xylocaine

This medication is used on the skin to stop itching and pain from certain skin conditions (e.g., scrapes, minor burns, eczema, insect bites) and to treat minor discomfort and itching caused by hemorrhoids and certain other problems of the genital/anal area (e.g., anal fissures, itching around the vagina/rectum). Some forms of this medication are also used to decrease discomfort or pain during certain medical procedures/exams (e.g., sigmoidoscopy, cystoscopy). Lidocaine is a local anesthetic that works by causing temporary numbness/loss of feeling in the skin and mucous membranes.

If you miss a dose, apply it as soon as you remember unless it is almost time for the next dose. In that case, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up.

To use the ointment, cream, lotion, spray, foam, or gel on the skin, clean and dry the affected area as directed. Apply a thin layer of medication to the affected area of skin, usually 2 to 3 times a day or as directed. If you are using the spray, shake the canister well before using. While holding the canister 3-5 inches (8-13 centimeters) from the affected area, spray until wet. If the affected area is on the face, spray the medication onto your hand and apply to the face. Do not spray near your eyes, nose, or mouth. If you are using the foam, shake the canister well before using. Spray the foam onto your hand and apply to the affected area. Do not use on large areas of the body, cover the area with waterproof bandages or plastic, or apply heat unless directed to do so by your doctor. These may increase the risk of serious side effects. Wash hands immediately after use unless you are treating an area on the hands. Avoid getting the product in eyes, nose, or ears. If the medication gets in these areas, rinse the area immediately with clean water. Dosage is based on your medical condition and response to therapy. Do not use more of this product, use it more often, or keep using it longer than prescribed by your doctor. If you are using a nonprescription product, follow all the directions on the product package, or use as directed by your doctor. If there is an infection or sore in the area to be treated, do not use this medication without consulting your doctor first. Inform your doctor if your condition does not improve or worsens.

Your doctor or pharmacist may already be aware of any possible drug interactions and may be monitoring you for them. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicine before checking with them first. Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and nonprescription/herbal products you may use, especially of: class I antiarrhythmic drugs (e.g., disopyramide, procainamide, quinidine). This document does not contain all possible interactions. Therefore, before using this product, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all the products you use. Keep a list of all your medications with you, and share the list with your doctor and pharmacist.

Do not share this medication with others.

This medicine may be harmful if inhaled or swallowed. If overdose, inhalation, or swallowing is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. US residents can call the US National Poison Hotline at 1-800-222-1222. Canadian residents can call a provincial poison control center. Symptoms of overdose may include: drowsiness, irregular heartbeat, seizures.

Before using lidocaine, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to other amide type anesthetics (e.g., bupivacaine, prilocaine); 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. This medication should not be used if you have certain medical conditions. Before using this medicine, consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have: broken skin/infection in the area where lidocaine is to be used. Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: heart disease, liver disease. Caution is advised when using this drug in children because they may be more sensitive to the side effects of the drug. During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. It is not known whether this drug passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Store at room temperature between 59-86 degrees F (15-30 degrees C) away from light and moisture. Do not freeze. Keep all medicines away from children and pets. Do not store the foam or spray canisters near high heat (more than 120 degrees F/49 degrees C), and do not store or use it near open flame. Because the foam or spray canisters are under pressure, do not puncture or burn the container. 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 for more details about how to safely discard your product.

Temporary redness, stinging, and swelling may occur at the application site. If these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor. Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she 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. Tell your doctor immediately if any of these rare but very serious side effects occur: slow/shallow breathing, slow/irregular heartbeat, seizures. A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, seek immediate medical attention if you notice any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction: new/worsening rash, new or worsening 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 any 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. In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.