Lidocaine Side Effects

Serious side effects

Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue)
choking
confusion
dizziness or lightheadedness
fast breathing
fast, slow, or irregular heartbeat
fever
mood or mental changes
ringing in the ears or hearing changes
seizures
shortness of breath
swelling of the throat
vision changes

Common side effects

mild bruising, redness, itching, or swelling at the application site

Warnings & Recalls for Lidocaine

Lidocaine should not be used if you are allergic to any ingredient in lidocaine. Tell your doctor if you are have any heart, liver or kidney problems.

Drugs that may interact with lidocaine

Be sure to tell your healthcare provider if you are taking any medications that are prescription or non prescription, any herbal preparation, or dietary supplement. Especially:

amiodarone
beta-adrenergic blockers (eg, metoprolol)
cimetidine
mexiletine because of possible side effects, such as confusion, dizziness, lightheadedness, or tiredness, may occur with this drug mix.

Family planning

The FDA categorizes lidocaine as a category B pregnancy. It isn't yet known if lidocaine solution can harm a fetus because there hasn't been any controlled data on human pregnancy. Be sure to tell your doctor if you are pregnant, planing to become pregnant, or are breast feeding. Neonatal and fetal toxicity can be the result if used during labor and delivery. Should only be used if the need has been clearly established. Lidocaine is passed through the milk to a nursing baby which can cause side effects in a nursing baby are unlikely and are limited to an idiosyncratic or allergic reaction. Don't start breastfeeding without speaking to your doctor first to discuss the benefits and risks.

Lidocaine Treatment and Use

What is Lidocaine?

Lidocaine is a generic form of Xylocaine solution which is a local anesthetic.

How does Lidocaine work?

It works by prevention nerves from transmitting painful impulses to the brain, temporarily relieving pain of the mouth, throat, or nose, and certain areas of the digestive tact.

Dosage information

Dosage depends on the condition being treated. You may have to swish the lidocaine solution around the mouth and spit it out, gargle and swallow it, or apply it to the affected area with a cotton-tipped applicator. Be sure to carefully follow the directions provided by your doctor for using the lidocaine solution. Do not expose the lidocaine solution to areas around the eyes.

If you miss a dose of the lidocaine solution, take it as soon as you remembered. If it’s close to your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Don’t take 2 doses at the same time. Only used for the prescribed time, no more or less.

Other Names for Lidocaine

Brand name

Xylocaine