Variety of delivery options including next day & free delivery.
Pharmacy, clinic and prescribers based in Greater Manchester.
Start your treatment with a quick and free online consultation.
Variety of delivery options including next day & free delivery.
Pharmacy, clinic and prescribers based in Greater Manchester.
Start your treatment with a quick and free online consultation.
Fill in a quick online consultation for our licensed pharmacists to review.
Our pharmacists will review your treatment to ensure it’s suitable.
Your treatment will be delivered to your door quickly & discreetly.
Fill in a quick online consultation for our licensed pharmacists to review.
Our pharmacists will review your treatment to ensure it’s suitable.
Your treatment will be delivered to your door quickly & discreetly.
Instillagel Pre-filled Syringes
| Product Name | Instillagel Pre-filled Syringes |
| Product Form | Gel in pre-filled syringes |
| Used For | Symptomatic relief of genital herpes (numbing of blisters and sores) |
| Who Can Use | Adults aged 18 and over |
| Active Ingredient(s) | Lidocaine hydrochloride 2%, chlorhexidine gluconate |
| Usual Dose | Apply to affected areas as needed, up to 4 times daily |
| Common Side Effects | Skin irritation or allergic rash at the application site |
| Prescription Required | Yes |
| Patient Information Leaflet | Instillagel Patient Information Leaflet |
Instillagel is used to relieve the pain and discomfort caused by genital herpes outbreaks. Genital herpes is a common sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV). Once contracted, the virus stays in the body and can cause recurring flare-ups, which typically involve blisters, sores, and soreness around the genitals, thighs, or buttocks.
Instillagel does not clear the infection or shorten the duration of a flare-up. It works by numbing the affected area, making symptoms easier to manage while they are present.
Common symptoms of genital herpes include:
Instillagel can be used on its own for symptom relief or alongside antiviral treatments such as aciclovir or valaciclovir, which work to reduce the severity and duration of an outbreak.
Instillagel contains lidocaine hydrochloride, a local anaesthetic that works by blocking pain signals in the nerves at the point of application. When applied to blisters or sores caused by genital herpes, it numbs the area quickly, reducing pain, burning and irritation. The effects typically last for around 4 hours.
The gel also contains chlorhexidine gluconate, an antiseptic that helps reduce the risk of secondary bacterial infection at the site of the sores.
Instillagel works on contact and does not need to be absorbed into the bloodstream to take effect. Only very small amounts of lidocaine enter the body when applied externally, making it suitable for use as needed during a flare-up.
Instillagel is suitable for adults aged 18 and over who are experiencing pain and discomfort during a genital herpes flare-up.
Do not use Instillagel if you:
Speak to your doctor or pharmacist before using Instillagel if you:
Instillagel is for external use only. Apply it directly to the blisters and sores caused by genital herpes as and when needed, up to 4 times a day.
Do not apply Instillagel to broken or heavily inflamed skin beyond the sores themselves, and avoid any contact with the eyes. If the gel comes into contact with your eyes, rinse immediately and thoroughly with water, and seek medical advice if irritation, redness or pain persists.
If you find you need to use Instillagel more than 4 times a day to manage your symptoms, speak to a doctor. An antiviral treatment may provide better relief.
Like all medicines, Instillagel can cause side effects, though not everyone experiences them.
Stop using Instillagel and seek immediate medical help if you develop a rash, swelling at the application site, or difficulty breathing. These may be signs of a severe allergic reaction, which is very rare (fewer than 1 in 10,000 people).
If the gel accidentally comes into contact with your eyes, rinse thoroughly with water straight away. Seek medical advice promptly if you experience any irritation, redness, pain or changes to your vision.
For a full list of side effects, read the Instillagel Patient Information Leaflet.
If you notice any side effects, tell your doctor or pharmacist, even if they are not listed here. You can also report side effects directly through the Yellow Card Scheme. This helps improve the safety of medicines.
Active ingredients: Lidocaine hydrochloride, chlorhexidine gluconate, methyl parahydroxybenzoate (E218), propyl parahydroxybenzoate (E216)
Other ingredients: Hydroxyethylcellulose, propylene glycol (E1520), sodium hydroxide, purified water
Instillagel contains methyl parahydroxybenzoate and propyl parahydroxybenzoate, which may cause allergic reactions (possibly delayed). It also contains propylene glycol, which may cause skin irritation.
Instillagel prefilled syringes are a prescription-only medicine in the UK. You can order it through our online pharmacy by completing a free consultation, which will be reviewed by one of our licensed pharmacists.
Each Instillagel syringe is for single use only. Once opened, any gel remaining in the syringe should be disposed of safely. Do not store or reuse an opened syringe.
The numbing effect of Instillagel typically lasts for around 4 hours. It can be reapplied as needed, but you should not use it more than 4 times a day. If you find you need it more frequently to manage your symptoms, speak to a doctor, as an antiviral treatment may be more appropriate.
Instillagel is typically administered by healthcare professionals in clinical settings to provide lubrication and local anaesthesia during catheterisation and other urological procedures. If you carry out self-catheterisation, speak to your doctor or nurse before using Instillagel, as they will be able to advise on if it’s appropriate for you and how to use it safely.
Page content authored by Amjad Khan, last reviewed by Dr Hussain Ahmad on 14th April 2026.
Get 10% Off Your First Order
Sign up to receive special offers via email and get 10% off your first order*
By opting in to marketing, you agree to our terms & conditions and privacy policy.
