Lidocaine 2% and 5% gel
What is this medicine?
LIDOCAINE is an anesthetic. It causes loss of feeling in the skin and surrounding tissues. It is used to prevent and to treat pain from some procedures, to reduce inflammation, itching, and burning.
What should my health care professional know before I take this medicine?
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
- infected, open or damaged skin
- an unusual or allergic reaction to lidocaine, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
- pregnant or trying to get pregnant
- breast-feeding
How should I use this medicine?
This medicine is applied to the skin or mucous membranes using finger tips or cotton swabs. It may be applied by a health care professional before a procedure to numb the area. It may also be applied to hemorrhoids for relief of pain. Do not use more often than directed.
Contact your pediatrician or health care professional regarding the use of this medication in children. While this drug may be prescribed for selected conditions, precautions do apply.
Overdosage: If you think you have applied 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 it with others.
What may interact with this medicine?
- medicines to control heart rhythm
Do not use any other skin products on the affected area without asking your doctor or health care professional.
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 taking this medicine?
Be careful to avoid injury while the area is numb and you are not aware of pain. If this medicine 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.
Do not apply this medicine to areas of skin that are infected, open, or damaged. This may increase the amount of medicine that passes through your skin and increase the risk of serious side effects.
What side effects may I notice from this medicine?
Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:
- allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue
- breathing problems
- chest pain, continued irregular heartbeats
- headache
- seizures
- trembling, shaking
- unusually weak or tired
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
This list may not describe all possible side effects.
Where can I keep my medicine?
Keep out of reach of children.
Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Do not freeze. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.
