Key facts about Lidocaine
What dosages is Lidocaine available in?
Lidocaine is available as a topical cream that contains Lidocaine 2.5% and prilocaine 2.5%.
What is Lidocaine used for?
Lidocaine is a local anesthetic and is used to treat pain on unbroken skin, pretreatment for local infiltration anesthesia (when a medication is injected in an area of your body to take away feeling, usually before surgery) of inner lining of genitals, and pain from minor surgery on inner lining of genitals.
How does Lidocaine work?
Lidocaine is a combination of two local anesthetics, Lidocaine and prilocaine. Both medications are absorbed through your skin, where they work on your nerves to lower how much pain you feel. By applying Lidocaine/prilocaine onto an area of your skin, it causes a loss of feeling where you apply it.
How do I take Lidocaine?
Lidocaine is typically applied to the affected area(s) and left on for a period of time depending on the condition being treated.
Is it safe for me to take Lidocaine?
Lidocaine is a safe and effective treatment when used for FDA licensed indications. However, like all medications, they may give you unwanted side effects. You should always discuss potential side effects with your physician to ensure the medication is suitable and right for you. You should not use this medication if you have a known history of sensitivity to local anesthetics of the amide type or to any other component of the product.
Lidocaine Common Side Effects
Common side effects of Lidocaine include:
- Paleness
- Skin redness
- Burning sensation
- Swelling
- Change in temperature sensations
- Itching
- Rash
Lidocaine Serious Side Effects
Serious side effects are rare with Lidocaine. Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.
- Allergic reaction: trouble breathing, swelling, low blood pressure, rash
- Methemoglobinemia: blue or gray skin color, seizures, coma, changes in heart rate or rhythm
Effects of other drugs, drug classes and over-the-counter products on Lidocaine
- Lidocaine should be used with caution in patients receiving Class I antiarrhythmic drugs (such as tocainide and mexiletine) since the toxic effects are additive and potentially synergistic
Who makes Lidocaine?
Various FDA-approved generic manufacturers
Is Lidocaine safe in pregnancy?
It is not known if Lidocaine will harm your unborn baby. You should talk to your healthcare provider before using this medication if you are pregnant.
