Health Library

Lidocaine (On the skin)

Lidocaine (LYE-doe-kane)

Numbs the skin and relieves pain caused by shingles or other conditions. Treats urethritis and prevents and controls pain in procedures involving the male and female urethra. Also numbs and lubricates the nose, mouth, and throat for intubation. This medicine is a topical anesthetic.

Brand Name(s):

7T Lido Gel, Alocane Emergency Burn, Alocane Emergency Burn Spray, Anastia, Anecream, AsperFlex, Aspercreme, Aspercreme Foot, Aspercreme with Bergamot Orange, Aspercreme with Eucalyptus, Aspercreme with Lavender, Aspercreme with Lidocaine, Aspercreme with Rosemary, Astero, Bengay

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

How to Use This Medicine:

Cream, Foam, Gel/Jelly, Liquid, Lotion, Ointment, Pad, Patch, Spray

• Use this medicine as directed. Do not use more medicine or use it more often than your doctor tells you to.
• Follow the instructions on the medicine label if you are using this medicine without a prescription.
• Do not get this medicine into your eyes. If it does get into your eyes, rinse with water or saline solution right away.
• Do not apply this medicine to open wounds, burns, broken or inflamed skin, or to a large area of skin unless directed by your doctor.
• Patch:
  • Wash your hands with soap and water before and after applying a patch.
  • Do not use the patch if it is damaged. Throw it away and get a new one.
  • You may also cut the patch into smaller sizes with scissors before removing the patch release liner.
  • Apply the patch right away to clean, dry, and intact skin. Do not put the patch over burns, cuts, or irritated skin.
  • Put on a new patch if the old one has fallen off and cannot be reapplied.
  • The patch will not stick if it gets wet. Do not wear it when you take a bath or shower, or when you go swimming.
  • You may also use the Ztlido® patch during moderate exercise, including biking for 30 minutes.
  • You may also use the Ztlido® patch when you take a shower for 10 minutes or bath for 15 minutes. You may pat the patch dry after it is exposed to water. Do not rub it.
  • You may apply up to 3 Ztlido® patches at a time. Do not wear the patch for longer than 12 hours in any 24-hour period.
• Do not cover the treated area with a bandage unless directed by your doctor.
• Do not eat or drink for at least 1 hour after you use this medicine in your mouth or throat. Do not chew gum or food while your mouth or throat feels numb.
• Read and follow the patient instructions that come with this medicine. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.
• Missed dose: Apply a dose as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and apply a regular dose. Do not apply extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.
• Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.
• Fold the used patch in half with the sticky sides together. Throw any used patch away so that children or pets cannot get to it.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• Some medicines can affect how lidocaine works. Tell your doctor if you are using any of the following:
  • Acetaminophen, chloroquine, metoclopramide, primaquine, quinine, sulfasalazine
  • Cancer medicine (including cyclophosphamide, flutamide, hydroxyurea, ifosfamide, rasburicase)
  • Medicine for heart rhythm problems (including amiodarone, mexiletine, tocainide)
  • Medicine to treat an infection (including dapsone, nitrofurantoin, para-aminosalicylic acid, sulfonamide)
  • Medicine to treat seizures (including phenobarbital, phenytoin, sodium valproate)
  • Nitrate or nitrite medicine (including nitric oxide, nitroglycerin, nitroprusside, nitrous oxide)
  • Other local anesthetics (including articaine, benzocaine, bupivacaine, mepivacaine, prilocaine, procaine, ropivacaine, tetracaine)

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have kidney disease, liver disease, heart problems, lung or breathing problems, porphyria (enzyme problem), a blood disorder, G6PD, or epilepsy.
• This medicine may cause methemoglobinemia (blood disorder).
• Do not give lidocaine solution to a child younger than 3 years of age for teething pain, unless your doctor says it is okay.
• Do not use a heating pad, electric blanket, or any other heat source over the patch. However, you may apply Ztlido® patch on the skin after exposure to a moderate heat setting.
• Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve or if they get worse.
• Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.
• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
• Blurred or double vision
• Confusion, dizziness, drowsiness, lightheadedness
• Pale, gray, or blue lips, nails, or skin, dark urine, headache, unusual tiredness or weakness
• Slow, fast, or uneven heartbeat
• Tremor or seizures
• Troubled or shallow breathing, trouble swallowing

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Eye irritation, sore eyes
• Redness, itching, burning, swelling, or blisters where the patch is applied

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088

Last Updated: 9/6/2024