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Overview: Lidocaine for mucous membranes (such as the mouth and throat) is commonly used to prevent and relieve pain or to numb part of your body before a procedure. The most common side effects are temporary redness, swelling, or a burning sensation where it is applied. Serious side effects are rare, but include a serious blood disorder called methemoglobinemia.

Uses

What is lidocaine used for?

Lidocaine for mucous membranes is commonly used for the following conditions.

  • To numb the mouth and throat 
  • To prevent and reduce pain during procedures involving the urethra (the tube that carries pee out of the body)
  • To relieve pain from a swollen (inflamed) urethra 
  • To relieve pain from minor burns, small cuts, and insect bites of the skin
  • To numb and make it easier to place a tube for breathing (intubation)

Lidocaine may also be used for other conditions as determined by your healthcare provider.

How does lidocaine work (mechanism of action)?

Lidocaine works by temporarily blocking nerve signals that cause you to feel pain. 

How is lidocaine supplied (dosage forms)?

Brands and other names

  • Glydo
  • Lidocaine Viscous

Dosage forms and strengths

  • 2% topical jelly and liquid
  • 5% topical ointment

Other forms of lidocaine are available. See Lidocaine topical and Lidocaine transdermal for more information.

How should I store lidocaine?

Topical Jelly and Liquid. Lidocaine topical jelly and liquid should be stored at room temperature, between 68 F to 77 F (20 C to 25 C). It can be exposed to temperatures between 59 F to 86 F (15 C to 30 C) for shorter periods of time, such as when transporting it. Store in a cool, dry place.

Topical Ointment. Lidocaine topical ointment should be stored at room temperature, between 68 F to 77 F (20 C to 25 C). Store in a cool, dry place. Do not freeze.

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of lidocaine?

The most common side effects of lidocaine are temporary redness, swelling, or a burning sensation where it is applied. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.

There may be other side effects of lidocaine that are not listed here. Contact your healthcare provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088. In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.

What are the serious side effects of lidocaine?

While less common, the most serious side effects of lidocaine are described below, along with what to do if they happen.

Methemoglobinemia. Lidocaine can cause a serious blood disorder called methemoglobinemia. Hemoglobin is a protein that normally carries oxygen in your blood. Methemoglobinemia is when you have too much of a form of hemoglobin called methemoglobin. If you have methemoglobinemia, it is harder for your body to get oxygen to your tissues. Certain people, such as young children and those taking certain medicines, may be at higher risk of methemoglobinemia. Get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms.

  • Changes in the color of your skin, including pale, gray, or blue colored skin
  • Headache
  • Fast heartbeat
  • Shortness of breath
  • Feeling lightheaded
  • Tiredness or weakness

Severe Allergic Reactions. Lidocaine may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop using lidocaine and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.

  • Breathing problems or wheezing
  • Racing heart
  • Fever or general ill feeling
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
  • Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
  • Itching, skin rash, or pale red bumps on the skin called hives
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
  • Stomach cramps
  • Joint pain

Warnings & Precautions

Who should not use lidocaine?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not use lidocaine.

  • Glydo
  • Lidocaine Viscous
  • Lidocaine
  • Any other medicine known as an amide anesthetic 
  • Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed

Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in the specific lidocaine products they stock.

What should I know about lidocaine before using it?

Do not use lidocaine unless it has been prescribed to you by a healthcare provider. Use it as prescribed. 

Some forms of this medicine are often given at a hospital or clinic by a healthcare provider just before a procedure. If you are using this medicine at home, make sure you know how to properly use it. Ask your healthcare provider if you have any questions. 

Do not use lidocaine on large areas of your body or use it more often than instructed. This helps reduce your risk for serious side effects.

Do not share lidocaine with other people, even if they have the same condition as you. It may harm them.

If you are using the liquid form of this medicine in the mouth, use an accurate measuring device to measure your dose. A household spoon is not an accurate measuring device and may cause you to use the wrong dose. Ask your pharmacist to recommend an appropriate measuring device.

If this medicine is used in the mouth or throat, it can cause numbness and affect your ability to swallow. This may increase your risk for accidentally biting your tongue or choking on food. Do not eat or chew gum for one hour after using lidocaine in the mouth or throat or while these areas are numb. 

Keep lidocaine out of the reach of children. Fatal overdoses have occurred in children from too much lidocaine. 

What should I tell my healthcare provider before using lidocaine?

Tell your healthcare provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them determine if lidocaine is right for you.

In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.

Other Current and Past Health Conditions. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of the following.

Other Medicines and Supplements. Lidocaine may interact with other medicines and supplements. Before using lidocaine, tell your healthcare provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. See the Interactions section for more details.

Pregnancy. It is not known if or how lidocaine could affect pregnancy or harm an unborn baby. Tell your healthcare provider if you are or plan to become pregnant. Your healthcare provider will advise you if you should use lidocaine while you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant.

Breastfeeding. Lidocaine passes into breast milk. Tell your healthcare provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Your healthcare provider will advise you if you should use lidocaine while breastfeeding.

Interactions

Does lidocaine interact with foods or drinks?

There are no known interactions between lidocaine and foods or drinks. However, you should not eat or chew gum for one hour after using lidocaine in the mouth or throat or while these areas are numb. 

It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect lidocaine.

Does lidocaine interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?

In particular, make sure that you discuss if you are using any of the following before using lidocaine.

  • A nitrate, such as Isordil, Nitro-Dur, NitroMist, or Nitrostat, which is a medicine used to prevent chest pain caused by a type of heart disease
  • Any other local anesthetic, such as lidocaine, benzocaine, or prilocaine
  • A medicine used to treat cancer
  • A medicine used for bacterial infection
  • A medicine used to treat or prevent malaria 
  • A medicine used to manage seizures
  • Acetaminophen (Tylenol), which is a medicine used for pain or fever
  • Metoclopramide (Reglan and others), which is a medicine for certain stomach problems
  • Sulfasalazine (Azulfidine), which is a medicine used for certain inflammatory conditions, such as ulcerative colitis or rheumatoid arthritis
  • A medicine used for an irregular heart rhythm

This may not be a complete list of medicines that can interact with lidocaine. Always check with your healthcare provider.

Does interact with other drugs you are taking?

Enter your medication into the WebMD interaction checker

Overdose/Missed Dose

What should I do if I accidentally use too much lidocaine?

If you or someone else has used too much lidocaine, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.

What should I do if I miss a dose of lidocaine?

Lidocaine is meant to be used only when needed. If you are using it at home, use it as your healthcare provider recommends. Do not use double or extra doses.

Lidocaine is sometimes given by a healthcare provider in a hospital or clinic. Your healthcare provider will make sure you are receiving the medicine as scheduled.

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