“Caine” anesthetics are used in creams, sprays, gels, etc that are supposed to relieve pain or itching. They are NOT in “regular” products. They are also used as injections before dental work or skin surgeries to numb the area.

There are two types of “caine”. One type has at least two of the letter “i” in the name (the amide group) and the other type has only one letter “i” in the name (the ester group).

Almost everyone who is allergic to a caine is only allegic to one group and is ok to use the other group.

Where might they be found?

Review this sheet with your doctor and all other medical professionals you work with. They probably won’t be familiar with this kind of allergy, so show them the list of safe choices below. Also, this type of allergy is not life threatening, so if it is an emergency

How to avoid this allergen:

If you are allergic to the ester group, avoid all caines that only have one i in the name, if you are allergic to amides, avoid all caines that have two i’s in the name.  

 What is okay to use?

If you are allergic to esters, you can use:

• Bupivicaine
• Dibucaine
• Etidocaine
• Lidocaine
• Mepivicaine
• Prilocaine
• Pyrrocaine

If you are allergic to amides, you can use:

• Benzocaine
• Butacaine
• Monocaine
• Chloroprocaine
• Isobucaine
• Meprylcaine
• Orthocaine
• Piperocaine
• Procaine
• Proparacaine
• Propoxycaine
• Tetracaine