Lidocaine helps with discomfort from sunburn, bug bites, poison ivy, poison oak, poison sumac, and minor cuts, scratches, or burns. Lidocaine topical is also used to alleviate rectal discomfort caused by hemorrhoids. Lidocaine intradermal device is utilized in venipuncture and peripheral intravenous cannulation. Since its discovery and marketing in the late 1940s, Lidocaine has become a regularly used drug. For instance, Lidocaine’s primary mode of action as a local anesthetic that numbs tissue feelings implies the substance is suitable for facilitating local anesthesia for various surgical operations. Lidocaine is a relatively inexpensive generic drug prescribed millions of times annually worldwide.
What are the Uses of Lidocaine?
Lidocaine jelly or ointment is used to numb or lose feeling during medical operations. It’s also used to cure sunburn or burns, insect bites or stings, poison ivy, poison oak, poison sumac, minor cuts, or scratches. Furthermore, Xylocaine® jelly is used to treat painful urethritis or inflammation of the urethra. It is also used to prevent and treat urethral discomfort. In addition, Xylocaine® jelly is applied to the nose, mouth, and throat to lubricate them before intubation.
Moreover, Lidocaine viscous topical solution treats sore mouth or throat and reduces choking during X-rays and dental impressions. A lidocaine skin patch treats nerve discomfort caused by herpes zoster or shingles; Lidocaine belongs to the family of local anesthetics. This medication prevents pain by inhibiting skin nerve signals. This drug does not cause unconsciousness as general anesthetics do during surgery.
A doctor can administer topical or injectable medication to numb a spot before a medical operation in a hospital or clinic. Dentists use this medication as a local anesthetic to make patients comfortable during procedures. It can help with wart removal, skin biopsies, and other painful treatments. Some doctors administer the drug to neuropathy patients to reduce nerve pain signals.
Lidocaine is used to treat arrhythmias. A doctor can assess the heartbeat problem, decide on the best drug, and draw up the exact dosage. For cardiac attacks and other heart abnormalities, patients should tell doctors about any adverse drug responses to choose the best treatment.
What is the Proper Use of Lidocaine?
- Follow the label or the doctor’s prescriptions. One should take note that misuse of Lidocaine topical can kill. Therefore, it is important to remember don’t use Lidocaine more than recommended. An overdose of numbing drugs might produce catastrophic adverse effects if too much is absorbed through the skin and blood. Overdose symptoms include irregular heartbeats, seizures, slow breathing, coma, or respiratory failure. Lidocaine administered to the skin is not likely to cause an overdose unless you apply more than the prescribed amount.
- Lidocaine topical forms vary; they may be packaged as gel, spray, cream, lotion, ointment, liquid, skin patch, etc. Wash hands promptly after usage unless treating hands. Since Topical medication is for the skin, one should avoid swallowing the product; in cases wherein it gets direct contact with the eyes, nose, mouth, rectum, or vagina; one should rinse thoroughly with water.
- Before using on the skin, clean and dry the area as indicated. Apply a thin layer of the medicine to the affected skin area 2 to 3 times a day or as advised. Follow all medication instructions; ask your doctor or pharmacist if you don’t understand.
- Use as few drugs as possible to numb skin or relieve discomfort. If you use too much, apply it overbroad skin areas, or use heat, bandages, or plastic wrap, your body may absorb too much. Cut or irritated skin may absorb more topical medicine.
- Do not apply to swollen or punctured skin. Please do not use it on raw or blistered skin, such as burning or abrasion.
- Unless instructed, do not cover treated skin. Please do not use it on large portions of the body or cover it with plastic. These may enhance side effects.
- Apply Lidocaine topical with your fingers or a cotton swab. If using a spray, shake the canister well before using it. Spray 3-5 inches (8-13 cm) from the afflicted area. If the affected region is the face, spray the medicine on your palm and apply it. Spray away from eyes, nose, and mouth. If using foam, shake the container well.
- A healthcare provider applies intradermal Lidocaine. Avoid accidentally irritating numb skin areas. Avoid contact with excessively hot or cold surfaces.
- Keep dry and cool. When using a lidocaine patch, avoid touching the sticky side.
- Children and dogs shouldn’t get access to used or unused lidocaine skin patches. A child or cat who mistakenly sucks on or swallows a skin patch could be harmed. If this happens, bring the child to the hospital.
What are the Side Effects of Lidocaine?
Before using Lidocaine, tell your doctor, dentist, or pharmacist if you’re allergic to it or other anesthetics. This product may cause allergic reactions or other problems due to the inactive substances it contains. Your pharmacist can help. Too much or sensitive use of this medicine may induce dizziness, drowsiness, or vision issues. Tell your doctor or dentist about all your medications before surgery, including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products.
All drugs have their side effects; you may feel a stinging or a burning sensation for this particular drug. Tell your doctor or pharmacist if any of these symptoms persist or worsen.
Remember that your doctor ordered this drug because they believe the benefits outweigh the risks. Serious side effects are rare in those who use this drug. However, if you take too much of this medication or are very sensitive to its effects, it can have hazardous side effects. Dizziness, drowsiness, slow/shallow breathing, mental/mood changes such as confusion, nervousness, shaking, seizures, double/ blurry vision, ringing in the ears, and fainting are all severe side effects of this medication. You should stop taking it immediately and seek medical attention if you experience any of them.
This medicine has a shallow risk of causing a severe allergic reaction. Suppose you suffer any following symptoms, particularly itching or swelling of the face, tongue, or throat, intense dizziness, or difficulty breathing, do not hesitate to consult your physician as soon as possible if you are experiencing an allergic response. This medicine may be more harmful to children. During pregnancy, only use if needed. Doctors should discuss risks and benefits. This drug flows into breast milk but won’t damage a nursing baby. Before breastfeeding, see your doctor. A complete list of probable adverse effects is not included in this article. Not all side effects are listed here, so ask your doctor or pharmacist if you’re experiencing anything else.