What is the volume in milliliters (ml) equivalent to 1 gram (gm) of EMLA (lidocaine and prilocaine) cream?

EMLA Cream Volume Conversion

1 gram of EMLA cream equals approximately 1 mL, as EMLA has a density very close to 1 g/mL.

Understanding EMLA Formulation

EMLA (eutectic mixture of local anesthetics) is a 5% cream containing lidocaine 25 mg/g and prilocaine 25 mg/g 1. The cream formulation has a density that approximates 1:1 for gram-to-milliliter conversion in clinical practice.

Clinical Dosing Context

When applying EMLA clinically, the following standard doses are used:

• Standard pediatric dose: 0.5-1.0 g per application site 2, 3
• Maximum single application in neonates: 1.0 g total (0.5 g per site) for term infants 2
• Adult/larger pediatric dose: Up to 5 g maximum for extremity wounds 4

For intralesional procedures, guidelines reference "0.2-5 mL per session" when discussing EMLA premedication, further supporting the practical 1:1 conversion 5.

Application Timing Considerations

• Full effectiveness requires 60 minutes of application under occlusive dressing on intact skin 6, 7, 3
• For open wounds (off-label use), anesthesia may develop in approximately 55 minutes 4
• Home application before procedures is feasible and reduces clinic waiting time by at least 60 minutes 3

Safety Parameters

• Avoid in infants <12 months receiving methemoglobin-inducing agents 8, 1
• Use reduced doses in children <12 months or weighing <10 kg 6
• Maximum safe dose in term neonates (0-3 months): 1 g for 60-70 minutes produces mean methemoglobin levels of 1.17% (well below harmful levels) 2