Lidocaine

Lidocaine is a local anesthetic that temporarily blocks pain signals in the area where it is applied. Mouth products may ease pain from sores, while certain sprays may reduce penile sensitivity. Results vary. Each product has its own directions, and mouth and genital products are not interchangeable.

A lidocaine mouth rinse may provide temporary relief from mouth sore pain, but it does not heal the sore or treat its cause. Results vary. A licensed dentist or physician in your state should review persistent sores, worsening pain, or trouble eating before deciding whether lidocaine is appropriate.

A lidocaine spray made for penile use may reduce sensitivity and help delay ejaculation. Results vary. It does not treat every cause of premature ejaculation. A licensed physician in your state should review your symptoms and decide whether a specific product and treatment plan are appropriate for you.

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.

Lidocaine generally starts numbing the treated area within minutes, but the timing and duration depend on the product and application site. Results vary. Follow the waiting time on your label. Do not apply extra medicine to speed up the effect or make numbness last longer without your prescriber's guidance.

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 can cause local burning, irritation, redness, or unwanted numbness. Too much can cause serious problems involving the brain, heart, or blood oxygen levels. Stop using it and seek urgent help for trouble breathing, blue or gray lips, seizures, fainting, or a fast or irregular heartbeat. Call 911 for severe symptoms.

Anyone considering lidocaine should share their allergies, health conditions, and medicines with the prescriber. Extra review is important for people with liver disease, heart rhythm problems, certain blood disorders, or pregnancy or breastfeeding. A licensed physician in your state, or dentist for dental treatment, decides whether lidocaine is appropriate.

Lidocaine can interact with other medicines, and a genital product can transfer to a partner and cause numbness. Share all prescription drugs, over-the-counter products, and supplements with your prescriber. Do not combine numbing products without approval. Follow your product's instructions for removing leftover medicine and using condoms before sexual contact.

Compounded lidocaine medications are prepared by a licensed pharmacy for one patient and are not FDA-approved. The strength, ingredients, and directions may differ from other lidocaine products. A licensed physician in your state, or dentist for dental care, decides whether treatment is appropriate. Use only your own prescription label.