Lidocaine is a temporary numbing agent in several topical medications and drugs. These drugs or medications provide muscle pain relief, relief from sunburns, rashes, bug bites, allergic reactions and many other painful conditions that affect the mucous membranes, apart from numbing these pains. Lidocaine is also used in minor dental procedures, like fitting dentures to reduce pain. However, long-term usage isn't advisable, and you shouldn't use it on teething infants and children because of the potential side effects. To learn more about this medication, here are its uses, side effects and how it can be applied.

Uses Of Lidocaine

Before starting to use lidocaine, it's crucial first to read the patient information leaflet provided by the pharmacist. This should apply each time you get a refill, and if there are any arising questions, it's always best to ask your pharmacist or doctor. The healthcare professional will apply this medication on your mouth lining and gums in certain procedures like dental procedures. But if you are using it yourself, it's best to follow the directions provided by your doctor or dentist.

• Tattoos - lidocaine ointment of 5% helps numb the skin, making the tattooing process painless.

• Treating sunburns

• Preventing premature ejaculation

• Numbing pain caused by cuts, but first, ask your doctor before using an open wound.

• Treating mouth sores dulls the pain allowing the ulcers to heal.

Always keep in constant consultation with your doctor or dentist and keep following the instructions, including washing your hands after the application.

Side Effects

Most people that use this product dont experience severe side effects. However, if you are using too much of it, the side effects might be severe, and when this happens, it's best to get immediate help. Some commission side effects include:

• Mild stinging or burning on the area of application

• Drowsiness

• shallow breathing

• Dizziness

• Mood changes

• Seizures

• Vision changes

• Shaking

• Ringing in ears

• Pale skin

• Fainting

• Shortness of breath

• Unusual tiredness

• Irregular heartbeat

• Tightness in chest

• Fever

• Cough

• Joint pain

Effects for serious allergic reaction

• Severe dizziness

• Itching or rash

• Swelling on the face, throat and tongue

• Trouble breathing

• Unusual bruising or bleeding

• Pale or blue lips, skin or fingernails

• Loss of consciousness

There are more possible side effects of using lidocaine ointment USP 5%, but if you notice any of these side effects, you need to seek medical help immediately.

Application Of Lidocaine

Before starting this medicine, you should ascertain you aren't allergic to numbing creams or medicine. First, this is because there are several instances where there have been fatal overdoses. This is because the use of lidocaine wasn't supervised by a physician, especially in cosmetic procedures. Lidocaine comes in various forms; cream, lotion, spray, ointment, skin patch, liquid, gel and many others.

Remember, don't take medicine by mouth; it's for external use only. If it gets into the mouth, eyes, nose, vagina or rectum, rinse thoroughly with water. For the best application, read and follow all the instructions provided. If there is any point you don't understand, ask your doctor or pharmacist. Then, use small amounts of the medicine to numb pain in the skin. If you use too much, your body might absorb the medicine. Also, don't cover the applied area unless the doctor tells you to. You can apply lidocaine using fingertips or cotton swabs. However, for intradermal applications, a healthcare provider will help you.

Lidocaine is helpful only if you handle it with care and follow the prescription by your doctor. However, if you notice severe side effects, it's best to call your doctor immediately or get to the hospital, as some side effects could be fatal. Finally, like all medications, keep lidocaine out of reach of children and use it only for the prescribed needs.