Uses

See also Warning section.

Viscous lidocaine is used to relieve pain and discomfort from a sore throat/mouth. It is also used to numb the lining of the mouth and throat before certain medical/dental procedures (such as dental impressions). This numbing helps prevent the urge to close the throat (gag reflex), which might make the procedure more difficult. Lidocaine belongs to a class of drugs known as local anesthetics.

Other Uses

This section contains uses of this drug that are not listed in the approved professional labeling for the drug but that may be prescribed by your health care professional. Use this drug for a condition that is listed in this section only if it has been so prescribed by your health care professional.

This medication may also be used to relieve pain and discomfort from irritation of the esophagus (esophagitis).

How To Use

Read the Patient Information Leaflet if available from your pharmacist before you start using lidocaine and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

Shake the bottle well before each dose. Carefully measure the dose using a special measuring device/spoon. Do not use a household spoon because you may not get the correct dose. Do not mix with other liquid or food unless directed by your doctor.

Use this medication as directed by your doctor, usually as needed for pain or soreness. For mouth pain, swish the dose in your mouth, then spit out. To treat a sore throat, gargle with the medication, then swallow or spit out, as directed by your doctor. To treat irritation of the esophagus, swallow the dose as directed by your doctor. Children should not swallow this medication unless directed by their doctor.

The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to treatment. In children, the dosage is also based on age and weight. Do not increase your dose or use this drug more often or for longer than prescribed, because your risk of side effects will increase. Overdose has occurred in children accidentally given the wrong dose. Follow the doctor's instructions carefully.

For infants and children younger than 3 years, carefully measure the prescribed dose and apply to the affected area with a cotton swab. Wait at least 3 hours before giving the next dose. See also Warning section.

This medication numbs the mouth and throat. Numbness may make swallowing difficult and increase your risk of swallowing the wrong way or choking. Do not chew gum or eat for 1 hour after using this product and while your mouth or throat is numb. It is especially important for children to not eat or chew gum for at least 1 hour after using this product. Be careful not to accidentally bite your tongue or mouth.

Lidocaine starts to numb the affected area within 5 minutes after use. If you are using this product before certain procedures, tell your doctor if the area does not feel numb or the numbness does not go away. If you are using this product to relieve pain/discomfort, tell your doctor if your condition lasts or gets worse.

Side Effects

Mild nausea, stinging, or burning may occur. If any of these effects last or get worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.

Remember that this medication has been prescribed because your doctor has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.

This medication may cause very serious side effects if you are using too much of it or are very sensitive to its effects. Stop using this medication and get medical help right away if you have any very serious side effects, including:

• dizziness
• drowsiness
• slow/shallow breathing
• mental/mood changes (such as confusion, nervousness)
• shaking
• seizures
• vision changes (such as double/blurred vision)
• ringing in the ears
• fainting
• pale/bluish/gray skin
• unusual tiredness
• shortness of breath
• fast/slow/irregular heartbeat

A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including:

• rash
• itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat)
• severe dizziness
• trouble breathing

This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

In the US -

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch.

In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.

Precautions

Before using lidocaine, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to other anesthetics (such as bupivacaine, prilocaine); or to PABA; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of:

• cuts/sores/bleeding in the mouth or throat
• heart problems (such as slow/irregular heartbeat, heart block)
• kidney disease
• liver disease
• a certain blood disorder (methemoglobinemia)

This drug may make you dizzy or drowsy or cause vision problems if you are using too much of it or are very sensitive to its effects. See Side Effects section. Alcohol or marijuana (cannabis) can make you more dizzy or drowsy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs alertness or clear vision until you can do it safely. Limit alcoholic beverages. Talk to your doctor if you are using marijuana (cannabis).

Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products).

Children may be more sensitive to the side effects of this drug, especially dizziness and drowsiness.

During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.

This medication passes into breast milk, but is unlikely to harm a nursing infant. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Drug Interactions

Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.

Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are using other lidocaine products at the same time as this medication because your risk of serious side effects may increase.

Overdose

If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison control center right away. US residents can call their local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. Alberta residents can call PADIS (Poison and Drug Information Service) 24 hours a day at 1-800-332-1414. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center. Symptoms of overdose may include: vision/hearing changes, severe dizziness/drowsiness, fainting, loss of consciousness, shaking, seizures, slow/irregular heartbeat, slow/shallow breathing.

Notes

Do not share this medication with others.

This medication has been prescribed for your current condition only. Do not use it later for another condition unless your doctor directs you to do so. A different medication may be necessary in that case.

Missed Dose

Not applicable.

Storage

Store at room temperature away from light and moisture. Do not freeze. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medications away from children and pets.

Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company.