Lidocaine Injection

Lidocaine as injection is used as local anesthetics and antiarrhythmic. Local anesthetic property of lidocaine is useful in blocking nerves to create a numb field. Lidocaine is either injected close to nerve or spread over skin to block nerve. Lidocaine is also injected intravenously to treat cardiac arrhythmias. Lidocaine patch is local application of lidocaine over skin to block peripheral branches of nerves spreading under the skin.

LIDODERM contains lidocaine with other chemicals. Paste of Lidoderm contains 5% lidocaine, acetamide, dihydroxyaluminum aminoacetate, disodium edetate, gelatin, glycerin, kaolin, methylparaben, polyacrylic acid, polyvinyl alcohol, propylene glycol, propylparaben, sodium carboxymethylcellulose, sodium polyacrylate, D-sorbitol, tartaric acid, and urea. Paste of mixture is spread over a thin film with adhesive material and covered with a polyethylene terephthalate (PET) film release liner. Thin film layer is removed before patch is applied over painful area. Size of patch is 10 cm x 14 cm.

Lidoderm patch works for neuropathic pain (further reading- www.epainassist.com) caused by shingles (post herpetic pain) and RSD (chronic regional pain syndrome) pain.

Patch is applied over painful area of skin for 12 hours and removed for next 12 hours. Patch can be cut to match area of pain.

Side effects after local application are blisters, skin reaction, and skin swelling. Consult physician to evaluate continuation of use. Serious side effects that are rarely seen are dizziness, confusion, rash, hives and breathing difficulties. Serious side effects need further medical evaluation immediately either at ER or physicians office. Lidocaine is otherwise safe medication. Do not cover patch with heating pad or blanket. Rarely drug interaction with mexilentin and tocainide can cause arrhythmias.

Lidoderm patch is approved for neuropathic pain caused by shingles (post herpetic pain) and RSD (chronic regional pain syndrome). Clinical experience of several pain physicians has concluded patch is also effective in relieving pain caused by fracture ribs, muscle spasm, muscle sprain, ligament sprain, fracture of toes and fingers. Please consult pain clinic for use of patch for any other medical conditions not described in this article.

Report side effects to Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) Contact information: www.fda.gov/safety/MedWatcher or call 1-800-332-1088 (USA), 1-866-234-2345 (Canada).

• Inform your doctor immediately.
• Go to nearest ER immediately, if you cannot get hold of your doctor.
• See list of side effects under description of each medications.
• If side effects remain consistent until next dose or intolerable contact your physician or go to ER.
• Signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

• Read direction carefully
• If you do not understand any part of instruction discuss with your doctor or pharmacist.
• Follow the instructions carefully. Take the pills or liquid as prescribed. Do not increase or decrease frequency or quantity on your own judgment; you will be exposed to side effects or withdrawal symptoms.

• Call 911, immediate resuscitation is most important initial step in treating life-threatening symptoms.
• Call poison center 1-800 222 1222. Call after initial treatment is resume.

Do not share medications with your friend or relatives. Each individual has different history of allergies, drug interaction, drug shopping, addiction and other general health concern. Physician must prescribe medications after detail history and examination. Small error may be life threatening.