Proper Usage
This section provides information on the proper use of a number of products that contain Xylocaine. It may not be specific to Xylocaine. Please read with care.
Use this medicine exactly as directed by your doctor. Do not use it for any other condition without first checking with your doctor. This medicine may cause unwanted effects if it is used too much, because more of it is absorbed into the body through the skin.
A nurse or other trained health care professional will give you this medicine before having a medical procedure.
Wash your hands with soap and water before and after using this medicine.
Unless otherwise directed by your doctor, do not apply this medicine to open wounds, burns, or broken or inflamed skin.
This medicine should only be used for problems being treated by your doctor. Check with your doctor before using it for other problems, especially if you think that an infection may be present. This medicine should not be used to treat certain kinds of skin infections or serious problems, such as severe burns.
Be careful not to get any of this medicine in your eyes, because it can cause severe eye irritation. If any of the medicine does get in the eyes, wash the eyes with water for at least 15 minutes and check with your doctor right away.
Dosing
The dose of this medicine will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor’s orders or the directions on the label. The following information includes only the average doses of this medicine. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.
The amount of medicine that you take depends on the strength of the medicine. Also, the number of doses you take each day, the time allowed between doses, and the length of time you take the medicine depend on the medical problem for which you are using the medicine.
- For topical dosage form (ointment):
- For pain and itching caused by minor skin conditions:
- Adults—Apply to the affected area three or four times a day. The largest amount of ointment that should be used in a single application is 5 grams. If you use the 5% ointment, this is about 6 inches of ointment from the tube.
- Children—Dose is based on body weight and must be determined by your doctor.
- For pain and itching caused by minor skin conditions:
Missed Dose
If you miss a dose of this medicine, apply it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule.
Storage
Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Keep from freezing.
Keep out of the reach of children.
Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.
Ask your healthcare professional how you should dispose of any medicine you do not use.
Precautions While Using Xylocaine
It is very important that your doctor check you closely for any problems or unwanted effects that may be caused by this medicine.
If your symptoms do not improve within a few days or if they become worse, check with your doctor.
After applying this medicine to the skin of your child, watch the child carefully to make sure that he or she does not get any of the medicine in the eyes or mouth. Lidocaine can cause serious side effects, especially in children, if it gets into the mouth and is swallowed.
Stop using this medicine and check with your doctor right away if you have a skin rash, burning, stinging, swelling, or irritation of your skin.
If you are using this medicine in the mouth or throat, do not eat or drink anything for one hour after using it. When this medicine is applied to these areas, it may cause swallowing and choking problems. Do not chew gum or food while your mouth or throat feels numb after you use this medicine. You may accidentally bite your tongue or the inside of your cheeks.
Do not use cosmetics or other skin care products on the treated skin areas.
