What is this medicine?
Lidocaine (LYE-doe-kane)
- Lidocaine is a local analgesic.
- It may address localized pain, itching, soreness, burning, or other discomfort.
- It may also be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor.
Compounded Drug Forms: suspension, suppository, cream, gel
What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?
- Allergy to lidocaine
- Pregnant or may become pregnant; are breastfeeding
- Have hypersensitivity to amide-type local anesthetics
- Have irritated, raw, blistered, or broken skin in the treatment area
- Have swollen skin, numbness, or are not able to feel pain in the treatment area
- Have a bacterial infection in the treatment area
- Have tuberculous or fungal lesions of skin vaccinia, varicella, or acute herpes simplex
- Require treatment over a large area of the body
- Have liver disease
- Have a history of methemoglobinemia
- Have a glucose-6-phosphate (G6PD) deficiency
- Have familial malignant hyperthermia
- Have heart or lung disease
- Have pseudocholinesterase deficiency
How should I use this medicine?
Follow the package directions provided by Belmar Pharma Solutions and by your prescriber. Your dosage is based on your medical condition and response to therapy. Follow the dosing schedule provided carefully.
Oral dosage forms may be taken with or without food. If it upsets your stomach take it with a small meal.
Topical products can be applied to the inner arm, upper thigh, back of the knee, tops of the feet and inner wrists. It is recommended to rotate sites to ensure even retention of the hormone. Cover treated skin with clothes to avoid contact with people or pets.
Vaginal and rectal preparations should be inserted using your finger or the applicator provided. Suppositories may leak and may be more convenient to use at bedtime.
What if I miss a dose?
- If you miss a dose take it as soon as possible.
- If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule.
- Do not take double the dose at once.
What should I watch for while using this medicine?
Belmar Pharma Solutions recommends yearly checkups with your provider and to monitor for signs of severe skin irritation or toxicity.
What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?
Possible side effects that may occur and may go away as your body gets used to the medication include:
- Irritation or burning in the treatment area
- Swelling
- Redness
Serious Side Effects: Contact your doctor immediately or seek medical attention if you experience:
- Seizures
- Blue or gray color of the lips, nails, or skin, severe dizziness or fainting, severe headache, feeling excessive sleepiness, feeling tired or weak, shortness of breath, heartbeat that feels different than normal
- Confusion, breathing faster than normal, heartbeat that is faster than normal or feels different than normal, severe stomach pain, nausea or vomiting, shortness of breath, extreme weakness, fatigue, or sleepiness
- Heartbeat that is slower than usual
- Chest pain
- Breathing that feels more difficult, slower, or shallower than normal
- Lightheadedness, confusion, blurry eyesight, change in eyesight
- Increased nervousness or excitability
- Ringing in the ears
- Extreme numbness or tingling
- Shakiness or twitching
- Feeling hot or cold
- Oozing, swelling, heat, redness, or pain in the treatment area
- If used on the rectum, rectal pain or bleeding
You may experience side effects not listed. Contact your doctor with questions
An allergic reaction to this medication is unlikely but seek medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, trouble breathing.
Contraindications: Hypersensitivity to amide-type local anesthetics, traumatized or broken skin in the treatment area, bacterial infection in the treatment area, tuberculous or fungal lesions of skin vaccinia, varicella, or acute herpes simplex.
Where should I keep my medicine?
Store at room temperature between 59- and 86-degrees F, unless otherwise specified on the packaging.
Additional Information:
- Do not share this medication with others.
- Keep out of reach of children and pets.
- If an overdose is suspected contact your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222 or go to the nearest emergency room.
If you have any questions concerning this or any of your medications, a pharmacist is available during normal business hours to answer your questions. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer: This information should not be used to decide whether or not to take this medication or any other medication. Only the healthcare provider has the knowledge and training to decide which medicines are right for a specific patient. This information does not endorse any medicine as safe, effective, or approved for treating any patient or health condition. This is only a brief summary of general information about this medicine. It does not include all information about the possible uses, directions, warnings, precautions, interactions, adverse effects, or risks that may apply to this medicine. For questions about the source of any of the information provided herein, pharmacists at Belmar Pharma Solutions are available. This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from the healthcare provider. You must talk with the healthcare provider for complete information about the risks and benefits of this medicine.
Do not flush down a toilet or pour down a drain. Check with your pharmacist if you have questions about the best way to dispose of medications. There may be a drug take-back program in your area.
References:
- Lidocaine Topical. Drug Facts and Comparisons. Facts and Comparisons eAnswers. Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc. Riverwoods, IL. Accessed February 2023.
