See also Warning section.
Viscous lidocaine is used to relieve pain and discomfort
from a sore throat/mouth. It is also used to numb the lining of the mouth
and throat before certain medical/dental procedures (such as dental
impressions). This numbing helps prevent the urge to close the throat (gag
reflex), which might make the procedure more difficult. Lidocaine belongs
to a class of drugs known as local anesthetics.
This section contains uses of this drug that are not
listed in the approved professional labeling for the drug but that may be
prescribed by your health care professional. Use this drug for a condition
that is listed in this section only if it has been so prescribed by your
health care professional.
This medication may also be used to relieve pain and
discomfort from irritation of the esophagus (esophagitis).
Read the Patient Information Leaflet if available from
your pharmacist before you start using lidocaine and each time you get a
refill. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or
pharmacist.
Shake the bottle well before each dose. Carefully
measure the dose using a special measuring device/spoon. Do not use a
household spoon because you may not get the correct dose. Do not mix with
other liquid or food unless directed by your doctor.
Use this medication as directed by your doctor, usually
as needed for pain or soreness. For mouth pain, swish the dose in your
mouth, then spit out. To treat a sore throat, gargle with the medication,
then swallow or spit out, as directed by your doctor. To treat irritation
of the esophagus, swallow the dose as directed by your doctor. Children
should not swallow this medication unless directed by their
doctor.
The dosage is based on your medical condition and
response to treatment. Children's dosage is also based on age and weight.
Do not increase your dose or use this drug more often or for longer than
prescribed, because your risk of side effects will increase. Overdose has
occurred in children accidentally given the wrong dose. Follow the doctor's
instructions carefully.
For infants and children younger than 3 years, carefully
measure the prescribed dose and apply to the affected area with a cotton
swab. Wait at least 3 hours before giving the next dose. See also Warning
section.
This medication numbs the mouth and throat. Numbness may
make swallowing difficult and increase your risk of swallowing the wrong
way or choking. Do not chew gum or eat for 1 hour after using this product
and while your mouth or throat is numb. It is especially important for
children to not eat or chew gum for at least 1 hour after using this
product. Be careful not to accidentally bite your tongue or
mouth.
Lidocaine starts to numb the affected area within 5
minutes after use. If you are using this product before certain procedures,
tell your doctor if the area does not feel numb or the numbness does not go
away. If you are using this product to relieve pain/discomfort, tell your
doctor if your condition lasts or gets worse.
Mild nausea, stinging, or burning may occur. If any of
these effects last or get worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist
promptly.
Remember that this medication has been prescribed
because your doctor has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the
risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious
side effects.
This medication may cause very serious side effects if
you are using too much of it or are very sensitive to its effects. Stop
using this medication and get medical help right away if you have any very
serious side effects, including:
- dizziness
- drowsiness
- slow/shallow breathing
- mental/mood changes (such as confusion, nervousness)
- shaking
- seizures
- vision changes (such as double/blurred vision)
- ringing in the ears
- fainting
- pale/bluish/gray skin
- unusual tiredness
- shortness of breath
- fast/slow/irregular heartbeat
A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare.
However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a
serious allergic reaction, including:
- rash
- itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat)
- severe dizziness
- trouble breathing
This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If
you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or
pharmacist.
In the US - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.
You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at
www.fda.gov/medwatch.
In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about
side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at
1-866-234-2345.
Before using lidocaine, tell your doctor or pharmacist
if you are allergic to it; or to other anesthetics (such as bupivacaine,
prilocaine); or to PABA; or if you have any other allergies. This product
may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or
other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.
Before using this medication, tell your doctor or
pharmacist your medical history, especially of:
- cuts/sores/bleeding in the mouth or throat
- heart problems (such as slow/irregular heartbeat, heart
block)
- kidney disease
- liver disease
- a certain blood disorder (methemoglobinemia)
This drug may make you dizzy or drowsy or cause vision
problems if you are using too much of it or are very sensitive to its
effects. See Side Effects section. Alcohol or marijuana (cannabis) can make
you more dizzy or drowsy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that
needs alertness or clear vision until you can do it safely. Limit alcoholic
beverages. Talk to your doctor if you are using marijuana
(cannabis).
Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about
all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription
drugs, and herbal products).
Children may be more sensitive to the side effects of
this drug, especially dizziness and drowsiness.
During pregnancy, this medication should be used only
when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your
doctor.
This medication passes into breast milk, but is unlikely
to harm a nursing infant. Consult your doctor before
breastfeeding.
Drug interactions may change how your medications work
or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not
contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you
use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and
share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the
dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.
Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are using other
lidocaine products at the same time as this medication because your risk of
serious side effects may increase.
If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such
as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison
control center right away. US residents can call 1-800-222-1222. Canada
residents can call 1-844-764-7669. Symptoms of overdose may include:
vision/hearing changes, severe dizziness/drowsiness, fainting, loss of
consciousness, shaking, seizures, slow/irregular heartbeat, slow/shallow
breathing.
Do not share this medication with others.
This medication has been prescribed for your current
condition only. Do not use it later for another condition unless your
doctor directs you to do so. A different medication may be necessary in
that case.
Store at room temperature away from light and moisture.
Do not freeze. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medications away from
children and pets.
Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them
into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when
it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste
disposal company.