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Overview: Lidocaine/hydrocortisone is used to relieve pain or itching from hemorrhoids and other issues affecting the anus. It works by temporarily blocking nerve signals that cause you to feel pain and reduces itching and inflammation. The most common side effects are temporary redness or lightening of the skin and a burning or stinging sensation where it is applied.

Uses

What is lidocaine/hydrocortisone used for?

Lidocaine/hydrocortisone is commonly used to help reduce pain, itching, irritation, or discomfort caused by hemorrhoids, anal fissures, or other issues affecting the anus. 

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

Note: The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not found this medicine to be safe and effective, and the label is not approved by the FDA. Learn more about unapproved drugs here.

How does lidocaine/hydrocortisone work (mechanism of action)?

Lidocaine/hydrocortisone works by blocking nerve signals that cause you to feel pain and reduces inflammation and itching.

How is lidocaine/hydrocortisone supplied (dosage forms)?

Brands and other names

  • Ana-Lex
  • Anamantle HC
  • Lidocort

Example dosage forms and strengths

  • 2%/2%, 3%/0.5%, 3%/1% rectal cream
  • 3%/2.5% rectal gel

How should I store lidocaine/hydrocortisone?

Lidocaine/hydrocortisone 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. Do not freeze. 

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of lidocaine/hydrocortisone?

The most common side effects of lidocaine/hydrocortisone are listed below. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.

  • Stinging or burning feeling
  • Temporary redness or lightening of skin

There may be other side effects of lidocaine/hydrocortisone 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/hydrocortisone?

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

Severe Allergic Reactions. Lidocaine/hydrocortisone may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop using lidocaine/hydrocortisone 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/hydrocortisone?

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

  • Lidocort
  • Lidocaine/hydrocortisone
  • Lidocaine
  • Hydrocortisone
  • 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/hydrocortisone products they stock.

Certain Skin Infections. Lidocaine/hydrocortisone should not be used by people with certain skin infections caused by tuberculosis, fungi, chickenpox, or herpes.

What should I know about lidocaine/hydrocortisone before using it?

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

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

Lidocaine/hydrocortisone is most commonly applied in and around the anus. It should not be applied to large areas of the body or used more often than prescribed. Use the smallest amount necessary to cover the affected area. This will help reduce your risk of serious side effects.

Do not use lidocaine/hydrocortisone on your eyes or in your nose, mouth, or ears. If the medicine gets in your eye, wash your eye with water or saline right away and protect the eye until the numbing effect has worn off.

Wash your hands after using lidocaine/hydrocortisone.

If the area where you apply lidocaine/hydrocortisone becomes persistently or severely irritated or sensitive, stop using the medicine and contact your healthcare provider. Signs of irritation or sensitivity may include redness, itching, or a burning sensation that does not go away. 

If you notice signs of an infection, such as increased pain, swelling, pus, or warmth where you apply lidocaine/hydrocortisone, stop using it and contact your healthcare provider.

Keep lidocaine/hydrocortisone out of the reach of children.

People who have many other serious health conditions or who are age 80 and older can be at greater risk for some side effects from lidocaine/hydrocortisone. Talk to your healthcare provider about your risks if you are in this age group.

What should I tell my healthcare provider before using lidocaine/hydrocortisone?

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/hydrocortisone is right for you.

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

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

  • Liver problems
  • Skin infection
  • Chickenpox or herpes
  • Abnormal heart rate or rhythm 

Other Medicines and Supplements. Lidocaine/hydrocortisone may interact with other medicines and supplements. Before using lidocaine/hydrocortisone, 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/hydrocortisone 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/hydrocortisone while you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant.

Breastfeeding. It is not known if lidocaine/hydrocortisone 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/hydrocortisone while breastfeeding.

Interactions

Does lidocaine/hydrocortisone interact with foods or drinks?

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

It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect lidocaine/hydrocortisone. 

Does lidocaine/hydrocortisone interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?

Always tell your healthcare provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.

In particular, make sure that you discuss if you are using a medicine used to control your heart rate or rhythm (an antiarrhythmic) before using lidocaine/hydrocortisone.

This may not be a complete list of medicines that can interact with lidocaine/hydrocortisone. 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/hydrocortisone?

If you or someone else has used too much lidocaine/hydrocortisone, 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/hydrocortisone?

Lidocaine/hydrocortisone is meant to be used only when needed. Use it as your healthcare provider recommends. Do not use double or extra doses.

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