Synera Generic Name: lidocaine and tetracaine Brand Name: Synera side effects drug center synera (lidocaine and tetracaine) drug Related Drugs Duragesic Flector Patch Lidoderm Health Resources Pain Management PROFESSIONAL CONSUMER SIDE EFFECTS Contents Drug Description Indications & Dosage Side Effects Drug Interactions Warnings & Precautions Overdosage & Contraindications Clinical Pharmacology Medication Guide Drug Description What is Synera and how is it used?Synera (lidocaine 70 mg and tetracaine 70 mg) Topical Patch contains a local anesthetic used on intact skin to provide local dermal analgesia for superficial venous access and superficial dermatological procedures such as excision, electrodessication and shave biopsy of skin lesions.What are side effects of Synera?Common side effects of Synera include localized site reactions such as hives, blanching, swelling, abnormal sensation, rash, or skin discoloration. Systemic side effects of Synera are uncommon but may include:dizzinessheadachenauseadrowsinessvomitinglightheadednessnervousnessapprehensioneuphoriaconfusionringing in the earsblurred or double visionsensations of heat or coldnumbnesstwitchingtremorsconvulsionsunconsciousnessrespiratory depression and arrest DESCRIPTIONSYNERA consists of a thin, uniform layer of a local anesthetic formulation with an integrated, oxygen-activated heating component that is intended to enhance the delivery of the local anesthetic. The drug formulation is an emulsion in which the oil phase is a eutectic mixture of lidocaine 70 mg and tetracaine 70 mg. The eutectic mixture has a melting point below room temperature and therefore exists as a liquid oil rather than as crystals. The surface area of the entire SYNERA patch is approximately 50 cm², 10 cm² of which is active.Lidocaine is chemically designated as acetamide, 2-(diethylamino)-N-(2,6-dimethylphenyl), has an octanol:water partition ratio of 182 at pH 7.3 and has the following structure:Tetracaine is chemically designated as 2-(dimethylamino)ethyl p-(butylamino)benzoate, has an octanol:water partition ratio of 5370 at pH 7.3 and has the following structure:Each SYNERA patch contains lidocaine 70 mg and tetracaine 70 mg in a eutectic mixture. The SYNERA formulation also contains the following inactive ingredients: polyvinyl alcohol, sorbitan monopalmitate, water, methylparaben and propylparaben.The SYNERA heating component generates a mild warming that is intended to enhance the delivery of the local anesthetic. SYNERA begins to heat once the patch is removed from the pouch and is exposed to oxygen in the air. Although the patch may increase skin temperature by up to approximately 5°C, maximum skin temperature will not exceed 40°C. The heating component is composed of iron powder, activated carbon, sodium chloride, wood flour, water and filter paper. Indications & Dosage INDICATIONSSYNERA is a combination amide and ester local anesthetic indicated for use on intact skin to provide local dermal analgesia for superficial venous access and superficial dermatological procedures such as excision, electrodessication and shave biopsy of skin lesions [see Clinical Studies]. DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATIONSYNERA should only be applied to intact skin. Use immediately after opening the pouch.For adults and children 3 years of age and older:Venipuncture or Intravenous Cannulation: Prior to venipuncture or intravenous cannulation, apply SYNERA to intact skin for 20 to 30 minutes.Superficial Dermatological Procedures: For superficial dermatological procedures such as superficial excision or shave biopsy, apply SYNERA to intact skin for 30 minutes prior to the procedure.While efficacy has not been established for children less than 3 years of age, safe use of SYNERA in infants 4 to 6 months of age was documented in one study.Simultaneous or sequential application of multiple SYNERA patches is not recommended. However, application of one additional patch at a new location to facilitate venous access is acceptable after a failed attempt. When SYNERA is used concomitantly with other products containing local anesthetic agents, the amount absorbed from all formulations should be considered, as local anesthetics are thought to have at least additive toxicities. If irritation or a burning sensation occurs during application, remove the patch. HOW SUPPLIEDDosage Forms And StrengthsSYNERA topical patch contains 70 mg lidocaine and 70 mg tetracaine, has a total skin contact area of 50 cm², and an active drug-containing area of 10 cm².SYNERA is available as the following: NDC 10885-002-01 One individually packaged SYNERA patch NDC 10885-002-10 Box of 10 individually packaged SYNERA patchesStorage And HandlingStore at 25°C (77°F); excursions permitted to 15 to 30°C (59 to 86°F) [see USP Controlled Room Temperature].Keep out of reach of children and pets.Apply SYNERA immediately upon removal from the protective pouch.Do not cut the patch or otherwise remove the top cover as this could cause the patch to heat to temperatures that could cause thermal injury. Do not cover the holes on the top side of the patch as this could cause the patch not to heat.Hands should be washed after handling SYNERA, and eye contact with SYNERA should be avoided. The used patch should be disposed of immediately. The adhesive sides of the patch should be folded together and the patch should then be thrown away in a location that is out of the reach of children and pets.Manufactured for: Galen US Inc. 25 Fretz Road Souderton PA 18964. Revised: Dec 2020 Side Effects SIDE EFFECTSClinical Studies ExperienceBecause clinical trials are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reaction rates observed in the clinical trials of a drug cannot be directly compared to rates in the clinical trials of another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in clinical practice.Three different formulations were studied during clinical development of SYNERA: Developmental A (n=138), Developmental B (n=30), and the SYNERA final formulation (n=1281). The developmental patch formulations each contained the same amount of the active drug (70 mg each of lidocaine and tetracaine) as the final patch formulation, but varying amounts of excipients, principally polyvinyl alcohol and water. Data obtained from studies utilizing the developmental patches have been included in the overall evaluation of SYNERA safety (calculation of adverse event incidence).Most common adverse events in clinical trialsLocalized ReactionsDuring or immediately after treatment with SYNERA, the skin at the site of treatment may develop erythema, blanching, edema, or abnormal sensation. In clinical studies involving 1449 SYNERA-treated subjects, the most common local reactions were erythema (71%), blanching (12%) and edema (12%). These reactions were generally mild, resolving spontaneously soon after patch removal. There were no treatment-related serious adverse events.Other application site reactions of various types (contact dermatitis, rash, skin discoloration) occurred in less than 4% of SYNERA-treated patients during clinical trials. Of these adverse events, 75% were mild, resolving spontaneously soon after patch removal.Application site-related adverse events that occurred in 1% or less of SYNERA-treated subjects included rash, pruritus, pain, contact dermatitis, infection, skin discoloration, allergic reaction, blister, paresthesia, urticaria, and vesiculobullous rash.Allergic ReactionsAllergic or anaphylactoid reactions can occur with the active or inactive components of SYNERA. They may be characterized by urticaria, angioedema, bronchospasm, and shock. Allergic reactions to the patch should be managed by conventional means.Systemic (Dose-Related) ReactionsSystemic adverse reactions that occurred in 1% or less of SYNERA-treated subjects included dizziness, headache, nausea, somnolence, and vomiting. Systemic adverse effects of lidocaine and tetracaine are similar in nature to those observed with other amide and ester local anesthetic agents, including CNS excitation and/or depression (light-headedness, nervousness, apprehension, euphoria, confusion, dizziness, drowsiness, tinnitus, blurred or double vision, vomiting, sensations of heat, cold or numbness, twitching, tremors, convulsions, unconsciousness, respiratory depression and arrest). Excitatory CNS reactions may be brief or not occur at all, in which case the first manifestation may be drowsiness merging into unconsciousness. Signs of CNS toxicity may start at plasma concentrations of lidocaine as low as 1000 ng/mL. The plasma concentrations at which tetracaine toxicity may occur are less well characterized; however, systemic toxicity with tetracaine is thought to occur with much lower plasma concentrations compared with lidocaine. The toxicity of co-administered local anesthetics is thought to be at least additive. Cardiovascular manifestations may include bradycardia, hypotension and cardiovascular collapse leading to arrest. Drug Interactions DRUG INTERACTIONSDrugs That May Cause Methemoglobinemia When Used With SYNERAPatients who are administered local anesthetics are at increased risk of developing methemoglobinemia when concurrently exposed to the following drugs, which could include other local anesthetics:Examples Of Drugs Associated With Methemoglobinemia:ClassExamplesNitrates/Nitritesnitric oxide, nitroglycerin, nitroprusside, nitrous oxideLocal anestheticsarticaine, benzocaine, bupivacaine, lidocaine, mepivacaine, prilocaine, procaine, ropivacaine, tetracaineAntineoplastic agentscyclophosphamide, flutamide, hydroxyurea, ifosfamide, rasburicaseAntibioticsdapsone, nitrofurantoin, para-aminosalicylic acid, sulfonamidesAntimalarialschloroquine, primaquineAnticonvulsantsphenobarbital, phenytoin, sodium valproateOther drugsacetaminophen, metoclopramide, quinine, sulfasalazineAntiarrhythmic DrugsSYNERA should be used with caution in patients receiving Class I antiarrhythmic drugs (such as tocainide and mexiletine) since the systemic toxic effects are thought to be additive and potentially synergistic with lidocaine and tetracaine.Local AnestheticsWhen SYNERA is used concomitantly with other products containing local anesthetic agents, the amount absorbed from all formulations should be considered since the systemic toxic effects are thought to be additive and potentially synergistic with lidocaine and tetracaine. Warnings & Precautions WARNINGSIncluded as part of the PRECAUTIONS section. PRECAUTIONSMethemoglobinemiaCases of methemoglobinemia have been reported in association with local anesthetic use. Although all patients are at risk for methemoglobinemia, patients with glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency, congenital or idiopathic methemoglobinemia, cardiac or pulmonary compromise, infants under 6 months of age, and concurrent exposure to oxidizing agents or their metabolites are more susceptible to developing clinical manifestations of the condition. If local anesthetics must be used in these patients, close monitoring for symptoms and signs of methemoglobinemia is recommended.Signs of methemoglobinemia may occur immediately or may be delayed some hours after exposure, and are characterized by a cyanotic skin discoloration and/or abnormal coloration of the blood. Methemoglobin levels may continue to rise; therefore, immediate treatment is required to avert more serious central nervous system and cardiovascular adverse effects, including seizures, coma, arrhythmias, and death. Discontinue SYNERA and any other oxidizing agents. Depending on the severity of the signs and symptoms, patients may respond to supportive care, i.e., oxygen therapy, hydration. A more severe clinical presentation may require treatment with methylene blue, exchange transfusion, or hyperbaric oxygen.OverexposureApplication of a SYNERA patch for longer duration than recommended, or the simultaneous or sequential application of multiple SYNERA patches, could result in sufficient absorption of lidocaine and tetracaine to result in serious adverse effects [see OVERDOSAGE].Storage And DisposalUsed SYNERA patches contain a large amount of lidocaine and tetracaine (at least 90% of the initial amount). The potential exists for a child or pet to suffer serious adverse effects from chewing or ingesting a new or used SYNERA patch. It is important for patients to store and dispose of SYNERA out of the reach of children and pets.Avoidance Of Exposure To Eyes and Mucous MembranesContact of SYNERA with the eyes should be avoided based on the findings of severe eye irritation with the use of similar products in animals. Also, the loss of protective reflexes may predispose to corneal irritation and potential abrasion. If eye contact occurs, immediately wash out the eye with water or saline and protect the eye until sensation returns.SYNERA is not recommended for use on mucous membranes or on areas with a compromised skin barrier because these uses have not been studied. Application to broken or inflamed skin may result in toxic blood concentrations of lidocaine and tetracaine from increased absorption.Magnetic Resonance ImagingThe integrated heating component contains iron powder; therefore, the SYNERA patch must be removed before a patient undergoes magnetic resonance imaging.Allergic ReactionsAllergic or anaphylactoid reactions associated with lidocaine, tetracaine, or other components of SYNERA can occur. They are characterized by urticaria, angioedema, bronchospasm, and shock. If an allergic reaction occurs, it should be managed by conventional means.Special Patient PopulationsSYNERA should be used with caution in patients who may be more sensitive to the systemic effects of lidocaine and tetracaine particularly the acutely ill or debilitated.Patients with severe hepatic disease or pseudocholinesterase deficiency, because of their inability to metabolize local anesthetics normally, are at a greater risk of developing toxic plasma concentrations of lidocaine and tetracaine.VaccinationsLidocaine has been shown to inhibit viral and bacterial growth. The effect of SYNERA on intradermal injections of live vaccines has not been determined.Patient Counseling InformationAdvise patients to read the FDA-approved patient labeling (Instructions for Use).Advise patients that SYNERA is a patch containing two medicines (lidocaine and tetracaine) that are known as local anesthetics, and a heating component. These medicines are used to lessen the pain associated with superficial venous access and superficial dermatological procedures such as excision, electrodessication and shave biopsy of skin lesions.Advise patients that SYNERA should be applied immediately after opening the pouch. Instruct patients to not cut or remove the top cover of the patch as this could result in thermal injury.Advise patients that keeping a patch on longer than recommended or applying multiple patches simultaneously or sequentially could result in systemic absorption sufficient to result in serious adverse effects that are typical of drugs in this class.Advise patients that the patch must be removed before magnetic resonance imaging.Advise patients that SYNERA is contraindicated in patients with a known history of sensitivity to lidocaine, tetracaine, local anesthetics of the amide or ester type, or any other component of the product and in patients with para-aminobenzoic acid (PABA) hypersensitivity.Advise patients that SYNERA should be used with caution in patients who may be more sensitive to the systemic effects of lidocaine and tetracaine, including the acutely ill, the debilitated, and those with compromised hepatic function. Patients with severe hepatic disease or pseudocholinesterase deficiency are at greater risk of developing toxic plasma concentrations.Advise patients that SYNERA should be used with caution in patients receiving class I antiarrhythmics and/or other local anesthetics, because the systemic toxic effects may be additive and potentially synergistic with lidocaine and tetracaine.Advise patients not to use SYNERA if they have a history of methemoglobinemia.Inform patients that use of local anesthetics may cause methemoglobinemia, a serious condition that must be treated promptly. Advise patients or caregivers to stop use and seek immediate medical attention if they or someone in their care experience the following signs or symptoms: pale, gray, or blue colored skin (cyanosis); headache; rapid heart rate; shortness of breath; lightheadedness; or fatigue.Advise patients to avoid contact of SYNERA with the eyes due to potential irritation or abrasion. If contact occurs, immediately wash the eye with water or saline, and protect it until sensation returns.Advise patients that SYNERA should only be applied to intact skin. Inform patients that exposure of the skin to SYNERA may result in erythema, blanching and edema; these reactions are generally mild, resolving spontaneously soon after the patch is removed.Advise patients that SYNERA is not for use on mucous membranes or on areas with broken skin.Advise patients that if skin irritation or a burning sensation occurs during application, the product should be removed.Inform patients of the signs of an allergic or anaphylactoid reaction (urticaria, angioedema, bronchospasm, and shock). Instruct patients to seek immediate emergency help if these occur.Advise patients that SYNERA may lead to diminished or blocked sensation in the treated skin; therefore, patients should avoid inadvertent trauma (rubbing, scratching, or exposure to heat or cold) before complete sensation returns.Advise patients to contact their healthcare professional if they don’t recall where to apply the patch.Instruct patients to store SYNERA and to discard used patches out of the reach of children and pets.The effect of SYNERA on intradermal injections of live vaccines has not been determined.Advise breastfeeding women not to apply SYNERA directly to the nipple and areola to avoid direct infant exposure [see Use In Specific Populations].Nonclinical ToxicologyCarcinogenesis, Mutagenesis, Impairment Of FertilityCarcinogenesis -Long-term studies in animals have not been performed to evaluate the carcinogenic potential of either lidocaine or tetracaine.MutagenesisThe mutagenic potential of lidocaine base and tetracaine base has been determined in the in vitro Ames Bacterial Reverse Mutation Assay, the in vitro chromosome aberration assay using Chinese hamster ovary cells, and the in vivo mouse micronucleus assay. Lidocaine was negative in all three assays. Tetracaine was negative in the in vitro Ames assay and the in vivo mouse micronucleus assay. In the in vitro chromosome aberration assay, tetracaine was negative in the absence of metabolic activation, and equivocal in the presence of metabolic activation.Impairment Of FertilityLidocaine did not affect fertility in female rats when given via continuous subcutaneous infusion via osmotic minipumps up to doses of 250 mg/kg/day (1500 mg/m² or 35 times the SDA on a mg/m² basis). Although lidocaine treatment of male rats increased the copulatory interval and lead to a dose-related decreased homogenization resistant sperm head count, daily sperm production, and spermatogenic efficiency, the treatment did not affect overall fertility in male rats when given subcutaneous doses up to 60 mg/kg (360 mg/m² or 8 times the SDA on a mg/m² basis). Tetracaine did not affect fertility in male or female rats when given subcutaneous doses up to 7.5 mg/kg (45 mg/m² or 1 times the SDA on a mg/m² basis). Multiples of exposure are based on an SDA of 70 mg each of lidocaine and tetracaine in SYNERA patch for 30 minutes to a 60 kg person (43 mg/m²). Use In Specific PopulationsPregnancyRisk SummaryThere are no available data on SYNERA use in pregnant women to determine a drug-associated risk of major birth defects, miscarriage, or adverse maternal or fetal outcomes. Available data from an epidemiologic study and case series with parenteral lidocaine use in pregnant women have not identified a drug-associated risk of major birth defects, miscarriage, or other adverse maternal or fetal outcomes. Published data on tetracaine use in pregnant women are not sufficient to determine any drug-associated risks. The amount of lidocaine and tetracaine systemically absorbed from SYNERA is low compared to the parenteral route of administration and is not expected to result in significant fetal exposure. Systemic exposure of SYNERA is directly related to both the duration of application and the surface area over which it is applied [see CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY].In an animal reproduction study, pregnant rats administered lidocaine, containing 1:100,000 epinephrine, injected into the masseter muscle of the jaw or into the gum of the lower jaw on Gestation Day 11 at 0.8 times the Single Dermal Administration (SDA) resulted in developmental delays in neonates. Subcutaneous administration of tetracaine to pregnant rats and rabbits did not produce adverse embryofetal effects at 1 times the SDA when administered during the period of organogenesis (see Data).The estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage for the indicated population is unknown. All pregnancies have a background risk of birth defect, loss, or other adverse outcomes. In the U.S. general population, the estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage in clinically recognized pregnancies is 2 to 4% and 15 to 20%, respectively.DataAnimal DataLidocaine was not teratogenic in rats given subcutaneous doses up to 60 mg/kg (360 mg/m² or 8 times the SDA on a mg/m² basis) or in rabbits up to 15 mg/kg (180 mg/m² or 4 times the SDA on a mg/m² basis) during the period of organogenesis. Tetracaine was not teratogenic in rats given subcutaneous doses up to 10 mg/kg (60 mg/m² or 1 times the SDA on a mg/m² basis) or in rabbits up to 5 mg/kg (60 mg/m² or 1 times the SDA on a mg/m² basis) during the period of organogenesis. SYNERA components (lidocaine and tetracaine) given as a 1:1 eutectic mixture during the period of organogenesis were not teratogenic in rats (60 mg/m² or 1 times the SDA on a mg/m² basis) or rabbits (120 mg/m² or 3 times the SDA on a mg/m² basis).Lidocaine, containing 1:100,000 epinephrine, at a dose of 6 mg/kg (36 mg/m² or 0.8 times the SDA on a mg/m² basis) injected into the masseter muscle of the jaw or into the gum of the lower jaw of Long-Evans hooded pregnant rats on Gestation Day 11 led to developmental delays in neonatal behavior among offspring. Developmental delays were observed for negative geotaxis, static righting reflex, visual discrimination response, sensitivity and response to thermal and electrical shock stimuli, and water maze acquisition. The developmental delays of the neonatal animals were transient with responses becoming comparable to untreated animals later in life. The clinical relevance of the animal data is uncertain.In a published study, lidocaine administered to pregnant rats by continuous subcutaneous infusion during the period of organogenesis at 100, 250, and 500 mg/kg/day, did not produce any structural abnormalities, but did result in lower fetal weights at 500 mg/kg/day dose (3000 mg/m² or 69 times the SDA on a mg/m² basis) in the absence of maternal toxicity.Pre- and postnatal maturational, behavioral, or reproductive development was not affected by maternal subcutaneous administration of tetracaine during gestation and lactation up to doses of 7.5 mg/kg (45 mg/m² or 1 times the SDA on a mg/m² basis).LactationRisk SummaryThere are no data on the presence of tetracaine in human milk, the effects on the breastfed infant, or the effect on milk production. Published studies on parenterally administered lidocaine have reported the presence of lidocaine in human milk with milk:plasma ratios ranging between 0.4 to 1.1. Available data on lidocaine’s effects on the breastfed child have not revealed a consistent pattern of associated adverse effects. The amount of lidocaine present in human milk following topical administration is unknown, but systemic absorption from topical lidocaine is low [see CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY].The developmental and health benefits of breastfeeding should be considered along with the mother’s clinical need for SYNERA and any potential adverse effects on the breastfed child from SYNERA or from the underlying maternal condition.Clinical ConsiderationsMinimizing ExposureAdvise breastfeeding women not to apply SYNERA directly to the nipple and areola to avoid direct infant exposure.Pediatric UseThe safety and effectiveness of SYNERA have been established in pediatric patients 3 years and older based on adequate and well-controlled studies [see Clinical Studies]. While efficacy has not been established for children less than 3 years of age, the safety of SYNERA in infants has been evaluated in one study in which 34 infants 4 to 6 months of age received SYNERA. The recommended application time for the patch for pediatric patients is the same as for adults. Simultaneous or sequential application of more than two SYNERA patches to children is not recommended as it has not been adequately studied.Use In Geriatric PatientsIn the controlled clinical studies, 139 patients over 65 years of age, including 41 patients over 75 years of age, received SYNERA. Visual Analog Scale (VAS) pain score differences between SYNERA and placebo were considerably lower in the geriatric subjects than in the rest of the adult population. No overall differences in safety were observed between geriatric subjects and younger subjects. However, increased sensitivity in individual patients greater than 65 years of age cannot be ruled out. After intravenous dosing, the elimination half-life of lidocaine is significantly longer in elderly patients (2.5 hours) than in younger patients (1.5 hours). Overdosage & Contraindications OVERDOSEIn adults the maximum peak plasma concentrations of lidocaine and tetracaine following application of two to four SYNERA patches for 30-60 minutes were less than 9 ng/mL and tetracaine levels were not detectable. In children, the maximum observed peak plasma concentrations of lidocaine were 63 ng/mL and 331 ng/mL after the application of one or two SYNERA patches, respectively. Higher maximum concentrations of lidocaine were observed for younger children when compared to older children. The maximum concentration of tetracaine observed in children was 65 ng/mL, and most values obtained were <0.9 ng/mL. Signs of CNS toxicity may start at plasma concentrations of lidocaine as low as 1000 ng/mL, and the risk of seizures generally increases with increasing plasma levels.Very high levels of lidocaine can cause respiratory arrest, coma, decreases in cardiac output, total peripheral resistance and mean arterial pressure, ventricular arrhythmias and cardiac arrest. Tetracaine is associated with a profile of systemic CNS and cardiovascular adverse events similar to lidocaine, although toxicity associated with tetracaine is thought to occur at lower doses compared to lidocaine. The toxicity of co-administered local anesthetics is thought to be at least additive. In the absence of massive topical overdose or oral ingestion, other etiologies for the clinical effects or overdosage from other sources of lidocaine, tetracaine or other local anesthetics should be considered. The management of overdosage includes close monitoring, supportive care and symptomatic treatment. Dialysis is of negligible value in the treatment of acute overdosage of lidocaine. CONTRAINDICATIONSSYNERA is contraindicated in patients with a known history of sensitivity to lidocaine, tetracaine, or local anesthetics of the amide or ester type.SYNERA is also contraindicated in patients with para-aminobenzoic acid (PABA) hypersensitivity and in patients with a known history of sensitivity to any other component of the product. Clinical Pharmacology CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGYMechanism Of ActionSYNERA applied to intact skin provides local dermal analgesia by the release of lidocaine and tetracaine from the patch into the skin. Lidocaine is an amide-type local anesthetic agent and tetracaine is an ester-type local anesthetic agent. Both lidocaine and tetracaine block sodium ion channels required for the initiation and conduction of neuronal impulses, resulting in local anesthesia.PharmacokineticsAbsorptionApplication of one SYNERA patch for 30 minutes in adults produced peak plasma concentrations of lidocaine less than 5 ng/mL while plasma levels of tetracaine were below the limit of quantitation (<0.9 ng/mL) in all subjects tested (n = 12, see Table 1). SYNERA application up to 60 minutes did not significantly increase plasma levels of lidocaine or tetracaine compared to a 30-minute application.Table 1 : Absorption of Lidocaine and Tetracaine from SYNERA in Normal Adult Volunteers (n = 12)Number of SYNERA PatchesAge Range (yr)Application Time (min)Drug Content (mg)Estimated Amount Absorbed (mg)*Cmax (ng/mL)Tmax (hr)118-6530Lidocaine, 701.71.71.7Tetracaine, 701.6<0.9na* Estimated absorbed dose was calculated by subtracting the residual amount of drug in each patch from the labeled claimna = not applicableThe surface area of application was 10 cm² per SYNERA patch.Application of SYNERA to broken or inflamed skin or more than four simultaneous or sequentially applied SYNERA patches could result in higher plasma levels of local anesthetic that carries the risk of systemic toxicity.Simultaneous or sequential application of multiple SYNERA patches is not recommended. However, plasma levels of lidocaine and tetracaine have been determined in clinical pharmacology studies following multiple successive and simultaneous applications of SYNERA patches on intact skin. Maximum plasma levels of lidocaine after the application of a) four successive SYNERA patches for 30 minutes each with a 30-minute interval between each patch application, and b) three SYNERA patches for 60 minutes each with a 60-minute interval between each application were less than 12 ng/mL and 8 ng/mL, respectively. Tetracaine was not detected in plasma following either treatment. Simultaneous application of two or four SYNERA patches for 60 minutes produced peak plasma concentrations of lidocaine of less than 9 ng/mL, while tetracaine plasma concentrations were not detectable in all subjects (n=22). Sequential 30-minute applications of four SYNERA patches at 60-minute intervals produced peak plasma concentrations of lidocaine of less than 12 ng/mL, while tetracaine plasma concentrations were below the limit of quantitation (n=11).DistributionWhen lidocaine is administered intravenously to healthy volunteers, the steady-state volume of distribution is approximately 0.8 to 1.3 L/kg. At lidocaine concentrations observed following the recommended product application, approximately 75% of lidocaine is bound to plasma proteins, primarily alpha-1-acid glycoprotein. At much higher plasma concentrations (1 to 4 mcg/mL of free base) the plasma protein binding of lidocaine is concentration dependent. Lidocaine crosses the placental and blood brain barriers, presumably by passive diffusion [see Use In Specific Populations]. CNS toxicity is seen with plasma levels of 5000 ng/mL of lidocaine; however a small number of patients reportedly may show signs of toxicity at approximately 1000 ng/mL. Volume of distribution and protein binding have not been determined for tetracaine due to rapid hydrolysis in plasma.MetabolismIt is not known if lidocaine or tetracaine is metabolized in the skin. Lidocaine is metabolized rapidly by the liver to a number of metabolites including monoethylglycinexylidide (MEGX) and glycinexylidide (GX), both of which have pharmacologic activity similar to, but less potent than that of lidocaine. The major metabolic pathway of lidocaine, sequential N-deethylation to monoethylglycinexylidide (MEGX) and glycinexylidide (GX), is primarily mediated by CYP1A2 with a minor role of CYP3A4. The metabolite, 2,6-xylidine, has unknown pharmacologic activity. Following intravenous administration of lidocaine, MEGX and GX concentrations in serum range from 11% to 36% and from 5% to 11% of lidocaine concentrations, respectively. Serum concentrations of MEGX were about one-third the serum lidocaine concentrations. Tetracaine undergoes rapid hydrolysis by plasma esterases. Primary metabolites of tetracaine include para-aminobenzoic acid and diethylaminoethanol, both of which have an unspecified activity.EliminationThe half-life of lidocaine elimination from the plasma following intravenous administration is approximately 1.8 hr. Lidocaine and its metabolites are excreted by the kidneys. More than 98% of an absorbed dose of lidocaine can be recovered in the urine as metabolites or parent drug. Less than 10% of lidocaine is excreted unchanged in adults, and approximately 20% is excreted unchanged in neonates. The systemic clearance is approximately 8-10 mL/min/kg. During intravenous studies, the elimination half-life of lidocaine was statistically significantly longer in elderly patients (2.5 hours) than in younger patients (1.5 hours). The half-life and clearance for tetracaine have not been established for humans, but hydrolysis in the plasma is rapid.Pediatric PatientsApplication of one SYNERA patch for up to 30 minutes in children 4 months to 12 years of age (n=18) produced maximum peak plasma concentrations of lidocaine and tetracaine of 63 ng/mL and 65 ng/mL, respectively. Application of two SYNERA patches for up to 30 minutes to children 4 months to 12 years of age (n=19) produced peak lidocaine levels of up to 331 ng/mL and tetracaine levels of less than 5 ng/mL.ElderlyAfter application of one SYNERA patch for 20 minutes, plasma levels of lidocaine and tetracaine were not detectable in elderly subjects (> 65 years of age, mean 72.0 ±4.3 years, n=10). After simultaneous application of two SYNERA patches for 60 minutes to elderly subjects (> 65 years of age, mean 69.5 ±3.7 years, n=12), the maximum peak lidocaine concentration was 6 ng/mL and tetracaine was not detectable. During intravenous studies, the elimination half-life of lidocaine was statistically significantly longer in elderly patients (2.5 hours) than in younger patients (1.5 hours).Cardiac, Renal And Hepatic ImpairmentNo specific pharmacokinetic studies were conducted. The half-life of lidocaine may be increased in individuals with cardiac or hepatic dysfunction. There is no established half-life for tetracaine due to rapid hydrolysis in the plasma. Clinical StudiesSuperficial Venous AccessThree randomized, double-blind, placebo controlled clinical trials in adult and geriatric subjects evaluated the degree of dermal analgesia upon venipuncture following a 20-minute treatment with SYNERA or a placebo patch (patch with heating component but no drug). In each trial, subjects received SYNERA on one arm and placebo patch on the other. In all three studies pain was measured by a 100-mm VAS in which a lower VAS score corresponds to less pain. In the first study in 21 subjects, median VAS scores for SYNERA and placebo treatments were 1 mm and 9 mm, respectively. In the second study in 40 subjects, median VAS scores were 5 mm and 28 mm for SYNERA and placebo treatments, respectively. In the third study, in 40 subjects over the age of 65 years, median VAS scores for SYNERA and placebo treatments were 8 mm and 14 mm, respectively.In a randomized, double-blind, placebo controlled study, 61 pediatric patients received either SYNERA or placebo for 20 minutes prior to venipuncture or IV cannulation in the antecubital fossa or dorsum of the hand. Subjects were stratified by age group (3 to 6 years and 7 to 17 years). Children in the younger group reported less pain on IV cannulation with SYNERA than with placebo, as rated using a six-point Oucher pain scale with faces. Children in the older group rated their pain using an eleven-point Oucher pain scale that contained both faces and numbers. Pain scores on IV cannulation in the older children treated with SYNERA were not significantly different from pain scores in those treated with placebo.In a double-blind trial in 250 adults, subjects were randomized to receive either SYNERA without heating element or SYNERA with heating element, prior to venipuncture. Median VAS scores for the patch with the heating element and without the heating element were 17 mm and 22 mm, respectively.Superficial Dermatological ProceduresIn one randomized, double-blind, placebo controlled study, 94 adult subjects received either SYNERA or placebo patch for 30 minutes prior to a superficial dermatological procedure such as superficial excision, shave biopsy or electrodessication. Median VAS scores for SYNERA and placebo treatments were 5 mm and 31 mm, respectively. In a similarly designed study in 74 subjects over the age of 65 years, less pain was reported following SYNERA treatment compared to placebo with median VAS scores for SYNERA and placebo treatments of 10 mm and 23 mm, respectively.In a randomized, double-blind, placebo controlled study, 88 pediatric patients were stratified by age group (3 to 6 years and 7 to 17 years) to receive a 30-minute application of either SYNERA or placebo patch, prior to lidocaine injection. In younger children who used the Oucher pain scale with faces, those receiving SYNERA reported less pain from lidocaine injection than those receiving placebo. Older children used the numerical Oucher pain scale to report pain intensity. There was no difference between treatments observed in the older children. Medication Guide PATIENT INFORMATIONNo information provided. Please refer to the WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS section.
