Lidocaine topical (Aspercreme, Xylocaine): Uses, Side Effects, Interactions, Pictures, Warnings & Dosing

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Overview: Topical lidocaine is primarily used to relieve pain or itching from irritated skin or hemorrhoids. It works by temporarily blocking nerve signals that cause you to feel pain. The most common side effects are temporary redness, swelling, or a burning sensation where it is applied. There are several forms of topical lidocaine available, including a cream, liquid, spray, and gel.

Uses

What is topical lidocaine used for?

Topical lidocaine is commonly used for the following conditions.

Short-term relief of minor pain, burns, and itching of the skin, including bug bites and sunburns
Relief of pain, itching, and burning from hemorrhoids or other skin problems in the rectal area

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

How does topical lidocaine work (mechanism of action)?

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

How is topical lidocaine supplied (dosage forms)?

Brands and other names

Aspercreme
Xylocaine

Dosage forms and strengths

0.5% topical gel
3% topical liquid
4% topical cream, gel, liquid, and spray
5% topical cream

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

How should I store topical lidocaine?

Topical lidocaine should be stored at room temperature. Check the product label for any other specific storage information. Some products may be flammable and should not be used near excessive or direct heat or open flames. Some products may need to be protected from sunlight. Ask your pharmacist if you have any questions about how to store your topical lidocaine product.

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of topical lidocaine?

The most common side effects of topical 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 topical 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 topical lidocaine?

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

Severe Allergic Reactions. Topical lidocaine may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop using topical 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 topical lidocaine?

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

Aspercreme
Xylocaine
Lidocaine
Any of the ingredients in the specific product you are using

Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in the specific topical lidocaine product you are using.

What should I know about topical lidocaine before using it?

Keep topical lidocaine out of the reach of children.

Do not apply topical lidocaine on a large area of your body. This increases your risk for serious side effects.

Topical lidocaine should only be used on unbroken skin. Do not apply to skin that is raw, irritated, scraped, broken, or damaged in any way.

Do not allow topical lidocaine to come in contact with your eyes. If the medicine gets in your eye, wash your eye with water right away.

Do not wrap a bandage tightly. Do not apply heat to the area where you applied the medicine, such as with a heating pad or electric blanket. Heat may increase lidocaine levels in your body and increase your risk of side effects.

Do not use topical lidocaine inside your rectum. It is only intended for use on the outside of your body.

Do not use the topical lidocaine spray on your face or inhale it.

Wash your hands well after using topical lidocaine.

If your symptoms worsen or do not get better within seven days, or if you have rectal bleeding, contact your healthcare provider right away.

What should I tell my healthcare provider before using topical 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 topical lidocaine is right for you.

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

Pregnancy. It is not known if or how topical lidocaine could affect pregnancy or harm an unborn baby. Tell your healthcare provider if you are or plan to become pregnant.

Breastfeeding. It is not known if topical lidocaine passes into breast milk. Tell your healthcare provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed.

Interactions

Does topical lidocaine interact with foods or drinks?

There are no known interactions between topical lidocaine and foods or drinks.

It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect topical lidocaine.

Does topical lidocaine interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?

There are no known interactions between topical lidocaine and other medicines. Always tell your healthcare provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.

This may not be a complete list of medicines that can interact with topical 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 topical lidocaine?

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