Generic name: lidocaine topical [ LYE-doe-kane-TOP-i-kal ]
Brand names: AneCream, Aspercreme with Lidocaine No-Mess and Lavender, Cinthera, Jelcaine Sterile, Lidocream, ... show all 11 brands RadiaGuard, Solarcaine Cool Aloe, SunBurnt Plus, Trilocaine, Zingo, LidaMantle
Dosage forms: intradermal device (0.5 mg), topical cream (3%; 4.12%; 4%), topical gel (0.5%; 2.8%; 3%; 4%), ... show all 10 dosage forms topical gel with applicator (2%), topical kit (4%), topical liquid (2.5%), topical lotion (1%), topical ointment (4%; 5%), topical solution (4%), topical spray (0.5%; 2%; 4%)
Drug class: Topical anesthetics

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com on Sep 2, 2025. Written by Cerner Multum.

What is lidocaine topical?

Lidocaine topical is a local anesthetic (numbing medication). There are many brands and forms of lidocaine topical available. Not all brands are listed on this leaflet.

Lidocaine topical (for use on the skin) is used to provide temporary relief of muscle or joint pain or discomfort.

Lidocaine topical can be used to prevent or relieve pain during certain medical procedures, such as drawing blood, placing a breathing tube, inserting a urinary catheter, or putting a small tube into a vein to give fluids or medications.

Lidocaine topical may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Lidocaine topical side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives, difficult breathing, swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Lidocaine topical may cause serious side effects. Call your doctor at once if you have:

• vomiting, fever, chills, sore throat, body aches, unusual tiredness, loss of appetite, bruising or bleeding;

• sudden dizziness or drowsiness after medicine is applied;

• severe burning, pain, swelling, itching, irritation, blistering, or other skin injury where the medicine was applied;

• severe or worsening numbness, hot or cold feeling;

• anxiety, tremors, feeling nervous, restless, or excited;

• confusion, problems with vision, ringing in your ears; or

• pale, gray, or blue colored skin, headache, rapid heart rate, or shortness of breath.

Common side effects of lidocaine topical may include:

• mild irritation or skin changes where the medication is applied; or

• numbness in places where the medicine is accidentally applied.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Related/similar drugs

Warnings

An overdose of numbing medicine can cause fatal side effects if too much of the medicine is absorbed through your skin.

Use the smallest amount of lidocaine topical as needed. Do not use large amounts of lidocaine topical, or cover treated skin areas with a bandage or plastic wrap without medical advice.

Before taking this medicine

You should not use lidocaine topical if you are allergic to any type of numbing medicine.

Fatal overdoses have occurred when numbing medicines were used without the advice of a medical doctor (such as during a cosmetic procedure like laser hair removal). Be aware that many cosmetic procedures are performed without a medical doctor present.

Do not use certain lidocaine topical cream brand forms if you have tuberculosis, a fungal skin infection, herpes simplex, chickenpox, or to treat teething pain in infants and young children.

Tell your doctor if you have or have ever had:

• a genetic enzyme deficiency called glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency;

• pseudocholinesterase deficiency (a genetic disorder);

• sepsis (a severe reaction to an infection);

• severe sunburn, rash, or another skin condition;

• a bleeding disorder, or low levels of platelets in your blood;

• blood circulation problems;

• heart or lung problems; or

• liver disease.

You may develop methemoglobinemia, rare blood disorder preventing tissues from receiving enough oxygen. Ask your doctor about your risk.

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

If you breastfeed, avoid applying this medicine to your nipple area.

Do not apply this medicine to a child without medical advice. Some brand forms of lidocaine topical are not approved for use by anyone younger than 12 years old.

How should I use lidocaine topical?

Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Use the medicine exactly as directed. Do not apply lidocaine topical in larger amounts or for longer than recommended.

Your dose needs may change if you switch to a different brand, strength, or form of this medicine. Avoid medication errors by using exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor.

If used for a medical procedure follow your doctor's instructions. Certain formulations are applied only by a healthcare provider.

Read and carefully follow any Instructions for Use provided with your medicine. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you do not understand these instructions.

Use the smallest amount of medicine needed to numb the skin or relieve pain. Your body may absorb too much of this medicine if you use too much or if you apply it over large skin areas.

Do not bandage treated skin or expose it to heat.

Do not apply this medicine to swollen skin areas or deep puncture wounds. Avoid using the medicine on skin that is raw or blistered, such as a severe burn or abrasion.

If you are using this medicine for temporary pain relief, call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve after 7 days, if it gets worse, or if it clears up and then comes back in a few days.

Lidocaine topical spray is flammable. Do not use near high heat or open flame. Do not smoke until the spray has completely dried on your skin.

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Lidocaine topical is used when needed. If you are on a dosing schedule, skip any missed dose. Do not use two doses at one time.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222 if anyone has accidentally swallowed the medicine.

An overdose of numbing medicine can cause fatal side effects if too much of the medicine is absorbed through your skin and into your blood. Overdose symptoms may include uneven heartbeats, seizures, slow breathing, coma, or respiratory failure (breathing stops).

Lidocaine topical applied to the skin is not likely to cause an overdose unless you apply more than the recommended dose.

What should I avoid while using lidocaine topical?

Do not get lidocaine topical in your eyes. If contact does occur, rinse with water.

Avoid using other medications on the areas you treat with lidocaine topical unless your doctor tells you to.

What other drugs will affect lidocaine topical?

Lidocaine topical can cause methemoglobinemia. Your risk may be higher if you also use certain other medicines such as local anesthetics or medicine for infections, inflammatory conditions, seizure, heart problems, high blood pressure, cancer, or malaria.

Other drugs may affect lidocaine topical, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell your doctor about all other medicines you use.

Further information

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

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

Medical Disclaimer

Copyright 1996-2025 Cerner Multum, Inc. Version: 12.01.