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Lidocaine (Into the skin)

Lidocaine (LYE-doe-kane)

Numbs the skin and prevents pain before drawing blood or placing an intravenous (IV) line. This medicine is a local anesthetic.

Brand Name(s):

Zingo

There may be other brand names for this medicine.

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

This medicine is not right for everyone. You should not receive it if you had an allergic reaction to lidocaine or to similar medicines.

How to Use This Medicine:

Injectable

  • A nurse or other health provider will give you this medicine.
  • This medicine is given by placing a round injection device on your skin. The device pushes the medicine into the skin without using a needle. You will hear a popping sound when the medicine is given.
  • This medicine is for use only on the skin. It will not be used on skin with cuts or scrapes. Do not get the medicine into your eyes, nose, or mouth. If it does get on these areas, rinse it off right away.

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 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)

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

  • Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have liver disease, bleeding problems, blood clotting problems, heart problems, lung or breathing problems, a blood disorder, or a genetic disease (including pseudocholinesterase deficiency, G6PD deficiency).
  • This medicine may cause a rare, but serious blood problem called methemoglobinemia.
  • Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.

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
  • Pale, gray, or blue lips, nails, or skin, dark urine, headache, unusual tiredness or weakness, fast heartbeat, troubled breathing
  • Severe redness, itching, burning, swelling, or bleeding on your skin where the medicine is placed

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
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