Lidocaine skin cream or ointment

What is this medicine?

LIDOCAINE (LYE doe kane) is an anesthetic. It causes loss of feeling in the skin and surrounding tissues. It is used to prevent and to treat pain from some procedures. This medicine is also used to treat minor burns, scrapes and insect bites.

How should I use this medicine?

This medicine is for use on the skin. This medicine may be used in the mouth, nose, or throat and may be applied by a health care professional. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Apply your medicine at regular intervals. Do not use it more often than directed.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. While this drug may be prescribed for selected conditions, precautions do apply.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

• allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue

• breathing problems

• changes in vision

• confused, excitable, nervous, restless

• dizzy, drowsy

• fever or chills

• headache

• irregular heartbeat

• nausea, vomiting

• seizure

• tremor

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

• numb area

What may interact with this medicine?

Interactions are not expected.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, use only that dose. Do not use double or extra doses.

Where should I keep my medicine?

Keep out of reach of children.

Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• heart problems

• infected, open, or damaged skin

• an unusual or allergic reaction to lidocaine, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives

• pregnant or trying to get pregnant

• breast-feeding

What should I watch for while using this medicine?

Be careful to avoid injury while the area is numb and you are not aware of pain. If this medicine is used in the mouth or throat, do not chew gum or eat food for at least one hour. If the area is still numb, you may choke or bite your tongue or cheek if you try to chew or swallow. Also, you may not feel pain from hot foods or drinks.

Do not apply this medicine to areas of skin that are infected, open or damaged. This may increase the amount of medicine that passes through your skin and increase the risk of serious side effects.