• Basic Info
• Top Questions
• Clinical Info

What is this medicine?

LIDOCAINE (LYE doe kane) is an anesthetic. It causes loss of feeling in the skin or other tissues. It is used to prevent and to treat pain from some procedures.

This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

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

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

• infection
• an unusual or allergic reaction to lidocaine, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• breast-feeding

How should I use this medicine?

This medicine is for injection into the affected area. It is given by a health care professional in a hospital or clinic setting.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.

What if I miss a dose?

This does not apply.

What may interact with this medicine?

Do not take this medicine with any of the following medications:

• dofetilide
• MAOIs like Carbex, Eldepryl, Marplan, Nardil, and Parnate

This medicine may also interact with the following medications:

• medicines for blood pressure, heart disease, or irregular heart beat
• medicines for depression, anxiety, or psychotic disturbances
• other anesthetics
• phenytoin
• procarbazine

What should I watch for while using this medicine?

Your condition will be monitored carefully while you are receiving this medicine.

Be careful to avoid injury while the area is numb and you are not aware of pain.

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
• chest pain
• feeling faint or lightheaded, falls
• headache
• seizures
• slow, irregular heartbeat
• trembling or shaking
• unusually weak or tired

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

• anxiety or nervousness
• backache
• feelings of cold, heat, or numb
• irritation at site where injected
• nausea, vomiting

Where should I keep my medicine?

This drug is given in a hospital or clinic and will not be stored at home.

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.