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Lidocaine Gel

What is this medication?

LIDOCAINE (LYE doe kane) treats pain. It numbs the area where it is applied, which blocks your nerves from sending pain signals to your brain. It belongs to a group of medications called local anesthetics.

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

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): 7T Lido, ALOCANE, Anestacon, Astero, DermacinRx Bruselix, DermacinRx Lidogel, DermacinRx Lidorex, DermacinRx Lidotral, Globe Burn Gel, Glydo, Jelcaine, LidoRx, Lubricaine, Lubricaine For Her, Proxivol, Regenecare HA, SUN BURNT PLUS, Topicaine, Tranzarel, Trilogel, Xylocaine, Xylocaine Topical Jelly

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
  • Skin conditions or sensitivity
  • An unusual or allergic reaction to lidocaine, other medications, foods, dyes, or preservatives
  • Pregnant or trying to get pregnant
  • Breast-feeding

How should I use this medication?

Apply this medication to the affected area. Use your fingertips or cotton swabs. Wash your hands before and after use. Use it as directed on the prescription label. Do not use it more often than directed.

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.

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What if I miss a dose?

This does not apply. This medication is not for regular use.

What may interact with this medication?

  • Acetaminophen
  • Certain antibiotics, such as dapsone, nitrofurantoin, aminosalicylic acid, sulfasalazine
  • Certain medications for seizures, such as phenobarbital, phenytoin, valproic acid
  • Chloroquine
  • Cyclophosphamide
  • Dofetilide
  • Flutamide
  • Hydroxyurea
  • Ifosfamide
  • Local anesthetics, such as lidocaine, pramoxine, tetracaine
  • MAOIs, such as Carbex, Eldepryl, Marplan, Nardil, and Parnate
  • Metoclopramide
  • Moricizine
  • Nitroglycerin
  • Primaquine
  • Saquinavir
  • 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.

What should I watch for while using this medication?

Visit your care team for regular checks on your progress. Tell your care team if your symptoms do not start to get better or if they get worse.

Be careful to avoid injury while the area is numb, and you are not aware of pain.

If this medication is used in the mouth or throat, do not chew gum or eat food for at least one hour. If the area is still numb, you may choke or bite your tongue or cheek if you try to chew or swallow. Also, you may not feel pain from hot foods or drinks.

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):

  • Mild skin irritation, redness, or dryness

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?

Keep out of the reach of children and pets.

Store at room temperature between 20 and 25 degrees C (68 and 77 degrees F). Get rid of any unused medication after the expiration date.

To get rid of medications that are no longer needed or have expired:

  • Take the medication to a medication take-back program. Check with your pharmacy or law enforcement to find a location.
  • If you cannot return the medication, ask your pharmacist or care team how to get rid of this medication safely.

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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.

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

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