Brand name: ELMA
(Lignocaine, LIDOCAINE )
Some commonly used brand names are:In the U.S.— Lidoderm
Category:* Anesthetic, local .
Description : Lidocaine( (LYE-doe-kane)) belongs to the family of
medicines called local anesthetics ((an-ess-THET-iks)) . When lidocaine
is applied
to
the skin, it produces numbness by deadening the nerve endings in the
skin. Lidocaine topical systems are used to relieve pain and discomfort
associated with herpes zoster virus infection of the skin (shingles).
Lidocaine is available only with your doctor's prescription, in the
following dosage form(s):
* Topical Topical system (U.S.)
Before Using This Medicine
In deciding to use a medicine, the risks of taking the medicine must
be weighed against the good it will do. This is a decision you and
your doctor will make. For lidocaine, the following should be considered:
Allergies—Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual
or allergic reaction to lidocaine or other local anesthetics given
by injection or applied to any part of the body as a liquid, cream,
ointment, or spray. Also tell your health care professional if you
are allergic to any other substances, such as foods, preservatives,
or dyes.
Pregnancy—Lidocaine has not been studied in pregnant women.
However, lidocaine has not been shown to cause birth defects or other
problems in animal studies.
Breast-feeding—Small amounts of lidocaine pass into breast milk.
Many medicines that pass into breast milk in small amounts may be used
safely while breast-feeding. Mothers who are using this medicine and
who wish to breast-feed should discuss this with their doctor.
Children—Studies on this medicine have been done only in adult
patients, and there is no specific information comparing use of lidocaine
topical systems in children with use in other age groups.Older adults—Many
medicines have not been studied specifically in older people. Therefore,
it may not be known whether they work exactly
the same way they do in younger adults or if they cause different side
effects or problems in older people. There is no specific information
comparing use of lidocaine topical systems in the elderly with use
in other age groups.Other medicines—Although certain medicines
should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines
may be used
together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor
may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary.
When you are using lidocaine topical systems, it is especially important
that your health care professional know if you are taking or using
any other prescription or nonprescription medicine.Other medical problems—The
presence of other medical problems may affect the use of lidocaine
topical systems. Make sure to tell
your doctor if you have any other medical problems, especially:
* Broken or inflamed skin, burns, or open wounds at the place of
application—More of this medicine can be absorbed into the body
quickly, which increases the chance of side effects
* Liver disease (severe)—The risk of side effects may be increased because
of slower removal of lidocaine from the body
Proper Use of This Medicine
Unless otherwise directed by your health care professional, do not
apply this medicine to open wounds, burns or broken or inflamed skin.
Be careful not to get any of this medicine in your eyes, because it
can cause severe eye irritation. If any of the medicine does get into
your eye, immediately wash out the eye with water and protect the eye
until sensation returns. Check with your doctor.
Use only as directed by your health care professional; avoid applying
more than the recommended number of topical systems or using the topical
systems for longer than the recommended wearing time.
Clothing may be worn over the area of application.
Dosing—The dose of lidocaine topical systems will be different
for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions
on the label. The following information includes only the average doses
of lidocaine topical systems. If your dose is different, do not change
it unless your doctor tells you to do so.
For relieving pain caused by herpes zoster virus infection of the
skin (shingles) in adult patients—Remove release liner and apply
topical system to skin, covering the most painful area(s). Apply no
more than 3 systems at one time and do not leave on for longer than
twelve hours within a twenty-four hour period. Topical systems may
be cut into smaller sizes with scissors prior to removal of the release
liner.
Storage—ELMA (Lignocaine):
* Keep out of the reach of children.
* Keep envelope sealed at all times when not in use.
* Store away from heat.
* Keep the medicine from freezing. Do not refrigerate.
* Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed. Be sure that
any discarded medicine is out of the reach of children and pets.
Precautions While Using This Medicine :If irritation or a burning
sensation occurs during application, remove the system(s) and do not
reapply until the irritation subsides.Wash hands after handling systems.Avoid
contact with eyes.Store and dispose of topical systems out of the reach
of children and pets. Chewing or ingesting new or used topical systems
could result
in serious adverse effects.
Side Effects of ELMA (Lignocaine)
Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted
effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they
do occur they may need medical attention.Get emergency help immediately
if any of the following side effects occur:
Symptoms of allergic reaction
Rare:Cough; difficulty swallowing or tongue swelling; dizziness or
fainting; hives or swelling of eyelids, face or lips; itching or skin
rash; stuffy
nose; chest tightness, shortness of breath, troubled breathing, or
wheezing.Signs of too much medicine being absorbed into the body.
Rare: Blurred or double vision; confusion; dizziness, light-headedness
or drowsiness; feeling hot, cold, or numb; muscle twitching or trembling;
nausea or vomiting; ringing or buzzing in the ears; shortness of breath
or trouble breathing; unusual excitement, nervousness, or restlessness;
unusual tiredness or weakness
Note:The above side effects are not likely to occur when usual amounts
of this medicine are used properly. However, they may occur if the
medicine is used too often, applied to broken or inflamed skin, applied
to very large areas, or kept on the skin too long.
