What is Lidocaine?
Lidocaine, also known as lignocaine, is an amino amide-type local anaesthetic used to treat ventricular tachycardia. When used for local anesthesia or nerve blocks, lidocaine usually starts working within a few minutes and lasts between 30 minutes and three hours.
- Lidocaine is a topical anesthetic available in 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 such as sigmoidoscopy and cystoscopy
It is used as anesthesia in the treatment of ventricular tachycardia.
Secure your health with a second opinion. Make informed decisions and book your appointment today!
Get A Second OpinionWhat Are The Side Effects of Lidocaine?
Some of the common side effects are:
- Diarrhea
- Stomach pain
- Discomfort
- Swelling
- Nausea
- Irritation
- Vomiting
- Loss of appetite
- Itching
Some of the serious side effects are:
- Seizures
- Rash
- Hives
- Shortness of breath
- Difficulty while breathing
- Swallowing
- Fever
- Chills
Inform your doctor if you are having any serious health problems.
Precautions To Follow
Here's a concise version of the precautions for using this medication:
- Consult your doctor if you're allergic to this medication or related drugs, or if you have any medical conditions like low blood count, liver, intestinal, or kidney problems.
- If scheduled for an MRI, inform testing personnel, as some brands may contain metals causing burns during MRI.
- Use caution when giving this drug to children due to increased sensitivity to side effects.
- Avoid use during pregnancy; discuss risks with your doctor.
- This medication passes through breast milk but is unlikely to harm nursing infants. Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.
How to Use?
- Read and follow all directions on the product package if self-treating. If prescribed by a doctor, use as directed.
- Clean and dry the affected area before applying.
- Apply a thin layer of medication two to three times daily, or as directed.
- For spray: Shake the canister, hold it 3-5 inches away from the affected area, and spray until wet. Do not spray in the eyes, nose, or mouth.
- For foam: Shake thoroughly and apply to the affected area with hand.
- Avoid using it on large areas, covering it with waterproof bandages or plastic, or applying heat unless directed by a doctor.
- Wash hands immediately after use unless treating hands. Avoid getting the product in eyes, nose, or ears. Rinse with clean water if it happens.
- Do not use if there is an infection or sore in the area without consulting a doctor.
Interactions
- Drug interactions can change the way your medicines work or put you at risk for adverse side effects.
- Maintain a list of all the products you use (including prescription and nonprescription drugs, as well as herbal supplements) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist.
- Do not start on your own, stopping it suddenly, or change the dosage of any medications without first consulting your doctor.
Missed Dose
- If you forget to take one dose, take it as soon as you remember, skip the missed dose and proceed with your daily schedule.
- To cope up with a missed dose, do not take a double dose.
Overdose
- Overdose of a drug can be accidental. If you have taken more than the prescribed tablets there is a chance of getting harmful effects on your body’s functions.
Storage Instructions
- Direct contact with heat, air, and light may damage your medicines.
- Exposure to medicine may cause some harmful effects.
- The medicine must be kept in a safe place and out of children’s reach.
Lidocaine vs Bupivacaine
| Lidocaine | Bupivacaine |
|---|---|
| Lidocaine, also known as lignocaine, is an amino amide-type local anesthetic. | Bupivacaine is a prescription medication that is used to provide a local anaesthetic (numbing medicine). Bupivacaine is marketed under several brand names, including Marcaine and Sensorcaine |
| This medication is applied to the skin to relieve itching and pain caused by certain skin conditions as well as to treat minor discomfort and itching caused by hemorrhoids and other genital problems | It is used to reduce sensation in a specific area. In nerve blocks, it is injected around a nerve that supplies the area or into the epidural space of the spinal canal. |
| They function by preventing nerves from sending pain signals to the brain. As a result, they cause temporary numbness in the area where they are applied (a "local" anesthetic). | Bupivacaine works by blocking nerve impulses that send pain signals to the brain |
Citations
Search life-sciences literature ( articles, preprints and more) Tumescent Anesthesia with a Lidocaine Dose of 55 mg/kg Is Safe for LiposuctionReady to take control of your health journey? Book your appointment now and start your path towards wellness today!
Book an AppointmentFrequently Asked Questions
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.
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.
According to the reviewed literature, lidocaine has anti-inflammatory properties.
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.
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.
Yes, it is a local anaesthetic that is also sometimes used for treating neuropathic pain on the skin.
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.
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.
