Lidocaine (Intradermal)

Lidocaine injection is used to numb the skin before certain painful procedures like drawing blood or inserting an intravenous line.

Lidocaine is part of a group of medicines known as local anesthetics. It prevents pain by blocking signals at the nerve endings in the skin. Unlike general anesthetics used for surgery, this medicine does not cause loss of consciousness.

This medicine is to be given only by or under the direct supervision of your doctor.

It is very important that your doctor check you or your child's progress closely to ensure this medicine is working properly. Blood tests may be needed to look for any problems or unwanted effects that may be caused by this medicine.

This medicine may cause a rare but serious blood problem called methemoglobinemia. The risk may be higher in children younger than 6 months of age, elderly patients, or patients with certain inborn defects. It is more likely to happen in patients receiving too much of the medicine, but can also occur with small amounts. Check with your doctor right away if you or your child has the following symptoms after receiving this medicine: pale, gray, or blue-colored skin, lips, or nails, confusion, headache, lightheadedness, fast heartbeat, or unusual tiredness or weakness.

Do not let your child get any of the medicine in the mouth. This medicine can cause serious side effects, especially in children, if any of it gets into the mouth and is swallowed.

Do not take other medicines unless they have been discussed with your doctor. This includes prescription or nonprescription (over-the-counter [OTC]) medicines and herbal or vitamin supplements.

In deciding to use a medicine, you and your doctor need to consider the risks and benefits. For this medicine, please take note of the following:

Allergies

Inform your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reactions to this medicine or any other medicines. Also, let your healthcare professional know if you have any other allergies, such as to foods, dyes, preservatives, or animals. For over-the-counter products, read the label or package ingredients carefully.

Pediatric

Studies have not been conducted to determine how lidocaine injection affects children younger than 3 years old. Its safety and effectiveness are not established for this age group.

Geriatric

Current studies have not found any specific problems in elderly patients that would limit the use of lidocaine injection.

Breast Feeding

Research suggests that this medication has a minimal risk for infants when used during breastfeeding.

Interactions with Medicines

Some medicines should not be used together at all, while others may be used together with caution. Your doctor may need to adjust the dose or take other precautions. It is very important for your healthcare professional to know if you are taking any of the medicines listed below. The following interactions are significant but may not be all-inclusive.

Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is not recommended. Your doctor may choose to avoid treating you with this medication or adjust your other medications.

• Dihydroergotamine
• Dronedarone
• Saquinavir
• Vernakalant

Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is usually not recommended, but may be necessary in some cases. If both medicines are prescribed, your doctor may change the dose or frequency of one or both.

• Amifampridine
• Amiodarone
• Amprenavir
• Arbutamine
• Atazanavir
• Bupivacaine
• Bupivacaine Liposome
• Bupropion
• Cobicistat
• Darunavir
• Dasabuvir
• Delavirdine
• Disopyramide
• Donepezil
• Encainide
• Etravirine
• Flecainide
• Fosamprenavir
• Fosphenytoin
• Fospropofol
• Hyaluronidase
• Lacosamide
• Lopinavir
• Metoprolol
• Mexiletine
• Moricizine
• Nadolol
• Ombitasvir
• Paritaprevir
• Phenytoin
• Procainamide
• Propafenone
• Propofol
• Quinidine
• Sotalol
• St John's Wort
• Succinylcholine
• Telaprevir
• Tocainide

Using this medicine with any of the following medicines may increase the risk of certain side effects, but it may still be the best treatment for you. If both are prescribed, your doctor may adjust the dose or frequency of one or both.

• Cimetidine
• Penbutolol

Interactions with Food/Tobacco/Alcohol

Some medicines should not be taken around the time of eating certain foods due to possible interactions. Using alcohol or tobacco with some medicines may also cause interactions. Discuss with your healthcare professional how to use your medicine with food, alcohol, or tobacco.

Other Medical Problems

Other medical issues may influence the use of this medicine. Be sure to inform your doctor if you have any other medical conditions, especially:

• Bleeding problems or
• Blood clotting problems—Use with caution. May raise the risk of bleeding at the injection site.

• Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency or
• Heart problems or
• Lung or breathing problems or
• Methemoglobinemia (blood disorder), hereditary or unknown cause—Use with caution. May increase the risk of methemoglobinemia.

• Severe liver disease or
• Pseudocholinesterase deficiency (a genetic condition)—Use with caution. The effects may be heightened due to slower elimination of the medicine from the body.

Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do, they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor or nurse immediately if any of the following side effects occur:

More common

• Flushing or redness of the skin
• Itching skin
• Small red or purple spots on the skin
• Unusually warm skin

Less common

• Bruising, bleeding, burning, swelling, or pain at the application site

Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

Less common

• Nausea
• Vomiting

Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

In the U.S.

• Zingo

Available Dosage Forms:

• Powder

Therapeutic Class: Anesthetic, Local

Chemical Class: Amino Amide

A nurse or other trained health professional will give you this medicine in a medical facility. This medicine is given by placing a special round device on your skin. The device pushes the medicine into the skin, and does not use a needle to do this. You or your child will hear a popping sound when the medicine is given.

This medicine is for use on the skin only. It will not be used on skin areas that have cuts or scrapes. Do not get it into your eyes, nose, or mouth. If it does get on these areas, rinse it off right away.