Gabapentin+lidocaine
About
Gabapentin+lidocaine is a combination medicine used to treat neuropathic pain. Neuropathic pain is a chronic progressive nerve disease that causes nerve pain due to damaged or malfunctioning nervous system. Neuropathic pain could be due to amputation of limbs, diabetic neuropathy (nerve damage due to excess blood sugar levels), alcoholism (excessive alcohol intake), or chemotherapy.
Gabapentin+lidocaine contains Gabapentin and Lidocaine. Gabapentin works by binding to the specific site on voltage-gated calcium channels; this helps in relieving nerve pain. Lidocaine decreases the pain sensation by blocking the pain signals from nerves to the brain. Together, Gabapentin+lidocaine helps in providing relief from neuropathic pain.
In some cases, Gabapentin+lidocaine may cause common side-effects such as itching, irritation, redness, and burning sensation at the site of application. Most of these side effects do not require medical attention and will resolve gradually over time. However, you are advised to talk to your doctor if the side effects persist or worsen.
Consult your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Do not use Gabapentin+lidocaine in more than prescribed doses or on a large area of skin for a longer duration, as it may cause adverse effects. Do not wrap or cover the treated area with a bandage unless advised by your doctor. Keep your doctor informed about your health condition and the medicines you are taking to rule out any interactions.
Uses of Gabapentin+lidocaine
Medicinal Benefits
Gabapentin+lidocaine is a combination of two drugs, namely: Gabapentin and Lidocaine. Gabapentin+lidocaine is used to treat neuropathic pain. Gabapentin is an anti-epileptic drug that works by binding to the specific site on voltage-gated calcium channels; this helps in relieving nerve pain. Lidocaine is a local anaesthetic that decreases the pain sensation by blocking the pain signals from nerves to the brain. Together, Gabapentin+lidocaine helps in providing relief from neuropathic pain.
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of Gabapentin+lidocaine
- Itching
- Irritation
- Redness
- Burning sensation
In-Depth Precautions and Warning
Drug Warnings
Do not use Gabapentin+lidocaine if you are allergic to any of its components. Inform your doctor if you have breathing problems, diabetes, depression, epilepsy, heart, kidney or liver problems. Consult your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Do not use Gabapentin+lidocaine in more than prescribed doses or on a large area of skin for a longer duration as it may cause adverse effects. Do not wrap or cover the treated area with a bandage unless advised by your doctor. Let your doctor know if you are taking any prescription/nonprescription medicines or herbal products.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interactions: No interactions found/established.
Drug-Food Interactions: No interactions found/established.
Drug-Disease Interactions: No interactions found/established.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
cautionIt is unknown if alcohol interacts with Gabapentin+lidocaine. Please consult a doctor.
Pregnancy
cautionLimited information is available regarding the usage of Gabapentin+lidocaine during pregnancy. Please consult your doctor before using Gabapentin+lidocaine if you are pregnant.
Breast Feeding
cautionLimited information is available regarding the usage of Gabapentin+lidocaine during lactation. Consult your doctor before using Gabapentin+lidocaine if you are breastfeeding.
Driving
cautionIt is not known if Gabapentin+lidocaine alters your ability to drive. Drive or operate machinery only if you are alert.
Liver
cautionPlease consult your doctor if you have a liver impairment or any concerns regarding this.
Kidney
cautionPlease consult your doctor if you have kidney impairment or any concerns regarding this.
Children
cautionLimited information is available regarding the usage of Gabapentin+lidocaine in children, so please consult a doctor if you have any concerns.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Include food rich in vitamin B and D in your diet as they can help in improving nerve health and preventing nerve pain.
- Include cayenne pepper in your diet, as it can help lower neuropathic pain.
- Exercising regularly helps in improving overall health and combating pain.
- Rest well, get plenty of sleep.
- Try taking a warm bath, as it can be soothing. It helps in increasing blood circulation, thereby decreasing numbness and pain.
- Avoid smoking and alcohol consumption.
- Meditation and yoga can help lower stress, decrease pain sensitivity and improves coping skills.
- Physical relaxation and massages can help provide symptomatic relief.
- Learn about techniques for sitting, stretching, moving, and standing from a physical or occupational therapist. These can help prevent pain.
- Acupuncture can be helpful by stimulating pressure points.
- Using essential oils for massages can help increase circulation and boosts healing.
Special Advise
- Do not use Gabapentin+lidocaine on dressing, band-aids and make-up unless told by the doctor.
- If Gabapentin+lidocaine comes in contact with eyes, nose or mouth, rinse with water immediately.
- Wash your hands before and after using Gabapentin+lidocaine; however, do not wash your hands if you are applying Gabapentin+lidocaine on your hands.
- Do not apply Gabapentin+lidocaine on wounds, cuts, damaged skin, or scrapes.
- Avoid using Gabapentin+lidocaine with a heating pad.
- Close the tube tightly after use.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Neuropathic pain: It is a nervous system disorder caused due to damaged sensory nerves. It is caused by chronic progressive nerve disease, infection, or injury. The pain could be intermittent or continuous, which is felt as prickling, stabbing, tingling or burning sensation. A feeling of numbness and loss of sensations is also common with neuropathic pain. Symptoms include spontaneous, untriggered pain, unpleasant feeling, shooting, burning or stabbing pain, difficulty resting or sleeping, and evoked pain (pain caused by events that are usually not painful).
FAQs
Gabapentin+lidocaine contains Gabapentin and Lidocaine. Gabapentin works by binding to the specific site on voltage-gated calcium channels; this helps in relieving nerve pain. Lidocaine decreases the pain sensation by blocking the pain signals from nerves to the brain. Together, Gabapentin+lidocaine helps in providing relief from neuropathic pain.
Avoid concomitant use of Gabapentin+lidocaine with other topical products such as cosmetics, sunscreens, lotions, moisturisers, insect repellent creams, and other gels. Consult your doctor if you have any concerns.
Do not cover the treated skin with dressings after applying Gabapentin+lidocaine unless told by the doctor. Covering the skin can increase the amount of medicine absorbed through the skin leading to harmful effects.
Continue using Gabapentin+lidocaine for as long as your doctor has prescribed it to you. Do not be reluctant to speak with your doctor if you experience any difficulty while taking Gabapentin+lidocaine.
Consult your doctor before taking pain killers along with Gabapentin+lidocaine. Inform your doctor about all the medicines you are taking and about your medical condition before starting Gabapentin+lidocaine to rule out any interactions.
