How does Lidocaine 5% Ointmentx work?
Lidocaine (known as "lignocaine" until recently) is used to numb the skin in many situations, including for people with genital herpes, in order to reduce the pain of the condition. However, it does not treat infections or shorten the duration or lessen the severity of an infection. It works quickly to numb the area it is applied to.
How to take Lidocaine 5% Ointment
Lidocaine 5% Ointment should be applied to the affected area thinly and only when required.
Is Lidocaine 5% Ointment suitable for me?
There are some situations where Lidocaine 5% Ointment should be used with caution or would not be recommended. For example in pregnant or breastfeeding women, patients who are acutely ill, debilitated, or elderly, people with severe liver disease, and people who are allergic to any of the active or inactive ingredients.
Tell the doctor if you are taking any other medicines, either from your GP or purchased from a pharmacy. Lidocaine 5% Ointment may not be suitable or may need to be used with caution if you are taking some medicines including those to treat heart arrhythmias (including tocainamide and mexiletine), or if you are intending to use other local anaesthetics for another condition at the same time.
It's very important to give a full picture of your general health in the consultation, to make sure the doctor has all the information required to assess the safety and suitability of treatment for you.
What are the side effects of Lidocaine 5% Ointment?
Like all medicines, Lidocaine 5% Ointment can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them. Side effects that are considered to be common include skin irritation, rashes, itching, or redness at the site the ointment is applied. On rare occasions, it can cause an allergic reaction. It should be kept away from the eyes.
For a full list of potential side effects and other important information, please read the patient leaflet provided in the pack before starting any course of treatment. It is very important to read the leaflet in full before starting to use Lidocaine 5% Ointment. The leaflet can also be viewed online here.
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Prescription