Lidocaine topical

Lidocaine topical is a local anesthetic (numbing medication). There are many brands and forms of lidocaine topical available. Not all brands are included in this leaflet.

Lidocaine topical (for use on the skin) is used to give temporary relief from muscle or joint pain or discomfort.

Lidocaine topical can be used to prevent or relieve pain during certain medical procedures, such as drawing blood, placing a breathing tube, inserting a urinary catheter, or putting a small tube into a vein to give fluids or medications.

Lidocaine topical may also be used for purposes not mentioned in this medication guide.

An overdose of numbing medicine can lead to serious side effects that can be life-threatening if too much of the medicine is absorbed through your skin.

Use the smallest amount of lidocaine topical as needed. Do not use large amounts of lidocaine topical, or cover treated skin areas with a bandage or plastic wrap without medical advice.

You should not use lidocaine topical if you are allergic to any type of numbing medicine.

Fatal overdoses have happened when numbing medicines were used without advice from a medical doctor (for example, during cosmetic procedures like laser hair removal). Be aware that many cosmetic procedures are done without a medical doctor present.

Do not use certain lidocaine topical cream brand forms if you have tuberculosis, a fungal skin infection, herpes simplex, chickenpox, or to treat teething pain in infants and young children.

Tell your doctor if you have or have ever had:

• a genetic enzyme deficiency called glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency;
• pseudocholinesterase deficiency (a genetic disorder);
• sepsis (a severe reaction to an infection);
• severe sunburn, rash, or another skin condition;
• a bleeding disorder, or low levels of platelets in your blood;
• blood circulation problems;
• heart or lung problems; or
• liver disease.

You may develop methemoglobinemia, a rare blood disorder that prevents tissues from getting enough oxygen. Ask your doctor about your risk.

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

If you breastfeed, avoid applying this medicine to your nipple area.

Do not apply this medicine to a child without medical advice. Some brand forms of lidocaine topical are not approved for use by anyone younger than 12 years old.

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives, difficulty breathing, swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Lidocaine topical may cause serious side effects. Call your doctor right away if you have:

• vomiting, fever, chills, sore throat, body aches, unusual tiredness, loss of appetite, bruising or bleeding;
• sudden dizziness or drowsiness after the medicine is applied;
• severe burning, pain, swelling, itching, irritation, blistering, or other skin injury where the medicine was applied;
• severe or worsening numbness, hot or cold feeling;
• anxiety, tremors, feeling nervous, restless, or excited;
• confusion, problems with vision, ringing in your ears; or
• pale, gray, or blue colored skin, headache, rapid heart rate, or shortness of breath.

Common side effects of lidocaine topical may include:

• mild irritation or skin changes where the medication is applied; or
• numbness in areas where the medicine is accidentally applied.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Use the medicine exactly as directed. Do not apply lidocaine topical in larger amounts or for longer than recommended.

Your dose needs may change if you switch to a different brand, strength, or form of this medicine. Avoid medication errors by using exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor.

If used for a medical procedure follow your doctor's instructions. Certain formulations are applied only by a healthcare provider.

Read and carefully follow any Instructions for Use provided with your medicine. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you do not understand these instructions.

Use the smallest amount of medicine needed to numb the skin or relieve pain. Your body may absorb too much of this medicine if you use too much or if you apply it over large skin areas.

Do not bandage treated skin or expose it to heat.

Do not apply this medicine to swollen skin areas or deep puncture wounds. Avoid using the medicine on skin that is raw or blistered, such as a severe burn or abrasion.

If you are using this medicine for temporary pain relief, call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve after 7 days, if it gets worse, or if it clears up and then comes back in a few days.

Lidocaine topical spray is flammable. Do not use near high heat or open flame. Do not smoke until the spray has completely dried on your skin.

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

Lidocaine topical is used as needed. If you miss a dose while on a dosing schedule, skip it. Do not use two doses at the same time.

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222 if anyone has accidentally swallowed the medicine.

An overdose of numbing medicine can lead to severe side effects if too much is absorbed through your skin and into your blood. Symptoms of an overdose may include uneven heartbeats, seizures, slow breathing, coma, or respiratory failure (breathing stops).

Lidocaine topical applied to the skin is not likely to cause an overdose unless you apply more than the recommended dose.

Do not get lidocaine topical in your eyes. If contact occurs, rinse with water.

Avoid using other medications on the areas treated with lidocaine topical unless your doctor instructs you to.

Lidocaine topical can lead to methemoglobinemia. Your risk might be greater if you also take certain other medicines like local anesthetics or medications for infections, inflammatory conditions, seizures, heart issues, high blood pressure, cancer, or malaria.

Other drugs can also influence lidocaine topical, including both prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Inform your doctor about all other medicines you are using.