lidocaine
Patient Counselling
·
Lidocaine is used for the temporary relief of
pain and itching associated with cold sores.
· Apply to affected area for 1-5 hours then remove any unabsorbed excess.
· Pain and itching relief should be achieved within 10-15 minutes; full effect seen in 20-60 minutes.
· Wash hands before and after application.
· Can use cotton-tip applicator (ex. Q-tip) to prevent numbness on fingertips.
· Avoid licking lips to prevent ingestion (ingestion of lidocaine could cause respiratory problems).
· Avoid contact with eyes.
· Do not expose application site to heat.
· Do not use if known sensitivity to any “caine” anesthetic.
Side effects:
o Allergic contact dermatitis
o Angioedema (swelling of face)
o Tachycardia (fast heart beat)
o Anxiety
o Confusion
o Dizziness
References:
1 – Conklin, JS. (2010). Chapter 92 cold sores (herpes labialis). In Patient self-care, 2nd ed. (889-896). Ottawa, ON: Canadian Pharmacists Association.
2 - Kaminester LH, Pariser RJ, Pariser DM, et al. A double-blind, placebo-controlled study of topical tetracaine in the treatment of herpes labialis. J Am Acad Dermatol. 1999;41:996-1001.3 - Lexicomp. Lidocaine (topical). Updated 2014. Available from: http://online.lexi.com.proxy.lib.uwaterloo.ca/lco/action/doc/retrieve/docid/patch_f/1797833. Accessed July 20, 2014.
· Apply to affected area for 1-5 hours then remove any unabsorbed excess.
· Pain and itching relief should be achieved within 10-15 minutes; full effect seen in 20-60 minutes.
· Wash hands before and after application.
· Can use cotton-tip applicator (ex. Q-tip) to prevent numbness on fingertips.
· Avoid licking lips to prevent ingestion (ingestion of lidocaine could cause respiratory problems).
· Avoid contact with eyes.
· Do not expose application site to heat.
· Do not use if known sensitivity to any “caine” anesthetic.
Side effects:
o Allergic contact dermatitis
o Angioedema (swelling of face)
o Tachycardia (fast heart beat)
o Anxiety
o Confusion
o Dizziness
References:
1 – Conklin, JS. (2010). Chapter 92 cold sores (herpes labialis). In Patient self-care, 2nd ed. (889-896). Ottawa, ON: Canadian Pharmacists Association.
2 - Kaminester LH, Pariser RJ, Pariser DM, et al. A double-blind, placebo-controlled study of topical tetracaine in the treatment of herpes labialis. J Am Acad Dermatol. 1999;41:996-1001.3 - Lexicomp. Lidocaine (topical). Updated 2014. Available from: http://online.lexi.com.proxy.lib.uwaterloo.ca/lco/action/doc/retrieve/docid/patch_f/1797833. Accessed July 20, 2014.