Medications · FAQ
Can I eat or drink after using lidocaine in my mouth?
Short answer
Do not eat or drink while your mouth or throat is numb from lidocaine. Numbness can make swallowing harder and increase the risk of choking, burns, or biting your tongue. Many oral lidocaine products require waiting at least 60 minutes before eating. Follow your label and wait until sensation returns.
Lidocaine used in the mouth can also numb nearby areas, including the throat. This can affect swallowing and make food or liquid enter the airway. It can also keep you from noticing that a drink is too hot or that you are biting your cheek.
Many oral lidocaine labels advise not eating for at least 60 minutes after use. Your exact restrictions depend on the product and your prescription. Do not eat or drink while numb, even if the listed waiting period has passed. Ask your pharmacist when it is safe to resume meals and drinks.
Avoid chewing gum while your mouth is numb. Do not use the numb feeling as a reason to eat foods that would otherwise cause pain. Pain relief does not mean a sore or injury has healed.
If you repeatedly cough, choke, or have trouble swallowing after a dose, stop using the product and get medical advice promptly. Call 911 if you have trouble breathing or cannot clear your airway.
Sources
Written by the Verra clinical team · Medical review pending
General information, not medical advice. If you're in crisis, call or text 988.