What is Lidoderm?
Lidoderm (a local anaesthetic) is a numbing medicine. It blocks nerve signals within your body.Lidoderm can be used to relieve pain after shingles. Lidoderm should only be applied to skin that is intact and has no blisters.Lidocaine topical is used in other formulations to relieve pain and discomfort from skin irritations like sunburn, insect bites, and poisonous plants such as poison ivy and poison sumac. It can also be used for minor cuts, bruises, haemorrhoids, and burns. Lidocaine topical is also used to treat mouth sores, numb gums during dental procedures, and numb skin before medical procedures (such as receiving stitches).
Warnings
Lidoderm overdose can have fatal side effects if you absorb too much lidocaine through your skin. It is more common to experience this when numbing medicines are used without the doctor's advice (such as for cosmetic procedures like laser hair removal). Overdose symptoms include irregular heartbeats (convulsions), coma (slow breathing), or respiratory failure (breathing ceases). You may absorb more of the lidocaine in your body if it is applied too heavily, over large areas of skin, or when you apply heat or bandages to treated areas. Cut or irritated skin may absorb more topical medications than healthy skin.Lidoderm can be used to relieve pain or numb skin. Use only the amount needed. Use only the amount of Lidoderm needed to numb or relieve pain. Do not cover the treated area with a plastic wrap or bandage without consulting a doctor. You should be aware that cosmetic procedures can often be performed without the presence of a doctor.
Before you take this drug
Overdosing on numbing drugs can have fatal side effects if the medication is absorbed too quickly through your skin into your blood.When numbing medicines are used without medical advice (for example, during cosmetic procedures like laser hair removal), an overdose is more likely. The symptoms may include irregular heartbeats (convulsions), seizures, coma, slow breathing, or respiratory failure.Lidoderm should not be used if you have an allergy to any type of numbing medication.Tell your doctor before using Lidoderm if you're allergic to any medications, have liver disease, or have damaged, broken, or swollen skin. Lidoderm may not work for you, or your doctor may require dosage adjustments or special testing during treatment.Lidoderm falls under FDA pregnancy category B. Lidoderm should not harm an unborn child. Inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant while receiving treatment. Lidocaine may pass into breastmilk and harm nursing babies. You should not take this medication if you are breastfeeding a child without first consulting your doctor.
How to take Lidoderm?
Lidoderm should be used exactly as prescribed by your doctor or on the label. Use the medication only as directed. Do not take it in higher doses or for longer than prescribed.You may absorb more of the lidocaine you use if it is applied too heavily, over a large area, or when you wrap treated areas in plastic, apply bandages, or use heat. Cut or irritated skin may absorb more topical medications than healthy skin.The smallest amount is needed to relieve pain or numb skin. Lidoderm should not be used in large quantities or to cover the treated area with plastic wrap or bandages without consulting a doctor. You should be aware that cosmetic procedures can often be performed without the presence of a doctor.Lidoderm should not be applied to areas of swollen or punctured skin. Use the medicine only on skin that has been burned or blistered.Lidoderm can be applied using your fingertip or a cotton swab. Please follow your doctor's directions.Store Lidoderm away from moisture, heat, and humidity at room temperature.
What happens if I miss the dose?
Lidoderm can be used whenever needed. You may not have a regular dosing regimen. Use the missed dose immediately if you use the medication regularly.If it is almost time to take the next dose, skip the missed dose.You should not take extra medicine to compensate for a missed dose.
What happens if I overdose?
If you feel you may have taken too much Lidoderm, seek immediate medical attention. Lidoderm on the skin will not cause an overdose unless you use more than recommended. You can also overdose if you apply bandages or plastic wrap to the treated areas.Lidoderm can cause death if used incorrectly.Overdose symptoms include drowsiness (hypotension), confusion, nervousness (nervousness), ringing or buzzing in the ears, blurred or distorted vision, numbness (tingling), muscle twitches (muscle jerks), irregular heartbeats (convulsions), seizures (convulsions), slow breathing (breathing stops), or respiratory failure.
What should be avoided?
Lidoderm should not be used on your eyes. Rinse your eyes immediately if this occurs.Do not use other topical medications on the affected skin area unless you have been told to by your doctor.
Side effects of Lidoderm
If you experience any of the following symptoms of an allergic reaction, seek immediate medical attention: hives, difficulty breathing, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue, or swelling of the throat. If you experience any of the following serious side effects, stop using Lidoderm immediately and contact your doctor.
- Uneven heartbeats;
- Drowsiness, confusion;
- Tremors, seizure (convulsions);
- Blurred vision
Lidoderm may cause less serious side effects, such as:
- Mild irritation, redness, or swelling at the site of application;
- The medicine accidentally applied to the skin can cause numbness.
There may be other side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. To report adverse effects, you can contact the fda at 1-800-fda-1088.
Interaction with other drug
Tell your doctor before using lidoderm if you take medication for a heart rhythm disorder such as:
- Quinidine (quinidex, quinaglute);
- Disopyramide (norpace)
- Flecainide (tambocor);
- Mexiletine
- Procainamide (procan, pronestyl);
- Tocainide (tonocard);
- Propafenone, also known as rythmol (propafenone), is marketed under the brand name rythmol.
Lidoderm may interact with other drugs not listed here. Inform your doctor of all prescription and non-prescription medications that you take. Included are vitamins, minerals, and herbal products, as well as drugs prescribed by doctors. Never start a new medication before consulting your doctor.
