Lidocaine (Ophthalmic)

Lidocaine is part of a group of medicines known as local anesthetics. It is used in the eye to create numbness or loss of feeling before certain procedures. It works by blocking signals at the nerve endings in the eye.

This medicine is available only with your doctor's prescription.

After lidocaine is applied to the eye, do not rub or wipe the eye until the feeling in the eye returns. Doing so may cause injury or damage to the eye.

In deciding to use a medicine, you and your doctor need to consider the risks and benefits. Here are some important points to think about:

Allergies

Inform your doctor if you have ever had an unusual or allergic reaction 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 non-prescription products, carefully read the label or package ingredients.

Pediatric

Studies on the effects of lidocaine ophthalmic gel in children have not been conducted. Its safety and effectiveness have not been established for this age group.

Geriatric

Current studies have not shown any specific problems in older adults that would limit the use of lidocaine ophthalmic gel.

Interactions with Medicines

Some medicines should not be used together, while others may be used together despite possible interactions. In certain cases, your doctor may 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 and may not include all possible interactions.

Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is not recommended. Your doctor may decide not to treat you with this medication or adjust other medicines you take.

• Dihydroergotamine
• Dronedarone
• Saquinavir
• Vernakalant

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

• Amifampridine
• Amiodarone
• Amprenavir
• Arbutamine
• Bupivacaine Liposome
• Bupropion
• Cobicistat
• Darunavir
• Dasabuvir
• Delavirdine
• Disopyramide
• Donepezil
• Encainide
• Etravirine
• Flecainide
• Fosamprenavir
• Fosphenytoin
• Hyaluronidase
• Lopinavir
• Metoprolol
• Mexiletine
• Moricizine
• Nadolol
• Phenytoin
• Procainamide
• Propafenone
• Quinidine
• Sotalol
• Succinylcholine
• Telaprevir
• Tocainide

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

• Cimetidine

Interactions with Food/Tobacco/Alcohol

Some medicines should not be taken at the same time as food or certain foods due to possible interactions. Using alcohol or tobacco with certain medicines may also lead to interactions. Discuss with your healthcare professional about using your medicine with food, alcohol, or tobacco.

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

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

More common

• Blurred vision or other changes in vision
• burning feeling at site of application
• redness of the white part of eyes or inside of eyelids

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:

More common

• Headache

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.

• Akten

Available Dosage Forms:

• Gel/Jelly

Therapeutic Class: Anesthetic, Local

Chemical Class: Amino Amide

A nurse or other trained health professional will give you this medicine. This medicine is given by applying the correct number of drops to the surface of your eye in the area of the planned procedure. For most procedures, two drops will be all that is needed. However, for some other procedures, several applications of the medicine may be needed.