What is the brand of nifedipine and lidocaine cream available in Canada?

Available Nifedipine and Lidocaine Cream Brands in Canada

In Canada, the combination of nifedipine and lidocaine is available as a compounded medication prepared by compounding pharmacies, rather than as a commercial brand product.

Compounded Nifedipine-Lidocaine Preparations

Nifedipine-lidocaine cream is primarily used for anorectal conditions and must be prepared by a compounding pharmacy in Canada. The typical formulation contains:

• 0.3% nifedipine
• 1.5% lidocaine

Effectiveness of the Formulation

The 0.3% nifedipine with 1.5% lidocaine formulation has demonstrated significant clinical efficacy:

• For chronic anal fissures: 94.5% healing rate after 6 weeks of therapy compared to 16.4% with control treatments 1
• For acute thrombosed external hemorrhoids: 92% resolution rate after 14 days compared to 45.8% with lidocaine alone 2
• Pain relief is achieved in 86% of patients with hemorrhoids after 7 days of treatment 3

How to Obtain the Medication

1. Consult with a healthcare provider to obtain a prescription
2. Take the prescription to a compounding pharmacy
3. The pharmacist will prepare the cream with the specific concentration of active ingredients

Pharmacokinetics and Safety

The topical application of this combination has demonstrated a favorable safety profile:

• Nifedipine blood levels remain minimal and often undetectable after application 4
• Lidocaine is absorbed in small quantities, with concentrations well below the toxicity threshold 4
• No significant cardiovascular effects have been observed with proper use 4

Clinical Applications

This compounded preparation is primarily used for:

1. Chronic anal fissures - reduces internal anal sphincter tone and promotes healing 5
2. Acute thrombosed external hemorrhoids - provides pain relief and accelerates resolution 5

Administration Guidelines

• Apply the cream to the affected area every 12 hours
• Typical treatment duration:
  • 6 weeks for chronic anal fissures 1
  • 2 weeks for acute thrombosed hemorrhoids 2

Important Considerations

• The medication works by relaxing smooth muscle in the internal anal sphincter through calcium channel blockade (nifedipine) while providing local anesthesia (lidocaine)
• Recurrence rates after successful treatment range from 5.8% to 26.2% 1, 6
• Side effects are minimal, with mild headache occurring in approximately 6.6% of patients 6

Alternative Options

If a compounded nifedipine-lidocaine preparation is unavailable, other options include:

• Topical nitrates (e.g., nitroglycerin ointment)
• Calcium channel blockers alone
• Lidocaine preparations alone

For patients requiring this medication, consult with a healthcare provider who can direct you to a compounding pharmacy that prepares this specialized formulation.