Can you purchase lidocaine over the counter

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Frequently Asked Questions

Like all medications, lidocaine can have side effects, although not everyone will experience them.

Some of the most common side effects of lidocaine hydrochloride include:

  • Allergic reaction, e.g. swelling, difficulty breathing, itching
  • Irritation in area of application
  • Nervousness
  • Dizziness
  • Drowsiness
  • Loss of consciousness
  • Sore throat
  • Hoarseness or loss of voice
  • Low blood pressure
  • Seizures
  • Difficulty breathing, slow breathing
  • Slow heartbeat
  • Stopped heartbeat or stopping breathing

If you experience these or any other side effects while using this product, stop use and speak to your doctor or pharmacist as soon as possible.

For a complete list of the side effects of your own medication, please read the patient information leaflet that comes included with the product.

Lidocaine works by blocking the nerves that send signals to your brain.

It gets to work wherever you place it, blocking signals moving to your brain from that area and numbing the area as a result.

This is perfect for those experiencing pain in a specific area, for example, when you have a mouth ulcer.

Some medications that contain lidocaine can be used to ease pain in children.

For example, Bonjela, Calgel, and Anbesol have all produced teething gels which contain lidocaine and are ideal for little ones who are suffering from teething pain.

However, you should always read the patient information leaflet that’s included with any medication before giving it to your child, so you can be 100% sure that it’s suitable for them.

If you’re ever unsure whether any medicines are suitable for your child, or if you have never given them to your child before, speak to your doctor or pharmacist for advice.

The maximum dose of each lidocaine product will change depending on your age and what you’re using lidocaine for.

The best way to find the maximum dose of your own lidocaine medication is to read the patient information leaflet that comes with the product, as this will let you know exactly how much you should take every day.

If you’re ever unsure, speak to your doctor or pharmacist before taking your medication so you can double-check that you’re taking the right dose for you.

How Xylocaine 5% Ointment Works

1

What is it?

Xylocaine 5% Ointment is a local anaesthetic that can be applied to your skin to help relieve pain or itching, and produces a temporary feeling of numbness.

It comes in the form of a white or greyish-white ointment that contains the active ingredient lidocaine (also known as lignocaine) in a water-soluble base of propylene glycol and macrogols.

Each gram of ointment contains 50 mg of lidocaine (lignocaine) – the most commonly used local anaesthetic in Australia.*

Xylocaine 5% Ointment is available at your local pharmacy and you don’t need a prescription to buy or use it.

Xylocaine has a long history and has been sold and used as topical anaesthetic since 1948.

Can you purchase lidocaine over the counter

Can you purchase lidocaine over the counter

2

How does a local anaesthetic work?

Xylocaine 5% Ointment is designed to temporarily numb painful or itchy skin. It does this by blocking the signals at the nerve endings in the skin stopping the nerves passing pain messages up to the brain.

This loss of sensation or numbness is achieved by applying the ointment ‘topically’ to the painful part of your body. Being a local anaesthetic, the numbness stays ‘localised’ and does not affect the rest of your body. Its effect is only temporary and does not cause unconsciousness as general anaesthetics do.

Can you purchase lidocaine over the counter

3

What can I use Xylocaine 5% Ointment for?

Xylocaine 5% Ointment is used to help stop itching and pain from:

  • Skin irritations such as minor burns, non-blistered sunburn, insect bites and sore nipples
  • Haemorrhoids (piles) and anal fissures.

Works quickly to provide pain relief

Once applied to the affected area Xylocaine 5% Ointment starts to act in 3-5 minutes*– providing effective relieffrom pain and itching.

*On mucous membranes

Can you purchase lidocaine over the counter

Where can I buy Xylocaine 5% Ointment?

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your nearest pharmacy

Do I need a prescription for lidocaine?

Lidocaine belongs to the family of medicines called local anesthetics. This medicine prevents pain by blocking the signals at the nerve endings in the skin. This medicine does not cause unconsciousness as general anesthetics do when used for surgery. This medicine is available only with your doctor's prescription.

What is liquid lidocaine used for?

Lidocaine viscous, a local anesthetic, is used to treat the pain of a sore or irritated mouth and throat often associated with cancer chemotherapy and certain medical procedures. Lidocaine viscous is not normally used for sore throats due to cold, flu, or infections such as strep throat.

How much lidocaine cream is too much?

The dose should be no more than 1.2 mL applied to the immediate area with a cotton-tipped swab. Wait at least 3 hours between doses, and do not use more than 4 doses in a 12-hour period.

What are the side effects of lidocaine cream?

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Blistering, crusting, irritation, itching, or reddening of the skin..
cracked, dry, or scaly skin..
hives or welts, itching, skin rash..
irritation..
joint pain, stiffness, or swelling..
large, hive-like swelling on the face, eyelids, lips, tongue, throat, hands, legs, feet, or genitals..