Generic name: lidocaine viscous [ LYE-doe-kane-VIS-kus ]
Brand names: Lidocaine Viscous, LidoRxKit, LTA II Kit
Dosage form: mucous membrane solution (2%; 4%)
Drug class: Topical anesthetics

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com on Aug 3, 2023. Written by Cerner Multum.

What is lidocaine viscous?

Lidocaine is a local anesthetic (numbing medication). It works by blocking nerve signals in your body.

Lidocaine viscous is used to treat sores inside the mouth, during dental procedures to numb the gums, and to numb the mouth and throat before a surgery or medical procedure.

Lidocaine viscous should not be used to treat teething pain in infants.

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

Lidocaine viscous side effects

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

Lidocaine viscous may cause serious side effects. Stop using lidocaine viscous and call your doctor at once if you have:

• drowsiness, depression, confusion, feeling nervous or restless;

• weakness, slow breathing, slow heart rate;

• a light-headed feeling, like you might pass out;

• numbness or cold feeling;

• vomiting; or

• blurred vision.

Common side effects of lidocaine viscous may include:

• unusual or unpleasant taste in the mouth; 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.

Warnings

Do not use lidocaine viscous to treat teething pain in a baby. Death can occur from the use of this medicine in very young children.

Use the smallest amount of this medicine needed to numb or relieve pain. Do not use large amounts of lidocaine viscous.

An overdose of numbing medication can cause fatal side effects if too much of the medicine is absorbed through your gums and into your blood.

Before taking this medicine

An overdose of numbing medication can cause fatal side effects if too much of the medicine is absorbed through your gums and into your blood. This can happen if you apply more than the recommended dose.

Do not use lidocaine viscous to treat teething pain in a baby. A baby could accidentally swallow this medicine if it is placed in the mouth. Heart problems, seizures, severe brain injury, and death can occur from the use of this medicine in very young children. Always ask a doctor before using any medicine to treat your baby's teething pain.

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

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

• liver disease;

• a serious heart condition such as "AV block";

• an allergy to any drugs; or

• broken, swollen, or damaged skin or gum tissue.

Ask a doctor before using this medicine if you are pregnant or breast-feeding.

Older adults may be more sensitive to the effects of this medicine.

How should I use lidocaine viscous?

Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Use the medicine exactly as directed.

Improper use of lidocaine viscous may result in death.

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

Lidocaine viscous may be applied with your finger tips or a cotton swab, or with the applicator provided with the medicine.

Use the smallest amount of this medication needed to numb or relieve pain. Do not use large amounts of lidocaine viscous.

Avoid swallowing the medicine while applying it to your gums or the inside of your mouth.

Your body may absorb more of lidocaine viscous if:

• you use too much;

• you swallow the medicine;

• you apply the medicine to gum tissue that is cut or irritated; or

• you apply heat to a treated area.

Avoid eating within 1 hour after using this medicine inside your mouth or throat. You may have trouble swallowing and choking could occur, especially in a child.

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Since lidocaine topical is used when needed, you may not be on a dosing schedule. Skip any missed dose if it's almost time for your next dose.

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 medication.

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

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

What should I avoid while using lidocaine viscous?

Avoid eating, chewing gum, or drinking hot liquids until the feeling in your mouth has returned completely. Chewing while your mouth is numb could result in a bite injury to your tongue, lips, or inside of your cheek.

Do not allow lidocaine viscous to come into contact with your eyes. If it does, rinse with water.

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

What other drugs will affect lidocaine viscous?

Lidocaine viscous is not likely to be affected by other drugs you use. But many drugs can interact with each other. Tell each of your health care providers about all medicines you use, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

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

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