RadiaGuard Side Effects

Generic name: lidocaine topical

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Dec 29, 2023.

Note: This document provides detailed information about RadiaGuard Side Effects associated with lidocaine topical. Some dosage forms listed on this page may not apply specifically to the brand name RadiaGuard.

Applies to lidocaine topical: topical application cream, topical application gel/jelly, topical application lotion, topical application ointment, topical application pad, topical application patch extended release, topical application powder, topical application solution, topical application spray, topical application swab.

Precautions

It is very important that your doctor check you or your child's progress at regular visitsto make sure this medicine is working properly. Blood tests may be needed to check for unwanted effects.

If your symptoms do not improve within a few days or if they become worse, check with your doctor.

This medicine may cause a rare, but serious blood problem called methemoglobinemia. The risk may be increased in children younger than 6 months of age, elderly patients, or patients with certain inborn defects. It is more likely to occur in patients receiving too much of the medicine, but can also occur with small amounts. Make sure you store this medicine out of reach of children. Call your doctor right away if you or your child has pale, gray, or blue-colored skin, lips, or nails, confusion, headache, lightheadedness, fast heartbeat, or unusual tiredness or weakness.

Check with your doctor right away if you have a rash, burning, stinging, swelling, or irritation of your skin after using this medicine.

After applying this medicine to the skin of your child, watch the child carefully to make sure that he or she does not get any of the medicine into their eyes or mouth. Lidocaine can cause serious side effects, especially in children, if it gets into the mouth and is swallowed.

If you are using the viscous topical solution medicine in the mouth or throat, be aware of signs of toxicity. If you or your child experiences unusual drowsiness, dullness, tiredness, weakness, or feeling of sluggishness, shallow breathing, or seizures after use of this medication, seek immediate medical attention and do not give any more doses.

If you are using this medicine in the mouth or throat, do not eat or drink anything for at least 1 hour after using it. When this medicine is applied to these areas, it may cause swallowing and choking problems. Do not chew gum or food while your mouth or throat feels numb after you use this medicine. You may accidentally bite your tongue or the inside of your cheeks.

Heat can cause the lidocaine in the patch to be absorbed into your body faster. This may increase the chance of serious side effects or an overdose. While you are using this medicine, do not use a heating pad, electric blanket, heat or tanning lamps, sauna, a sunlamp, or a heated water bed. Do not sunbathe. However, you may apply Ztlido® patch on the skin after exposure to moderate heat (eg, after 15 minutes of heating pad use on a medium setting).

Do not use cosmetics or other skin care products on the treated skin areas.

Do not take other medicines unless they have been discussed with your doctor. This includes prescription or nonprescription (over-the-counter [OTC]) medicines and herbal or vitamin supplements.

Serious side effects of RadiaGuard

Along with its needed effects, lidocaine topical (the active ingredient contained in RadiaGuard) may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur while taking lidocaine topical:

Other side effects of RadiaGuard

Some side effects of lidocaine topical may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects.

Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

For healthcare professionals

Applies to lidocaine topical: intradermal device, mucous membrane solution, mucous membrane spray, rectal cream, topical cream, topical film, topical gel, topical gel with applicator, topical kit, topical liquid, topical lotion, topical ointment, topical solution, topical spray, topical stick.

General adverse events

The most common adverse events were administration site reactions: burning, dermatitis, erythema, pruritus, rash, skin irritation, and vesicles.^[Ref]

Dermatologic

• Very common (10% or more): Erythema (up to 67.3%), petechiae (up to 46.4%)
• Common (1% to 10%): Pruritus, rash
• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Skin lesion, skin injury
• Frequency not reported: Flushing, cutaneous lesions, urticaria, dermatitis^[Ref]

Local

• Very common (10% or more): Administration site reactions
• Common (1% to 10%): Irritation, redness, itching, application site erythema, application site burning, application site pain, application site pruritus, edema
• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Venipuncture site hemorrhage, burning sensation
• Frequency not reported: Locus of abnormal sensation, paleness (pallor or blanching), alteration in temperature sensation, blisters, bruising, depigmentation, dermatitis, discoloration, exfoliation, papules, petechiae, vesicles, application site dermatitis, application site vesicles, skin irritation^[Ref]

Nervous system

• Common (1% to 10%): Headache
• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Dizziness
• Frequency not reported: Lightheadedness, nervousness, apprehension, euphoria, confusion, drowsiness, tinnitus, nystagmus, headache, nausea, vomiting, sensations of heat, cold or numbness, twitching, tremors, paraesthesia, convulsions, unconsciousness, respiratory depression and arrest, pain and/or dysesthesia in the buttocks or legs, unconsciousness
• Postmarketing reports: Headache, hyperesthesia, hypoesthesia, lightheadedness, metallic taste, somnolence, taste alteration^[Ref]

Gastrointestinal

• Common (1% to 10%): Nausea, vomiting^[Ref]

Immunologic

• Common (1% to 10%): Nasopharyngitis^[Ref]

Hypersensitivity

• Very rare (less than 0.01%): Anaphylactic reaction, hypersensitivity
• Frequency not reported: Anaphylactoid reactions, anaphylactic shock, angioedema, bronchospasm, shock, dyspnea, laryngospasm^[Ref]

Cardiovascular

• Frequency not reported: Bradycardia, hypotension, arrhythmia, cardiovascular collapse, cardiac arrest, AV block, myocardial depression^[Ref]

Hematologic

• Frequency not reported: Methemoglobinemia^[Ref]

Ocular

• Frequency not reported: Corneal irritation, blurred or double vision
• Postmarketing reports: Visual disturbances^[Ref]

Respiratory

• Rare (less than 0.1%): Endotracheal tube occlusion
• Frequency not reported: Sore throat, hoarseness, loss of voice^[Ref]

Psychiatric

• Frequency not reported: Confusion, psychosis, disorientation, dizziness^[Ref]

Other

• Postmarketing reports: Open wound, asthenia, pain exacerbated^[Ref]

See also:

Further information

RadiaGuard side effects can vary depending on the individual. Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Note: Medication side effects may be underreported. If you are experiencing side effects that are not listed, submit a report to the FDA by following this guide.

Medical Disclaimer