Lidocaine; Prilocaine Peridontal Gel

Lidocaine and prilocaine are medications combined to create a topical anesthetic gel that a dentist will use to numb areas of your gums before they begin dental work. It causes you to lose feeling in your gums, skin and surrounding tissues. A dentist will apply this medication to your gums. The brand name of this periodontal gel is Oraqix®.

What is this medication?

LIDOCAINE; PRILOCAINE (LYE doe kane; PRIL oh kane) relieves minor pain and irritation in your mouth and throat. It works by numbing the affected area.

This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Oraqix

Advertisement

Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. Policy

What should I tell my care team before I take this medication?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

  • G6PD deficiency
  • Heart disease
  • Kidney disease
  • Liver disease
  • An unusual or allergic reaction to lidocaine, prilocaine, other medications, foods, dyes, or preservatives
  • Pregnant or trying to get pregnant
  • Breast-feeding

How should I use this medication?

This medication is applied to your gums by your care team before dental work.

Talk to your care team about the use of this medication in children. Special care may be needed.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

Advertisement

What if I miss a dose?

This does not apply.

What may interact with this medication?

This medication may interact with the following:

  • Acetaminophen
  • Certain antibiotics like dapsone, nitrofurantoin, aminosalicylic acid, sulfasalazine
  • Certain medications for seizures like phenobarbital, phenytoin, valproic acid
  • Chloroquine
  • Cyclophosphamide
  • Flutamide
  • Hydroxyurea
  • Ifosfamide
  • Metoclopramide
  • Nitroglycerin
  • Other local anesthetics like pramoxine, tetracaine
  • Primaquine
  • Quinine

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

Advertisement

What should I watch for while using this medication?

Be careful to avoid injury to the treated area while it is numb and you are not aware of the pain. Also, avoid drinking very hot or cold drinks while you are numb.

Do not touch this medication to the eye. It may cause irritation and injury.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medication?

Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:

  • Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
  • Headache, unusual weakness or fatigue, shortness of breath, nausea, vomiting, rapid heartbeat, blue skin or lips, which may be signs of methemoglobinemia
  • Heart rhythm changes—fast or irregular heartbeat, dizziness, feeling faint or lightheaded, chest pain, trouble breathing

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):

  • Irritation at application site

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Where should I keep my medication?

This medication is given in a hospital or clinic. It will not be stored at home.

NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.

Copyright ©2024 Elsevier Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Terms of use.

Note: Introduction and Additional Common Questions written and medically approved by Cleveland Clinic professionals.

Ad
Call Appointment Center 24/7 866.320.4573
Questions 216.444.2200