GENERIC NAME: LIDOCAINE - TOPICAL (LIE-doh-cane)
BRAND NAME(S): Lidamantle, Xylocaine
Medication Uses | How To Use | Side Effects | Precautions | Drug Interactions | Overdose | Notes | Missed Dose | Storage
USES: This medication is an anesthetic used on the skin to relieve itching and pain associated with various skin disorders such as insect bites, burns, scrapes, plant poisonings, hemorrhoids. Lidocaine may also be used to relieve irritation and inflammation in the mouth and throat. Some forms of this medication are used during certain procedures to reduce pain.
HOW TO USE: This medication is for external use only. To use the ointment, cream, lotion or gel on the skin, clean and dry the affected area as directed. For best results, apply a thin layer of medicine on the skin. You may use gloves or an applicator to apply the medicine as directed. Wash hands after use. Avoid contact with the eyes. Do not use more than prescribed, use this more often or for longer than prescribed. Your condition will not improve faster, but side effects may be increased. Spray: Shake well before using. While holding the canister 3-5 inches (8-13 cm) from the affected area, spray until wet. If the affected area is on the face, spray the medication onto your hand and apply to the face. Do not spray near your eyes, nose or mouth.
SIDE EFFECTS: Notify your doctor promptly if you develop any of these symptoms: stinging, burning, redness, tenderness, swelling, rash. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
PRECAUTIONS: Before using lidocaine, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to other amide type anesthetics; or if you have any other allergies. This medication should not be used if you have certain medical conditions. Before using this medicine, consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have: bacterial infection in the area where lidocaine is to be used, damaged mucous membranes (e.g., nose, mouth, anal area). Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: heart disease. Caution is advised when using this drug in the elderly because they may be more sensitive to its effects. Caution is advised when using this drug in children because they may be more sensitive to its effects. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant before using this medication. It is not known whether this drug passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
- Hemorrhoids - In-depth article on hemorrhoids: symptoms, causes, and treatments including exactly what haemorrhoids (also known as piles) are. Read details about internal and external hemmorrhoids, and the different types of over-the-counter treatments.
- Herpes Simplex Infections (Cold Sores, Non-Genital) - Learn about cold sore(s) (herpes simplex infection) causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment (with OTC medication and prescription medications).
- Burns (First Aid) - Burns are categorized by severity as first, second, or third degree. First degree burns are similar to a painful sunburn. The damage is more severe with second degree burns, leading to blistering and more intense pain. The skin turns white and loses sensation with third degree burns. Burn treatment depends upon the location, total burn area, and intensity of the burn.
Latest Medical News
Back to Medications Index
Interactive Slideshows