Have you ever had a minor accident? For example, you get a little burn on your hand while working in the kitchen, you get a cut while running around and playing, or you get a really itchy bug bite. The pain and itching you feel at times like these are very annoying, aren't they? Today we're talking about a medicine that can be used to temporarily relieve minor skin pain and itching. That's Lidocaine Pads.
Simply put, what is Lidocaine?
Lidocaine is an anesthetic. But it is not a general anesthetic used for surgery. It works by temporarily numbing a certain area of the skin. To be precise,
it numbs that area. When the skin is numbed in this way, our brain stops feeling the pain and itching in that area. This gives us great relief. This medicine is usually used for:
- For the pain of minor burns
- For scratches
- For pain and itching caused by insect bites
In addition to these, your doctor may also recommend this medication for other skin conditions.
Things you need to tell your doctor before taking this medicine
As with any medication, it is important to inform your doctor about your medical history before using Lidocaine. Be sure to tell them about any of the conditions below.
| Your health condition | Why should I inform you? (Simply) |
|---|
| G6PD deficiency | Since this is a blood-related condition, some medications may be harmful. |
| Heart disease | Because there is a small chance that the medicine will affect the heart rate when absorbed into the body. |
| Kidney or liver disease | Since these organs are involved in the process of removing drugs from the body, care should be taken if their function is impaired. |
| If the skin is burned or injured over a large area | Wounded skin can absorb more medicine into the body. |
| Allergy to Lidocaine or other medications, foods, or dyes | To prevent an allergic reaction to the medicine. |
| If you are pregnant or expecting a baby | To be concerned about the possible effects on the baby in the womb. |
| If a mother is breastfeeding her child | To consider the possibility of the medicine passing to the baby through breast milk. |
How exactly do you use this?
This is very simple, but it's important to do it right.
- For topical use only: This medicine is for external use only. Do not take by mouth for any reason.
- Wash your hands: Wash your hands thoroughly with soap before and after applying the medicine.
- Do not let it get into your eyes : This is not good for your eyes at all. If you accidentally get it in your eyes, immediately rinse them thoroughly with water.
- Use it exactly as your doctor tells you: use it only in the prescribed amount and for the prescribed number of times. Don't use it too often because you think it's too painful.
- If given to young children: Doctors sometimes recommend this medicine for children over 2 years of age. However, if you do give it to them, be sure to consult your pediatrician and use it exactly as he or she recommends.
Most importantly: This medicine is for you only. Do not share your medicine with others, even if they have the same symptoms as you.
What to do if the medication is too much?
If you think you have taken too much medicine, or a small child has accidentally taken it,
do not delay. Immediately call
the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital . Or go
to the Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) of the nearest hospital.
What if I miss a dose?
If you forget to take your medicine, take that dose as soon as you remember. But if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take the next dose at the scheduled time.
Never take two doses at the same time. Things to be careful about when using this medicine
- Be careful of the numb area: When you apply this medicine, the area becomes numb, so you don't feel any pain. Therefore, there is a high chance of other accidents happening to that area. Imagine that when you apply this to your finger, it is numb and you may touch something hot without realizing it. Therefore, be very careful with that body part when it is numb.
- Pay attention to your symptoms: If your symptoms don't improve, or if they get worse, be sure to tell your doctor.
- Skin discoloration: If you notice your lips, fingernails, or inside your mouth turning blue or gray, stop using the medicine immediately and see your doctor. This could be a sign of a serious condition.
What are the possible side effects?
Most people don't experience serious side effects, but it's important to be aware of the things that can sometimes happen.
Serious side effects that should be reported to the doctor immediately: Things to tell
the doctor if they are usually not serious, but are bothersome
| Side effect | Description |
|---|
| Allergic reactions | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips or tongue. |
| Changes in heart rate | Difficulty breathing, chest pain, dizziness, fast or irregular heartbeat, feeling faint. |
| Methemoglobinemia | Difficulty breathing, headache, pale, gray, or blue lips, nails, or skin, extreme fatigue. |
| Other serious symptoms | Vision changes, confusion, seizures, tremors. |
| Feelings where the medicine was applied | Numbness, tingling, or a tingling sensation at the injection site (this is usually to be expected). |
How do you store the medicine?
- Keep away from children and pets.
- Store at room temperature (between 15 and 30 degrees Celsius).
- Throw away any medicine left after the expiration date.
Take-Home Message
- Lidocaine pads are for topical use only. Never take them by mouth.
- Before using this medicine, be sure to tell your doctor about any other illnesses and allergies you have.
- Be very careful when applying the medicine, as it can cause unconsciousness and injury to that part of the body.
- If you experience serious side effects such as difficulty breathing or blue skin, seek medical advice immediately.
- The medicines you are given are for your own use only. Do not share them with others.
Lidocaine, topical pad, skin pain, numbness, skin peeling medicine, side effects
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