Lidocaine 5% Ointment

Lidocaine 5 % Ointment for Pain Relief

How does Lidocaine 5% ointment work?

Lidocaine 5% Ointment is a local anaesthetic that numbs the area where you apply it. It blocks nerve signals in that specific area, stopping pain messages from reaching your brain.

The ointment base helps the lidocaine stay in place and allows it to be absorbed gradually, providing relief where you need it most. Because it works locally, it only affects the treated area without impacting the rest of your body.

The numbing effect happens fairly quickly after application, giving you relief from discomfort, itching, or soreness.

What is Lidocaine ointment used for?

Lidocaine 5% Ointment is used to relieve pain or discomfort in various areas of the body by numbing the skin. It can help with:

• Dental pain – Numbing gums before dental procedures or for gum pain
• Piles (haemorrhoids) – Relief from the pain and discomfort of haemorrhoids
• Rectal itch or ulcers – Soothing anal fissures or rectal itching (pruritus ani)
• Female genital itch – Relief from vulval itching and discomfort (pruritus vulvae)
• Genital warts – Numbing relief from genital warts
• Cold sores – Numbing and pain relief from cold sores (herpes labialis)
• Shingles – Pain relief from shingles (herpes zoster)
• Sore nipples – Relief for nursing mothers with sore nipples
• Medical examinations – Used as a lubricant for rectal or urethral examinations

The ointment provides targeted numbing relief for these uncomfortable conditions, making day-to-day activities more bearable while the underlying issue heals.

Who can use Lidocaine ointment?

Lidocaine 5% Ointment is suitable for adults, older people, and children who need numbing relief from pain or discomfort in specific areas of the body.

However, it may not be suitable for everyone. You should not use Lidocaine 5% Ointment if you:

• Are allergic (hypersensitive) to lidocaine or any of the other ingredients in this ointment
• Are allergic to other similar amide local anaesthetics

Before using, speak to your doctor or pharmacist if you:

• Are taking cimetidine for stomach problems
• Are taking propranolol for high blood pressure, anxiety, or heart problems
• Are taking any other medicines, including medicines obtained without a prescription
• Are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding
• Have any medical conditions that your doctor should know about

If you’re unsure whether Lidocaine 5% Ointment is right for you, speak to your doctor or pharmacist before using it.

Lidocaine 5% Ointment Dosage

Apply 1 to 2ml of ointment (about 2 to 4cm when squeezed out of the tube) to the affected area.

Repeat when necessary, but use no more than 5g (one third of a 15g tube) within 24 hours unless instructed otherwise by your doctor.

How to Apply Lidocaine 5% Ointment

Always use Lidocaine 5% Ointment exactly as described in the patient information leaflet or follow your doctor or pharmacist’s instructions.

1. Wash your hands thoroughly before applying the ointment. You can also use gauze or barrier gloves if available.
2. Squeeze the ointment from the tube onto your finger or gauze.
3. Gently spread the ointment over the affected area. The ointment will soften at body temperature.
4. Wash your hands immediately after applying the ointment.

For specific uses:

• Nursing mothers: Apply to the nipples using a small piece of lint or gauze. Wash off immediately before the next feed.
• Dentistry: Apply to dry gum and rub gently.

Side Effects of Lidocaine 5% Ointment

Like all medicines, Lidocaine 5% Ointment can cause side effects, although not everyone experiences them. Most people using topical lidocaine will have no problems when used in the correct amount for the prescribed time.

Rare Side Effects

The following side effects are very rare:

• Allergic reactions, including swelling of the lips, face, or neck leading to severe difficulty in breathing, skin rash, or hives
• Allergic reactions from prolonged use (using the ointment for longer than prescribed)

Serious Side Effects

Stop using Lidocaine 5% Ointment immediately and seek urgent medical attention if you experience:

• An allergic reaction with swelling of the lips, face, or neck
• Severe difficulty in breathing
• Skin rash or hives

If the condition becomes worse during treatment, or you experience any other ill effects, stop using the ointment and tell your doctor as soon as possible.

Reporting of Side Effects

If you get any side effects, talk to your doctor or pharmacist. This includes any possible side effects not listed in the leaflet. You can also report side effects directly via the MHRA (Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency) to help monitor the medication’s safety.

Lidocaine 5% Ointment Ingredients

Active ingredient: Lidocaine 5% m/m (50mg per gram)

Other ingredient: Macrogol (polyethylene glycol)

Lidocaine 5% Ointment Warnings

• Keep this medicine out of the sight and reach of children.
• Store the ointment below 25°C.
• Do not use after the expiry date shown on the outer packaging. The expiry date refers to the last day of that month.
• For external use only. Do not swallow. If accidentally swallowed, seek medical advice immediately.
• Lidocaine 5% Ointment is not sterile and should not be used with aseptic techniques.
• Speak to your doctor before using if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding.
• Medicines should not be disposed of via wastewater or household waste. Ask your pharmacist how to dispose of medicines no longer required. These measures will help to protect the environment.