Lidocaine
About
Lidocaine belongs to the class of local anaesthetics used to reduce/relieve pain and discomfort associated with skin irritation, burns, scratches, insect bites, skin abrasions, or sunburn. It is also used to treat post-herpetic neuralgia (lasting pain after a shingles infection). Lidocaine may also be used to treat premature ejaculation. It is also indicated for the prevention and control of pain in urethritis (inflammation of the urethra). Lidocaine may also be used as an adjunct for endotracheal intubation.
Lidocaine contains 'lidocaine' that blocks the influx (entry) of sodium ions into the membrane that surrounds the nerves, thereby preventing initiation and conduction of impulses. Lidocaine produces local numbness by blocking the nerve signal in the affected area. Hence, Lidocaine produces an anaesthetic effect and helps decrease the sensation of pain.
Use Lidocaine as advised by the doctor. In some cases, Lidocaine may cause application site reactions such as burning sensation, itching, redness, and irritation. 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 you experience these side effects persistently.
Consult your doctor before using Lidocaine if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Lidocaine is not recommended for children as safety and effectiveness have not been established. Avoid contact of Lidocaine with eyes, nose, or mouth. If contact occurs, rinse with water immediately. Do not apply Lidocaine on the swollen skin areas or deep puncture wounds. Inform your doctor about your health condition and medications to rule out any side effects/interactions.
Uses of Lidocaine
Medicinal Benefits
Lidocaine belongs to the class of local anaesthetics used to reduce/relieve pain and discomfort associated with skin irritation, burns, scratches, insect bites, skin abrasions, or sunburn. It is also used to treat post-herpetic neuralgia (pain due to shingles-a viral infection). Lidocaine is also indicated for the prevention and control of pain in urethritis (inflammation of the urethra). Lidocaine may also be used as an adjunct for endotracheal intubation (a medical procedure involving the placement of a tube into the windpipe through the nose or mouth). Lidocaine contains 'lidocaine' that blocks the influx (entry) of sodium ions into the membrane that surrounds the nerves, thereby preventing initiation and conduction of impulses. Lidocaine produces local numbness by blocking the nerve signal in the affected area. Hence, Lidocaine produces an anaesthetic effect and helps decrease the sensation of pain. Lidocaine may also be used to treat premature ejaculation. It works by reducing the sensitivity of skin tissue and sensation when applied to the penis. Thereby prevents premature ejaculation.
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of Lidocaine
- Burning sensation
- Itching
- Redness
- Irritation
In-Depth Precautions and Warning
Drug Warnings
Do not use Lidocaine if you are allergic to any of its components. Avoid using Lidocaine on larger skin areas or for a prolonged duration. Inform your doctor if you have methemoglobinemia (abnormal methemoglobin in the blood), heart, kidney or liver problems. Consult your doctor before using Lidocaine if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Lidocaine is not recommended for children as safety and effectiveness have not been established.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interactions: Lidocaine may have interaction with other local anaesthetic drugs and anti-arrhythmic drugs (tocainide, mexiletine).
Drug-Food Interactions: No interactions found/established.
Drug-Disease Interactions: Inform your doctor if you have methemoglobinemia (abnormal methemoglobin in the blood) or heart problems such as irregular heartbeat or heart block.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
cautionIt is unknown if alcohol affects Lidocaine. Please consult your doctor if you have any concerns.
Pregnancy
cautionPlease consult your doctor if you have any concerns regarding this; your doctor will prescribe Lidocaine only if the benefits outweigh the risks.
Breast Feeding
cautionPlease consult your doctor if you have any concerns regarding this; your doctor will decide whether breastfeeding mothers can use Lidocaine or not.
Driving
cautionIt is not known if Lidocaine affects your ability to drive. Drive only if you are alert after using Lidocaine.
Liver
cautionLidocaine should be used with caution in patients with liver impairment/liver disease. Please 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
unsafeLidocaine is not recommended for children as efficacy and safety have not been established.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Maintain a healthy weight by performing regular low-strain exercises and eating healthy food.
- Get adequate sleep as resting the muscles can help in reducing inflammation and swelling.
- De-stress yourself by meditating, reading books, taking a warm bubble bath, or listening to soothing music.
- Eat food rich in antioxidants such as berries, spinach, kidney beans, dark chocolate, etc.
- Foods containing flavonoids help in reducing inflammation. These include soy, berries, broccoli, grapes, and green tea.
- Avoid smoking and alcohol consumption.
Special Advise
- Do not apply Lidocaine on open wounds, injured skin, or unhealed shingles blisters.
- Wash your hands after use. However, do not wash your hands if you are using Lidocaine on your hands.
- If Lidocaine comes in contact with eyes, mouth or nose, wash with water immediately. Consult a doctor if irritation persists.
- Do not scratch or rub the skin when it is numb.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Pain: Pain is a symptom triggered by the nervous system, causing uncomfortable sensations in the body. Pain can be generalized (overall body aches) or localized (affecting a specific area of the body). The common causes of pain include headache, muscle strain, cramps, and cuts.
Local anaesthesia: It causes numbing/loss of sensation to a specific area of the body. It is used to treat pain, or to prevent pain during surgery or medical procedure.
Post-herpetic neuralgia: Post-herpetic neuralgia is a lasting pain in the area of shingles. Shingles is a viral infection that causes painful rashes occurring due to the reactivation of chicken pox virus infection. Symptoms include nerve pain and itchiness.
Premature ejaculation: Premature ejaculation is when a man ejaculates (orgasms) more quickly with less sexual stimulation before the man or his partner would like. This could lead to problems in a sexual relationship. Premature ejaculation is also known as rapid ejaculation, premature climax or early ejaculation. Symptoms include the inability to delay the orgasm or ejaculation for more than a minute after the start of intercourse.
FAQs
Lidocaine blocks the influx of sodium ions into the membrane that surrounds the nerves, thereby preventing initiation and conduction of impulses (nerve signal). Hence, it provides an anaesthetic effect and decreases the sensation of pain.
Avoid concomitant use of Lidocaine with other topical products such as cosmetics, sunscreens, lotions, moisturizers, insect repellent creams, and other gels.
Do not apply external heat or cover the treated skin with dressings after applying Lidocaine. Covering the skin or applying heat might increase the amount of drug absorbed into the skin leading to unpleasant side effects.
Do not apply Lidocaine on open wounds, injured skin, or unhealed shingles blisters. Apply Lidocaine on intact skin only.
Avoid using Lidocaine for longer durations unless prescribed by the doctor. If your condition does not improve even after using Lidocaine for 7 days, consult your doctor.
