Description
Indications
Xylocaine Jelly is used to prevent and manage pain during procedures involving the male and female urethra, to treat painful urethritis topically, and as a numbing lubricant for placing tubes in the mouth and nose for breathing support.
As a local anesthetic, Xylocaine Jelly functions by stabilizing nerve cell membranes. This stabilizing action prevents the flow of charged ions needed for nerve signal transmission, leading to its numbing effect in the treated area.
Uses and Dosage
Xylocaine Jelly is usually administered by a healthcare provider directly to the treatment area or medical instruments involved in a procedure, shortly before the procedure begins.
If you are self-administering this medication at home, ensure you receive comprehensive guidance on its preparation and usage from your healthcare provider.
Moreover, thoroughly review the medication guide provided and patient information leaflet. Adhere closely to your doctor’s instructions.
Xylocaine Jelly is for external use only; do not ingest it. Avoid contact with mouth, nose, and eyes, as it may cause discomfort. In case of contact with these areas, thoroughly rinse with water.
Before and after application, wash your hands, except if applying the medication to your hands.
Ensure the affected area is cleaned and thoroughly dried before application to clean dry, healthy skin.
Do not use any coverings like bandages, dressings, or makeup unless specifically instructed by your doctor.
The dosage of Xylocaine Jelly may vary per individual based on their medical conditions and response to the treatment. For children, age and weight are also considered.
Limit your usage of Xylocaine Jelly to a maximum of four doses within a 24-hour timeframe, and refrain from exceeding your prescribed dosage or frequency, as doing so can elevate the potential for severe side effects.
Inform your doctor if you experience any lack of numbness or persistent numbness after using Xylocaine Jelly before certain procedures. If you are using it for pain relief, inform your doctor if your condition persists or worsens.
Side Effects
Listed below are the potential adverse effects of Xylocaine Jelly. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms last or worsen.
Common Side Effects
- Irritation at the application site
- Swelling
- Redness
- Alteration in skin color
Serious Side Effects
- Indicators of infection:
- Fever
- Chills
- Severe sore throat
- Ear or sinus pain
- Cough
- Increased sputum or altered sputum color
- Painful urination
- Mouth sores
- Non-healing wounds
- Signs of excessive blood acidity (acidosis):
- Confusion
- Rapid breathing
- Abnormal heartbeats
- Severe abdominal pain
- Stomach discomfort
- Vomiting
- Extreme drowsiness
- Shortness of breath
- Profound weakness and fatigue
- Symptoms of a rare but potentially fatal blood disorder (methemoglobinemia):
- Bluish or grayish lips, nails, or skin
- Abnormal heart rhythms
- Seizures
- Severe dizziness or fainting
- Intense headache
- Extreme drowsiness
- Fatigue
- Breathlessness
- Breathing difficulties: including slow, shallow, or labored breathing
- Severe numbness and tingling sensations
- Feelings of lightheadedness, drowsiness, confusion, or blurred vision
- Seizures
- Changes in vision
- Nervousness or excessive excitability
- Dizziness or fainting
- Ringing in the ears (tinnitus)
- Upset stomach or vomiting
- Sensations of being hot or cold
- Tremors or involuntary muscle twitching
- Slow heart rate
- Chest pain
Contact your doctor immediately and ask for medical help if you experience any of the serious symptoms above.
Allergic Reactions
In rare cases, Xylocaine Jelly may trigger a serious allergic response. Promptly seek medical assistance if you notice signs of an allergic reaction, such as:
- Rash
- Hives
- Itching
- Redness, swelling, blistering, or peeling skin, with or without fever
- Wheezing
- Chest tightness
- Difficulty breathing, swallowing, or speaking
- Uncommon hoarseness
- Swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat
This list does not encompass all potential side effects of Xylocaine Jelly. Report to your doctor if you experience any unlisted side effects.
Cautions
Before starting treatment with Xylocaine Jelly, inform your doctor if you have any known allergies, particularly to lidocaine, to other anesthetics (e.g., bupivacaine, prilocaine), or to para-aminobenzoic acid PABA.
Ask your pharmacist for more details about this local anesthetic, as it may contain inactive ingredients that may trigger allergic reactions or other complications.
To ensure Xylocaine Jelly is safe for you, disclose to your doctor your medical background, especially if you have a history of:
- Heart issues, including slow or irregular heartbeat and heart block
- Kidney disease
- Liver disease
- Methemoglobinemia (blood disorder)
- Pre-existing cuts, sores, or bleeding in the intended application area
To mitigate the potential for drug interactions with Xylocaine Jelly, ensure to inform all your healthcare providers about your complete medication regimen, including prescribed and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
Avoid scratching or rubbing the numb skin, and refrain from exposing it to extreme temperatures.
Refrain from using heat sources like sunlamps, tanning beds, heating pads, electric blankets, heat lamps, saunas, hot tubs, and heated waterbeds while using Xylocaine Jelly. Moreover, avoid prolonged hot baths and sun exposure, as these can elevate the body temperature and potentially increase drug absorption.
Swallowing may become challenging, and there is a heightened risk of choking when Xylocaine Jelly is applied to the mouth or throat. Refrain from consuming food or chewing gum during the period of numbness in your oral cavity. This precaution is especially important for children, who should avoid eating or chewing gum for at least an hour after their medical procedures. Take care not to bite your tongue or any part of your mouth unintentionally.
Excessive use of Xylocaine Jelly or heightened sensitivity to it may result in dizziness, drowsiness, or vision issues. Refrain from activities requiring alertness or clear vision, such as driving or operating machinery, until you can do so safely.
During pregnancy, consider using Xylocaine Jelly only when necessary. Discuss thoroughly with your healthcare provider regarding this product’s potential risks and benefits.
Lidocaine can enter breast milk but is not likely to pose a risk to a nursing baby. However, seeking guidance from your doctor before breastfeeding is recommended.