The safety of lidocaine-prilocaine cream (EMLA) was evaluated in an open trial in 30 preterm neonates (mean gestational age, 32.8 weeks; birth weight, 1911 gm); 0.5 gm was applied to the heel for 1 hour. Mean baseline and follow-up (4, 8, or 12 hours after EMLA application) methemoglobin levels were not different, ranging from 1.15% to 1.45%, and from 1.13% to 1.49%, respectively.