Generic name: Lidocaine Oral Solution (Viscous) [ LYE-doe-kane ]
Drug class: Topical anesthetics

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Feb 14, 2024.

Uses of Lidocaine Oral Solution:

• It is used to stop pain.
• It is used to treat mouth sores.
• It may be given to you for other reasons. Talk with the doctor.

What do I need to tell my doctor BEFORE I take Lidocaine Oral Solution?

• If you have an allergy to lidocaine or any other part of lidocaine oral solution (viscous).
• If you are allergic to lidocaine oral solution (viscous); any part of lidocaine oral solution (viscous); or any other drugs, foods, or substances. Tell your doctor about the allergy and what signs you had.

This medicine may interact with other drugs or health problems.

Tell your doctor and pharmacist about all of your drugs (prescription or OTC, natural products, vitamins) and health problems. You must check to make sure that it is safe for you to take lidocaine oral solution (viscous) with all of your drugs and health problems. Do not start, stop, or change the dose of any drug without checking with your doctor.

What are some things I need to know or do while I take Lidocaine Oral Solution?

• Tell all of your health care providers that you take lidocaine oral solution (viscous). This includes your doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and dentists.
• A severe blood problem called methemoglobinemia has happened with drugs like this one. The risk may be raised in people who have glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency, heart problems, or lung problems. The risk may also be raised while taking certain other drugs and in infants younger than 6 months of age. Tell your doctor if you have ever had methemoglobinemia.
• Different brands of lidocaine oral solution (viscous) may be for use in different ages of children. Talk with the doctor before giving lidocaine oral solution (viscous) to a child.
• Use with care in children. Talk with the doctor.
• Do not eat while your mouth feels numb. You may bite your tongue.
• If you are 65 or older, use lidocaine oral solution (viscous) with care. You could have more side effects.
• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan on getting pregnant, or are breast-feeding. You will need to talk about the benefits and risks to you and the baby.

Related/similar drugs

gabapentin, acetaminophen, cyclobenzaprine, tramadol, hydroxyzine, naproxen, oxycodone

How is this medicine (Lidocaine Oral Solution) best taken?

Use lidocaine oral solution (viscous) as ordered by your doctor. Read all information given to you. Follow all instructions closely.

• If using as a rinse, swish it in mouth as long as you can. Swallow or spit out as you are told.
• If putting on with a cotton swab, put on affected part as your doctor or the label tells you.
• Do not eat anything for at least 60 minutes (1 hour) after you use lidocaine oral solution (viscous).
• Shake well before use.
• Measure liquid doses carefully.

What do I do if I miss a dose?

• If you use lidocaine oral solution (viscous) on a regular basis, use a missed dose as soon as you think about it.
• If it is close to the time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your normal time.
• Do not put on 2 doses at the same time or extra doses.
• Many times lidocaine oral solution (viscous) is used on an as needed basis. Do not use more often than told by the doctor.

What are some side effects that I need to call my doctor about right away?

WARNING/CAUTION: Even though it may be rare, some people may have very bad and sometimes deadly side effects when taking a drug. Tell your doctor or get medical help right away if you have any of the following signs or symptoms that may be related to a very bad side effect:

• Signs of an allergic reaction, like rash; hives; itching; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin with or without fever; wheezing; tightness in the chest or throat; trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking; unusual hoarseness; or swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat.
• Signs of infection like fever, chills, very bad sore throat, ear or sinus pain, cough, more sputum or change in color of sputum, pain with passing urine, mouth sores, or wound that will not heal.
• Signs of too much acid in the blood (acidosis) like confusion; fast breathing; fast heartbeat; a heartbeat that does not feel normal; very bad stomach pain, upset stomach, or throwing up; feeling very sleepy; shortness of breath; or feeling very tired or weak.
• Signs of methemoglobinemia like a blue or gray color of the lips, nails, or skin; a heartbeat that does not feel normal; seizures; very bad dizziness or passing out; very bad headache; feeling very sleepy; feeling tired or weak; or shortness of breath. This effect is rare but may be deadly if it happens.
• Trouble breathing, slow breathing, or shallow breathing.
• Very bad numbness and tingling.
• Feeling lightheaded, sleepy, confused, or having blurred eyesight.
• Seizures.
• Change in eyesight.
• Feeling nervous and excitable.
• Dizziness or passing out.
• Ringing in ears.
• Upset stomach or throwing up.
• Feeling hot or cold.
• Shakiness.
• Twitching.
• Slow heartbeat.
• Chest pain.

What are some other side effects of Lidocaine Oral Solution?

All drugs may cause side effects. However, many people have no side effects or only have minor side effects. Call your doctor or get medical help if any of these side effects or any other side effects bother you or do not go away:

• Irritation where lidocaine oral solution (viscous) is used.

These are not all of the side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, call your doctor. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.

You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-332-1088. You may also report side effects at https://www.fda.gov/medwatch.

If OVERDOSE is suspected:

If you think there has been an overdose, call your poison control center or get medical care right away. Be ready to tell or show what was taken, how much, and when it happened.

How do I store and/or throw out Lidocaine Oral Solution?

• Store at room temperature.
• Keep all drugs in a safe place. Keep all drugs out of the reach of children and pets.
• Throw away unused or expired drugs. Do not flush down a toilet or pour down a drain unless you are told to do so. Check with your pharmacist if you have questions about the best way to throw out drugs. There may be drug take-back programs in your area.

Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer

• If your symptoms or health problems do not get better or if they become worse, call your doctor.
• Do not share your drugs with others and do not take anyone else's drugs.
• Some drugs may have another patient information leaflet. Check with your pharmacist. If you have any questions about lidocaine oral solution (viscous), please talk with your doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
• If you think there has been an overdose, call your poison control center or get medical care right away. Be ready to tell or show what was taken, how much, and when it happened.

Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer