Lidocaine spray is used to numb the lining of the mouth,
throat, or nose before certain medical/dental procedures. It also 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.
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.
This medication is usually sprayed in the mouth by a
health care professional as directed by your doctor right before your
procedure.
The dosage is based on your medical condition and
response to treatment. Children's dosage is also based on age and
weight.
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 their procedures. Be careful not to accidentally bite your
tongue or mouth.
Lidocaine starts to numb the affected area within 5
minutes after application. Tell your doctor if the area does not feel numb
or the numbness does not go away.
Mild nausea, stinging, swelling, 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 area to be applied
- 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.
Store at room temperature away from light. Do not
freeze. 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.