Oh my, I have a mouth ulcer! I can't eat, drink, or talk properly... It's so painful, isn't it? Some people get these ulcers inside their mouths (canker sores), while others get them on their lips (cold sores/fever blisters). Today we're talking about a mouth gel that can be used to provide quick relief from minor aches and pains.
What is this medicine? What exactly does it do?
Simply put, this is a gel that temporarily numbs the area of your mouth that is painful, like a sore or blister. When applied, it temporarily deactivates the nerves in that area, so you feel less pain.
This gel mainly contains things like Benzocaine, Zinc Chloride, Benzalkonium Chloride . The chemical called `(Benzocaine)` is the main one that causes the tingling sensation. You can find these in Sri Lankan pharmacies under various brand names like `(Orajel Mouth Sore)`. But remember, this does not cure the disease, but rather provides relief from the pain caused by the disease.
Things to tell your doctor before using this medicine
Before using this gel, you should definitely inform your doctor if you have any of the following medical conditions or conditions, as this medicine may not be suitable for you in some cases.
| Illness or condition | Why should you inform? |
|---|---|
| Diabetes | Some medications can affect blood sugar levels. |
| G6PD deficiency | This is a specific blood disease and can cause problems with some medications. |
| Heart disease | Some side effects may affect heart patients. |
| Lung or respiratory disease (such as asthma, COPD) | You should be aware of side effects related to the respiratory system. |
| Liver diseases | It is important to be informed because the liver metabolizes the medication. |
| Smoking | Smoking can affect the effectiveness of some medications. |
| Being pregnant or trying to get pregnant | Medical advice is essential before taking any medication during pregnancy. |
| Being a breastfeeding mother | You should be aware of the possibility of medication passing to the baby through breast milk. |
| Other allergies | If you are allergic to this medicine, other medicines, foods, or dyes. |
How exactly do you use this?
To get the most out of this, it is very important to know how to use it properly.
- This is a mouthwash only . Never swallow it.
- Wash your hands thoroughly with soap before and after applying the medicine.
- Be careful not to get it in your eyes. If you accidentally get it in your eyes, don't panic and rinse your eyes thoroughly with clean water.
- Read and follow the instructions on the medicine tube or packet carefully. Do not apply more or more frequently than directed.
- Using a clean finger or cotton bud, apply a thin film, covering only the wound .
What if you give it to small children?
Although this can sometimes be given to children over the age of 2 for mouth sores, it is safest to talk to your doctor about it and get advice. Do not give these types of medications to young children without the doctor's approval.
Important: This is only a temporary pain reliever. This is not a medication that should be used regularly. Use it only when you are in pain and as needed.
What to do if you overdose or swallow the medicine?
If you think you have taken more medicine than you think, or if you see someone, especially a small child, swallowing it, call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital immediately. Or, take them to the nearest hospital Emergency Department (ETU) without delay.
What are the special things to be careful about?
- See if the wound heals: If your symptoms do not improve after a few days of using this medicine, or if the wound gets worse, be sure to see your doctor. If you need to use this for more than a week, ask your doctor about that too.
- Be careful because it's numb: Another important thing! Since this gel makes the area numb when applied, you won't feel any pain. Therefore, there is a high chance of accidentally touching or injuring the area. Be a little careful when eating and talking.
- Watch out for blue/gray discoloration: If you notice a blue or gray discoloration of your lips, mouth, skin, or nails, it could be a sign of a more serious condition. It is medically called ``Methemoglobinemia.'' Although this is a very rare condition, if it occurs, stop using the medication immediately and see a doctor.
Possible side effects
Like any medicine, this can cause side effects in some people.
| Types of side effects | |
|---|---|
| Serious side effects that require immediate medical attention | |
| Allergic Reactions | Skin rash, severe itching, swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat. |
| Symptoms of methemoglobinemia | Severe headache, unusual tiredness, difficulty breathing, nausea, vomiting, fast heartbeat, blue/gray discoloration of the skin or lips. |
| Side effects that are usually not serious, but should be reported to the doctor if they persist | |
| Minor skin changes | Slight irritation, redness, or dryness of the skin where the medicine was applied. |
How do you store and remove the medicine?
- Keep this medicine in a safe place out of the reach and sight of children and pets .
- Store at normal room temperature (between 20-25 degrees Celsius). Keep away from extreme heat or extreme cold.
- Never use expired medicine .
- If you need to dispose of expired or unused medication, ask your doctor how to do it. Typically, you can remove the medication from the tube, mix it with something like used tea leaves or coffee grounds, put it in a small bag, seal it, and throw it in the trash. Never flush medications down the toilet.
Take-Home Message
- This medicine is a numbing gel used to temporarily relieve pain caused by small wounds and blisters in the mouth.
- Before using this, inform your doctor about any other medical conditions you have (such as diabetes, heart disease).
- The area will be numb after the medication is applied, so avoid unintentional injury.
- If serious side effects occur, such as blue/gray discoloration of the skin, lips, or nails, difficulty breathing, or severe swelling, the medication should be stopped immediately and you should immediately go to a hospital's Emergency Department (ETU).
- If you need to use this medicine for more than a week or if the wound does not heal, be sure to seek medical advice.
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