What is Lidocaine?

Lidocaine, also known as lignocaine, is an amino amide-type local anesthetic widely used for its numbing effects. It treats various conditions, including ventricular tachycardia, and provides local anesthesia or nerve blocks. When applied, lidocaine typically starts working within minutes and can last from 30 minutes to three hours.

Lidocaine is available in multiple topical forms, including gels, creams, liquids, sprays, eye drops, and patches.


Uses of Lidocaine

  • Relieving Itching and Pain from Skin Conditions:
    • Scrapes
    • Minor burns
    • Eczema
    • Insect bites
  • Treatment of Hemorrhoids and Anal/Genital Problems:
    • Itching around the vagina/rectum
  • Alleviating Discomfort from Medical Procedures:
    • Used as anesthesia for procedures such as sigmoidoscopy and cystoscopy
  • Treatment of Ventricular Tachycardia:
    • Used as an anesthesia in the treatment of this heart condition

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Side Effects of Lidocaine

Common Side Effects:

  • Diarrhea
  • Stomach pain
  • Discomfort
  • Swelling
  • Nausea
  • Irritation
  • Vomiting
  • Loss of appetite
  • Itching

Serious Side Effects:

Consult your doctor if you experience any serious health problems.


Precautions

  • Allergies: Inform your doctor if you are allergic to lidocaine or similar drugs.
  • Medical Conditions: Discuss any medical history, such as low blood count, liver, intestinal, or kidney problems.
  • MRI: Inform testing personnel if you are scheduled for an MRI, as some brands may contain metals causing burns during the procedure.
  • Children: Use with caution in children due to increased sensitivity to side effects.
  • Pregnancy: Avoid use during pregnancy; discuss risks with your doctor.
  • Breastfeeding: The medication passes through breast milk but is unlikely to harm nursing infants. Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.

How to Use Lidocaine

  • Read Instructions: Follow all directions on the product package or as prescribed by a doctor.
  • Clean and Dry Area: Before applying, ensure the affected area is clean and dry.
  • Application: Apply a thin layer two to three times daily, or as directed.
    • Spray: Shake the canister, hold it 3-5 inches away, and spray until wet. Avoid eyes, nose, and mouth.
    • Foam: Shake thoroughly and apply to the affected area with a hand.
  • Avoid Large areas, waterproof bandages, plastic coverings, or heat application unless directed by a doctor.
  • Wash Hands: Immediately after use unless treating hands. Rinse with clean water if the product contacts the eyes, nose, or ears.
  • Infections: Do not use on infected areas or sores without consulting a doctor.

Interactions

  • Drug Interactions: Maintain a list of all products you use, including prescription and nonprescription drugs, and share it with your doctor and pharmacist.
  • Consultation: Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medications without consulting your doctor.

Missed Dose

  • Action: Take as soon as remember. If it is near the time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your regular schedule.
  • Avoid: Do not double the dose to catch up.

Overdose

  • Accidental Overdose: Can cause harmful effects. If overdosed, contact medical professionals immediately.

Storage Instructions

  • Avoid Exposure: Keep away from heat, air, and light.
  • Safe Place: Store in a safe place, out of reach of children.

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Lidocaine vs. Bupivacaine

Lidocaine

Bupivacaine

Known as lignocaine, an amino amide-type local anesthetic.

A prescription medication marketed under brand names like Marcaine and Sensorcaine.

Used to relieve itching and pain from skin conditions, hemorrhoids, and genital problems.

Used for reducing sensation in a specific area by injecting around a nerve or into the epidural space.

Functions by preventing nerves from sending pain signals to the brain, causing temporary numbness.

Works by blocking nerve impulses that send pain signals to the brain.


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Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is Lidocaine used for?

Lidocaine is a local anaesthetic that is used to numb an area of your body in order to reduce pain or discomfort caused by invasive medical procedures such as surgery, needle punctures, or catheter or breathing tube insertion.

2. What does lidocaine do for pain?

Lidocaine relieves burning and aching pain as well as irritation caused by overly sensitive skin areas. Lidocaine is a type of drug known as a local anaesthetic. It works by causing a temporary loss of sensation in the area where the patch is applied.

3. Is lidocaine anti-inflammatory?

According to the reviewed literature, lidocaine has anti-inflammatory properties.

4. Can lidocaine make you sleepy?

Drowsiness after lidocaine administration is usually an early sign of a high blood level of the drug and may occur as a result of rapid absorption.

5. How long does it take lidocaine to work?

Lidocaine skin cream works quickly, taking effect in 30 to 60 minutes. Use the cream only on healthy skin. It should not be applied to cuts or grazes. Itching and tingling are the most common side effects.

6. Does lidocaine help nerve pain?

Yes, it is a local anaesthetic that is also sometimes used for treating neuropathic pain on the skin.

7. Does lidocaine really work?

Lidocaine, a local anaesthetic, works by temporarily numbing the skin. Topical lidocaine is generally safe when used sparingly and as directed. Misuse, overuse, or overdose can result in serious consequences, including death.

8. Is lidocaine good for back pain?

If you have nerve-related chronic back pain, your doctor may prescribe Lidoderm patches in addition to other medications (such as an anticonvulsant or antidepressant) to help you manage your pain and improve your daily function.


Disclaimer: The information provided herein is accurate, updated and complete as per the best practices of the Company. Please note that this information should not be treated as a replacement for physical medical consultation or advice. We do not guarantee the accuracy and the completeness of the information so provided. The absence of any information and/or warning to any drug shall not be considered and assumed as an implied assurance of the Company. We do not take any responsibility for the consequences arising out of the aforementioned information and strongly recommend you for a physical consultation in case of any queries or doubts.

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