Lidocaine 5% Ointment

What is Lidocaine Ointment and what is it used for?

Lidocaine is used for a wide range of anaesthetic treatments, including eczema, mild burns to the surface of the skin, insect bites as well as genital herpes. In the case of genital herpes specifically, the medicine is applied directly to the blistered area to provide numbing pain relief in as little as 2 minutes. The effect can then last for several hours helping you to get through the difficult, sore period during a flare-up of genital herpes.

What is genital herpes?

Genital herpes is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by a virus called the Herpes Simplex virus, which occurs in two different strains. This is the same virus that causes cold sores on the face but with similar blistering in the sensitive genital area.

Once you have caught herpes, through vaginal, anal or oral sex, the virus will always remain in your body but you will only experience symptoms intermittently.

The main symptoms of genital herpes are:

• Small blisters or sores around the genitals, anus, thighs or buttocks
• Tingling, itching or burning around the genitals
• Pain when urinating
• Women may also experience abnormal vaginal discharge

Symptoms of genital herpes, in most people, will clear up without any treatment, however, Lidocaine ointment can offer short-term relief from painful symptoms during a flare-up.

How does Lidocaine work?

Lidocaine is a local anaesthetic that works by impairing the proper function of the nerves that transmit pain sensations to the brain. By stopping this message from being properly delivered, this soothing ointment helps to dull the soreness of genital herpes or, in some cases, provide complete pain relief for a temporary period.

Alternatives to Lidocaine

At The Independent Pharmacy, we stock a range of management and treatment options for people affected by genital herpes. Instillagel is a direct alternative to Lidocaine ointment and works in the same way to numb sore, irritated areas. We also have antiviral tablets, including Aciclovir and Valaciclovir available on prescription.

If you are suffering from a flare-up of genital herpes but are unsure as to what is the best treatment for you, you should speak to a doctor or pharmacist for advice.

Non-prescription alternatives to Lidocaine

Some non-prescription alternatives for treating a Genital Herpes outbreak include:

• Cleaning the area with water or salt water to promote healing
• Avoid wearing tight clothing
• Use pain relief such as paracetamol
• Try to avoid your known outbreak triggers such as excess alcohol
• Use Vaseline on the blisters to promote healing and relieve pain.

Sources

• Lidocaine Ointment, Patient Information Leaflet: https://imedi.co.uk/lidocaine-...
• https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/...
• https://bnf.nice.org.uk/drug/l...

Lidocaine Ointment warnings

• For external use only. Do not swallow and avoid contact with your eyes.
• Do not use Lidocaine if you are allergic to any of the ingredients.
• Speak to a doctor or pharmacist before using this medicine if you have heart or liver problems or suffer from epilepsy.
• Speak to a doctor or pharmacist if you are taking the following medication; cimetidine for stomach problems or propranolol for high blood pressure, anxiety or heart problems.

Lidocaine in pregnancy & breastfeeding

You should speak to a doctor or pharmacist before using Lidocaine if you are pregnant. Only in exceptional circumstances should this medicine by applied during the first 3 months of pregnancy.

Only a very small amount of the active ingredients are absorbed by the body, which means it can be used while breastfeeding.

Please read the Patient Information Leaflet thoroughly before using Lidocaine ointment.

Lidocaine Ointment directions for Genital Herpes

Lidocaine cream is a topical cream that can be applied around the penis and scrotum in men, and around the vagina in women, if blisters or sores are present. This cream should not be used internally. Apply with gloves to avoid numbing of the fingers.

For adults, the elderly and children for pain relief:

1. Before using Lidocaine, ensure that the affected area is clean and dry.
2. To apply the cream, spread (1-2 ml) the ointment onto the affected area, but do not rub it fully into the skin. It may sting for a few seconds, and you may feel a tingling sensation, but within a few minutes you should notice a reduction in the amount of pain you feel.
3. Repeat as required, but do not used more than one third of a tube in one day.
4. Wash your hands thoroughly after use.

The effects of this anaesthetic usually last for approximately 4 hours, although this will vary. If you have sores or blisters around the head of the penis, you may wish to apply a small amount of cream a few minutes before urinating if urinating causes intense pain.

Lidocaine Ointment side effects

Being a topical cream, side effects when using Lidocaine are infrequent, although the most commonly reported side effects include:

• Burning, swelling or redness of the skin in the area where you have applied the cream. If these symptoms persist or if you are concerned about them, contact your doctor
• Some people are allergic to the ingredients of the medicine. The symptoms of an allergy are facial swelling or shortness of breath – if you experience these symptoms, seek medical attention immediately
• In some very rare instances, patients report increased blistering as a result of applying Lidocaine. If this occurs, contact your doctor immediately

Lidocaine Ingredients

The active ingredient in Lidocaine ointment is: Lidocaine 5% m/m.

The other ingredient in Lidocaine ointment is: Macrogol.