Have you ever had a doctor put something like jelly on your skin before a minor medical procedure? Or maybe they used it to relieve the pain of a condition like hemorrhoids. When you apply it, the area feels numb for a while, and you don't feel the pain, right? Well, Lidocaine jelly is a medicine that is used to temporarily stop pain in a certain area. So today, let's talk about it simply, as if you were telling a friend.
Simply put, what is this lidocaine jelly?
This is actually a numbing medicine. In medicine, we call this ``Anesthetic``. But this is not the whole body, but only the area where it is applied, that is,
a local anesthetic .
The main function
of this is to temporarily stop the feeling of pain in the skin and surrounding tissues. Imagine that you have to put a urinary catheter, or you have an endoscopy, and this jelly is used to reduce the pain and discomfort that occurs at such times. Also, doctors sometimes recommend this to relieve the pain caused by hemorrhoids.
Things you need to tell your doctor before using this medicine
Before you use Lidocaine jelly, you should
definitely discuss these points with your doctor, as this information will help you decide whether this medication is right for you or not.
- Allergies: Be sure to tell your doctor if you have any allergies to Lidocaine, other numbing medications, or any other medications. It's also important to tell them about any allergies you have to foods or preservatives.
- Skin condition: Is there a wound, cut, scratch, or infection on the skin where you plan to apply this jelly? If so, you should tell your doctor about it. This is because broken skin can absorb more of the medicine into the body, causing dangerous side effects.
- Pregnancy: If you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant, be sure to tell your doctor.
- If you are a breastfeeding mother: If you are a breastfeeding mother, inform your doctor about this as well.
How do I use this correctly and safely?
This medicine is usually applied to the skin or mucous membranes with a clean fingertip or cotton swab. It is often applied by a doctor or nurse before a medical examination.
The most important thing is to use only the prescribed amount as your doctor has instructed you. Never take more than you feel like taking.
When used by children
If you are using this medicine on young children, you should
talk to a pediatrician about it, as you need to be more careful when using medicine on young children than on adults.
What to do if you overdose on medicine?
If you think you have taken too much of this medicine, go to the nearest
Emergency Department (ETU) without delay . Or call
the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital . Treat this as an emergency.
Remember!
This medicine has been prescribed for you by your doctor. Do not give it to anyone else who has the same symptoms as you. It can be dangerous.
Special things to be careful of when using
This jelly numbs the area where you apply it, so you don't feel any pain. While that's a good thing, it can also cause problems.
- Take care not to injure the numb area: Imagine that you have applied this to your mouth or throat. Then, because your mouth is numb, you may bite your tongue or cheek without realizing it . Also, even if you drink a very hot tea or eat a food, you may not feel the heat, so your mouth may burn.
- Be careful about eating and drinking: Therefore, if you have used this medicine in your mouth or throat, avoid eating or chewing gum for at least an hour until the tingling sensation is completely gone.
- Do not apply to wounds and infections: As we mentioned earlier, do not apply this to injured, broken, or infected skin. Doing so increases the risk of the medication being absorbed into the body and causing serious side effects like changes in heart rate and seizures .
What are the possible side effects?
Like any medicine, Lidocaine jelly can cause side effects in some people. Let's break them down into two categories.
If you have these symptoms, get medical help immediately. They are usually not dangerous, but if they persist, tell
your doctor. | Type of side effect | Description / Characteristics |
|---|
| Serious Allergic Reaction | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips or tongue. |
| Breathing difficulties | Difficulty breathing. |
| Changes in heart rate | Chest pain, irregular heartbeat. |
| Effects on the nervous system | Headache, seizures, tremors, loss of consciousness. |
| Unusual fatigue | Feeling very tired and weak. |
| Local numbness | Numbness where the medicine was applied (although this is to be expected, tell your doctor if it persists or is bothersome). |
Can there be problems with other medications? (Interactions)
Yes, Lidocaine jelly can interact with some medications. It is especially important to tell your doctor if you are taking
medications to control your heart rhythm . It is best to give your doctor a complete list of all other medications you are taking (including vitamins, herbal remedies, and supplements). Also, tell your doctor if you smoke or drink alcohol.
How to store the medicine?
- Keep it safely out of the reach and sight of children .
- Store at normal room temperature (between 15°C - 30°C). Protect from freezing. That is, do not put it in the fridge or freezer.
- Throw away any medicine left over after the expiration date.
Take-Home Message
- Lidocaine jelly is a medicine that numbs a specific area of the skin and reduces pain.
- Be sure to tell your doctor about your allergies and other medical conditions before using this.
- Use only the amount and method prescribed by your doctor. Never use too much.
- If used in the mouth, avoid eating until the tingling sensation subsides (at least an hour). Be careful not to injure the numb area.
- If you experience any serious side effects such as difficulty breathing, chest pain, or seizures, go to the Emergency Department (ETU) immediately.
- This is for you only. Do not share with others. Always keep it away from children.
Lidocaine jelly, numbing medicine, skin peeling medicine, painkillers, side effects, anethetic sinhala
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