Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Jun 15, 2022.
Commonly used brand name(s)
In the U.S.
- Zingo
Available Dosage Forms:
- Powder
Therapeutic Class: Anesthetic, Local
Chemical Class: Amino Amide
Uses for lidocaine
Lidocaine injection is used to numb the skin before certain painful procedures such as drawing blood or inserting an intravenous line.
Lidocaine belongs to the family of medicines called local anesthetics. Lidocaine prevents pain by blocking the signals at the nerve endings in the skin. Lidocaine does not cause loss of consciousness as general anesthetics do when used for surgery.
Lidocaine is to be given only by or under the direct supervision of your doctor.
Before using lidocaine
In deciding to use a medicine, the risks of taking the medicine must be weighed against the good it will do. This is a decision you and your doctor will make. For lidocaine, the following should be considered:
Allergies
Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to lidocaine or any other medicines. Also tell your health care professional if you have any other types of allergies, such as to foods, dyes, preservatives, or animals. For non-prescription products, read the label or package ingredients carefully.
Pediatric
Appropriate studies have not been performed on the relationship of age to the effects of lidocaine injection in children younger than 3 years of age. Safety and efficacy have not been established.
Geriatric
Appropriate studies performed to date have not demonstrated geriatric-specific problems that would limit the usefulness of lidocaine injection in the elderly.
Breastfeeding
Studies in women suggest that this medication poses minimal risk to the infant when used during breastfeeding.
Interactions with medicines
Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. When you are receiving lidocaine, it is especially important that your healthcare professional know if you are...
