Imagine when you have a tooth pulled, or a small wound that needs to be sutured, the doctor first gives you a small injection to numb the area, right? This is to relieve the pain you feel at that time. One of the most commonly used drugs in such cases is Lidocaine; Epinephrine. This is not just a painkiller, but a drug that temporarily numbs a
specific area. Let's talk about this in a little more detail and simply today.
Simply put, what is Lidocaine; Epinephrine?
This is a combination of two medications. 1.
Lidocaine: This is the main numbing medication. In medicine, we call this ``Local Anesthetics''. That is, it numbs only a small area of the body. This temporarily stops the pain signals from that area to the brain. It's like stopping someone who is carrying a message. 2.
Epinephrine (Adrenaline): The drug Epinephrine that is added to this does a very important thing. It causes the blood vessels in that area to constrict a little. When this happens, there are two main benefits:
- Numbness lasts longer: Lidocaine stays in the area longer due to reduced blood flow . Therefore, numbness can last for several hours.
- Reduces bleeding : Epinephrine largely controls bleeding during surgery or tooth extraction.
This medicine is commonly used in dental treatments, minor surgeries, and wound dressings.
Things you need to tell your doctor before getting this vaccine
Before giving you this medicine, your doctor will ask you some questions. However, you must also tell them this information. It is very important for your safety. Don't hide anything, even the smallest thing.
- Allergies : If you have an allergy to Lidocaine, Epinephrine, or any other anesthetic, you should tell your doctor first. Also, tell your doctor if you have any allergies to any other medications, foods, dyes, or preservatives.
- Other medical conditions you have: If you have these medical conditions, it is imperative to inform your doctor.
- Heart disease
- High or low blood pressure
- Liver disease
- Kidney disease
- Lung disease
- The genetic condition called G6PD deficiency
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding: Be sure to tell your doctor if you are pregnant, trying to become pregnant, or breastfeeding.
Based on this information, the doctor will decide whether to give you this medication, use another alternative, or change the dosage.
How do you use this medicine?
This is not a medicine that you can take home. So there is nothing to worry about. This is a vaccine that is given
entirely in a hospital or clinic setting, by a doctor or qualified health professional . It is usually injected ``under the skin`` in the area that needs to be numbed. Even children, over the age of 1, are given this medicine in some selected cases. But it is done very carefully and under special supervision.
What to do if the medication dose increases?
Since this is given in a hospital setting, the risk of overdose is very low. However, if you suspect that something has happened, go to a hospital
ETU (Emergency Treatment Unit) immediately. Or you can call
the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital for advice.
What other medications may interact with this medicine?
If you are taking medication for another condition, it is very important to tell your doctor about all of your medications (including vitamins and herbal remedies). Some medications can interact with Lidocaine and Epinephrine and cause unwanted problems. The table below explains this further.
Medications that should never be taken together Other medications that may interact (this list is not complete) | Type of medicine | Description |
|---|
| Dofetilide | A drug that affects the heart rhythm. |
| Saquinavir | A medicine used to treat HIV infection. |
| Acetaminophen | Painkillers such as paracetamol. |
| Certain antibiotics | Eg: dapsone, nitrofurantoin, sulfonamides. |
| Certain seizure medications | For example: phenobarbital, phenytoin, valproic acid. |
| Other local anesthetics | Ex: bupivacaine, pramoxine. |
| Nitroglycerin | A medicine used for heart disease. |
Most importantly: Give your doctor a complete list of all medications, vitamins, herbal products, and supplements you take. Also tell your doctor if you smoke or drink alcohol.
Things to be careful about after getting vaccinated
This is the most important thing to pay attention to on your part. As long as the medicine is working, that is, as long as there is a tingling sensation,
that area will not feel pain. Imagine that you have a tooth extracted and that side is tingling. You can eat on that side and bite your lip or cheek. But because of the tingling sensation, you will not feel it. Therefore, it can be a big injury.
Therefore, it is your responsibility to take care of the numb area without causing any injury. Follow the doctor's instructions exactly. Take care of the area until the numbness is completely gone.
What are the possible side effects?
Like any medicine, this one can have side effects. However, not everyone gets them. Some side effects are serious and you should seek medical advice immediately. Some are normal and will go away after a while.
Side effects that should be reported to your doctor immediately are usually not serious (but tell
your doctor if they persist).
| Allergic reactions | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat. |
| Heart rhythm changes | Fast or irregular heartbeat, dizziness, chest pain, difficulty breathing. |
| Blood pressure changes | Increase or decrease in blood pressure. If it decreases, symptoms such as dizziness and blurred vision may occur. |
| Symptoms of Methemoglobinemia | Headache, unusual weakness, difficulty breathing, nausea, vomiting, rapid heartbeat, blue skin or lips (a condition that affects the blood's ability to carry oxygen). |
| Effects on the central nervous system (CNS depression) | Slow breathing, difficulty breathing, excessive sleepiness, confusion, difficulty keeping eyes open. |
| Seizures | Maybe having a fit. |
| Psychological effects | Anxiety, nervousness. |
| Drowsiness | Feeling slightly drowsy. |
| Nausea and vomiting (Nausea, Vomiting) | Stomach upset, feeling like vomiting. |
This list does not include all possible side effects. If you experience any unusual symptoms, talk to your doctor about them.
Take-Home Message
- Lidocaine; Epinephrine is an injection that is given to temporarily numb an area of the body and relieve pain. It is only given by a doctor in a hospital or clinic.
- Be sure to tell your doctor about any allergies you have, other medical conditions (especially heart, liver, and kidney disease), and all medications you are taking.
- After the vaccination, it is your responsibility to protect the area from injury until the tingling sensation has completely subsided.
- Seek immediate medical attention if you experience any unusual symptoms (especially difficulty breathing, chest pain, extreme dizziness, blue skin).
- If you have any questions about this medicine, never be afraid to ask your doctor.
Lidocaine, Epinephrine, Painkillers, Painkillers, Vaccines, Side Effects, Tooth Extraction, Anesthesia
💬 අදහස් (0)
තවමත් කිසිදු අදහසක් පළ කර නොමැත. ඔබේ අදහස පළමු වරට මෙහි එක් කරන්න.
ඔබේ අදහස එක් කරන්න