Medications · FAQ
How should I measure and apply lidocaine safely?
Short answer
Use lidocaine exactly as your prescription label directs, including the amount, application site, and time between doses. There is no single dose that fits every rinse or spray. Do not add extra doses because numbness seems weak. Ask your pharmacist to explain any directions that are unclear before use.
The correct lidocaine dose depends on the product, its strength, the area being treated, and your health. A rinse and a spray can deliver very different amounts. Your prescription label should explain how much to use, how often to use it, and the maximum allowed amount.
Measure liquid medicine with the device your pharmacist recommends, not a kitchen spoon. For sprays, follow the labeled number of sprays and any pump preparation steps. Do not estimate the dose from how numb the area feels.
Use lidocaine only on the prescribed area. Do not apply it more often, cover a larger area, or use it on damaged tissue unless your prescriber has directed you to do so. These changes can increase how much medicine enters your blood.
Ask your pharmacist whether your mouth product should be spat out or swallowed. Never guess. If you use too much or swallow a product not meant to be swallowed, contact Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222 promptly. Call 911 for severe symptoms.
Sources
Written by the Verra clinical team · Medical review pending
General information, not medical advice. If you're in crisis, call or text 988.