately.

Generic lidocaine-prilocaine cream typically costs just $19–$34 with a GoodRx or SingleCare coupon at most major chain pharmacies — compared to the $1,528 retail price of brand Relador Pak.

EMLA Cream: The Original Brand

EMLA cream (AstraZeneca) is the original brand-name lidocaine-prilocaine 2.5%/2.5% cream. It is the reference listed drug for all generic lidocaine-prilocaine creams, including Relador. If Relador Pak is unavailable, EMLA may be stocked at pharmacies that don't carry Relador. Like Relador, EMLA requires a prescription and provides topical anesthesia within 45–60 minutes of application.

Other Brand Equivalents of Lidocaine-Prilocaine 2.5%/2.5%

Several other branded-generic versions of lidocaine-prilocaine 2.5%/2.5% cream exist in the US market. Any of these may be considered equivalent substitutes for Relador with prescriber approval:

LiProZonePak: Lidocaine-prilocaine 2.5%/2.5% cream kit, similar kit format to Relador Pak

Prilovix, Prilovix Lite, Prilovix Plus: Various kit sizes of lidocaine-prilocaine 2.5%/2.5%

ANODYNE LPT: Another branded-generic kit formulation

Medolor Pak, LP Lite Pak, SOLUPICC, LIVIXIL Pak: Various branded-generic topical anesthetic kits with lidocaine-prilocaine

Benzocaine Topical Gel: An Ester-Type Alternative

Benzocaine (found in products like Hurricane gel 20%) is an ester-type local anesthetic used topically on mucous membranes — not intact skin. It's commonly used by dentists and ENT providers before injections or procedures on oral tissues, throat, and gums. Key differences from Relador:

Works on mucous membranes only — not suitable for skin numbing before IV placement or dermatology procedures

Fast onset (1–2 minutes) but shorter duration than lidocaine-prilocaine

Also carries methemoglobinemia risk at high doses

Some formulations are available OTC; prescription strength available through dental suppliers

Tetracaine: A More Potent Ester-Type Option

Tetracaine (Pontocaine) is another ester-type local anesthetic available in topical formulations for eyes and mucous membranes. It is more potent than benzocaine and has a longer duration. Topical tetracaine solutions are used primarily in ophthalmology and some otolaryngology settings. A compound cream version (LMX 4 with tetracaine) has been studied for skin numbing, but it is less commonly prescribed than lidocaine-prilocaine for general dermatologic or procedural use.

LMX 4 (Lidocaine 4% Cream): An OTC Option for Minor Procedures

LMX 4 (lidocaine 4% cream) is available without a prescription at most major pharmacies. While it contains only lidocaine (without prilocaine), it provides effective topical anesthesia for minor skin procedures, needle insertions, and superficial dermatology work. Onset is similar to Relador (45–60 minutes), though some patients require a slightly longer application time. It is not FDA-approved for the same indications as prescription lidocaine-prilocaine, but clinicians sometimes recommend it for minor procedures when prescription options are unavailable.

Comparison Summary

Here's a quick comparison to help guide your conversation with your prescriber:

Generic lidocaine-prilocaine cream: Best direct substitute; same drug, same strength, cheaper, more available. Requires Rx.

EMLA cream: Identical product by AstraZeneca; may be stocked where Relador is not. Requires Rx.

LMX 4 (lidocaine 4%): OTC; good for minor procedures; single-agent lidocaine only; widely available.

Benzocaine gel (20%): Fast-acting on mucous membranes; not for skin; used mainly in dental/ENT settings.

Tetracaine: More potent; used in ophthalmology and mucous membranes; limited skin applications.

Talk to Your Doctor Before Switching

Never switch topical anesthetics without consulting your prescriber first. The choice of topical anesthetic depends on the procedure, the area of the body, your medical history, and any drug allergies. If you haven't been able to locate Relador, see our guide on finding Relador in stock, or use medfinder to check nearby pharmacies before assuming you need a full substitution.