Uses
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.
How To Use
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. In children, the 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.
Side Effects
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.
Precautions
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 breast-feeding.
Drug Interactions
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.
Overdose
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 their local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. Alberta residents can call PADIS (Poison and Drug Information Service) 24 hours a day at 1-800-332-1414. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center. Symptoms of overdose may include: vision/hearing changes, severe dizziness/drowsiness, fainting, loss of consciousness, shaking, seizures, slow/irregular heartbeat, slow/shallow breathing.
Notes
Do not share this medication with others.
Missed Dose
Not applicable.
Storage
Store at room temperature away from light and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom. 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.
