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Topical lidocaine/benzalkonium is an over-the-counter (OTC) medication that you apply to the skin. It can help prevent skin infection and relieve pain and itching from sunburns or minor cuts, scrapes, irritation, or burns. It comes in different forms, such as gel, cream, and, spray. Topical lidocaine/benzalkonium products are available as lower-cost, generic medications.
What is Topical lidocaine/benzalkonium?
What is Topical lidocaine/benzalkonium used for?
Prevention of skin infection and temporary relief of pain and itching due to:
- Sunburns
- Minor cuts
- Minor scrapes
- Minor skin irritation
- Minor burns
How Topical lidocaine/benzalkonium works
Topical lidocaine/benzalkonium is a combination medication containing both lidocaine (a local anesthetic) and benzalkonium (a disinfectant). The lidocaine helps relieve pain and itching on the skin. It works by temporarily stopping nerve cells from being activated (waking up) and sending pain signals to the brain. The benzalkonium stops germs that can cause infections on the skin.
Drug facts
Side effects of Topical lidocaine/benzalkonium
The following side effects may get better over time as your body gets used to the medication. Let your healthcare provider know immediately if you continue to experience these symptoms or if they worsen over time.
Less Common Side Effects
See Risks and Warnings
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Pros and cons of Topical lidocaine/benzalkonium
Pros
- Available OTC as a lower-cost generic
- Can be applied directly to the painful area
- Comes in different forms (e.g., gel, spray, liquid, cream)
- Most products can be used in children as young as 2 years old
Cons
- Can't be used to treat skin infections (only helps to prevent them)
- Not recommended for use over large areas of injured or blistered skin, should only be used for minor injuries
- Can cause irritation if it makes contact with the eyes
- Generally not recommended for use for longer than 1 week, unless directed by your provider
Pharmacist tips for Topical lidocaine/benzalkonium
- Double check the age cut-off of your topical lidocaine/benzalkonium product before you use it for your child. Typically, you shouldn't use any kind of topical lidocaine/benzalkonium product in children under 2 years old. But some topical lidocaine/benzalkonium creams can't be used by children under 12 years old. If your child is below the age cut-off for topical lidocaine/benzalkonium products, ask their provider for safer options.
- Make sure to clean your injury before applying topical lidocaine/benzalkonium.
- Wash your hands with soap and water after using topical lidocaine/benzalkonium. This will help avoid getting it in your eyes or mouth, which can cause irritation and other side effects.
- If you're using topical lidocaine/benzalkonium liquid and your provider asked you put a bandage over the area where you applied the medication, make sure to let the medication dry before putting on the sterile bandage.
- If you're using topical lidocaine/benzalkonium spray for areas on your face, spray the medication into your hand first and then gently apply it to your face. Don't spray the medication directly on your face. Doing so might cause you to get the medication in your eyes, nose, or mouth and cause irritation.
- Ask your provider before using topical lidocaine/benzalkonium if you have deep wounds, animal bites, or serious burns. These types of injuries likely need more immediate medical attention.
- It's not recommended to use more than one medication that contains lidocaine at the same time. Doing so can lead to skin irritations or more serious side effects, such as seizure, heart rhythm problems, and coma. Lidocaine can be found in many over-the-counter pain medications that you apply on your skin. These include pain patches, soaps, gels, and creams. Talk with your pharmacist or healthcare provider if you're not sure whether you're using multiple lidocaine products.
Common questions about Topical lidocaine/benzalkonium
Apply a small amount of topical lidocaine/benzalkonium, just enough to cover the affected area. Manufacturers of the medication recommend not using a large amount of medication, because this could lead to more side effects from the medication. Please look at the label of your topical lidocaine/benzalkonium product for specific instructions.
You can apply topical lidocaine/benzalkonium to sunburns, minor cuts and scrapes, irritated areas, and minor burns on the skin. Don't apply it to open skin, deep puncture wounds, or blistered areas. Avoid getting the medication in or around your eyes, mouth, or genital area because your skin might get irritated.
For most conditions, you can use topical lidocaine/benzalkonium for up to 7 days. If you still have pain or itching in the same area after 7 days of using this medication, you should talk to your healthcare provider. There might be something else causing your discomfort that your provider should check out. For any condition, stop using the medication and contact your provider if your symptoms don't improve, worsen, or clear up and then come back again within a few days.
Topical lidocaine/benzalkonium is different from lidocaine-only products in that it also contains benzalkonium, an antiseptic (disinfectant) to prevent skin infections. It's also available over the counter, unlike some other lidocaine products that are prescription only. You should consult with your provider or pharmacist before purchasing topical lidocaine/benzalkonium over the counter to make sure that this product is right for you.
Topical lidocaine/benzalkonium should just be used for pain on the skin, not inside your mouth. There are other lidocaine products that can be used inside the mouth for mouth sores and pain (e.g., lidocaine viscous), so it's important to read the package labeling to make sure the product is specifically meant for use in the mouth. You should never use a product that's intended for use on the skin inside the mouth. This can cause more side effects or harm from the medication. Talk to your provider or pharmacist if you're unsure where the product can be used.
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Risks and warnings for Topical lidocaine/benzalkonium
Topical lidocaine/benzalkonium can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.
Blood problems (methemoglobinemia)
- Risk factors: Breathing problems | Heart disease | Certain genetic conditions | Older adults | Children under 2 years old | Smoking | Taking medications or foods containing nitrates
Though this hasn't been reported with topical lidocaine/benzalkonium, prescription-strength lidocaine has been linked to a serious blood problem called methemoglobinemia. This is when your blood can't deliver enough oxygen to your body. To prevent this problem, make sure you don't use more than one medication that contains lidocaine at the same time or use more topical lidocaine/benzalkonium than recommended. Contact your provider right away if you notice any of these symptoms after using topical lidocaine/benzalkonium, such as headaches, dizziness, trouble breathing, fast heart rate, feeling tired, and pale, gray- or blue-colored skin, lips, and nail beds.
Topical lidocaine/benzalkonium dosage
Typical dosage for Topical lidocaine/benzalkonium
Topical lidocaine/benzalkonium comes in different dosage forms and strengths. Each product might have slightly different instructions for use. Please read the package label for the instructions to your product. Ask your provider or pharmacist if you're unsure about how to use it.
Gel (lidocaine / benzalkonium):
- Adults and children ages 2 years and older: The typical dose is to the affected area up to 3 to 4 times a day.
- Children under 2 years old: Ask your child's provider.
- Adults and children ages 2 years and older: The typical dose is to apply a small amount to the affected area 1 to 3 times a day.
- Children under 2 years old: Ask your child's provider.
- Adults and children ages 2 years and older: The typical dose is to apply a small amount to the affected area up to 3 to 4 times a day.
- Children under 2 years old: Ask your child's provider.
- Adults and children ages 12 years and older: The typical dose is to apply a small amount to the affected area 3 times a day.
- Children under 12 years old: Ask your child's provider.
How much does Topical lidocaine/benzalkonium cost?
$14.05
Topical lidocaine/benzalkonium contraindications
Contraindications are specific health conditions or situations in which a person should not take a medication due to safety concerns. If you have any of the following conditions or if any of the following apply to you, let your healthcare provider know because Topical lidocaine/benzalkonium will not be safe for you to take.
- History of methemoglobinemia
What are alternatives to Topical lidocaine/benzalkonium?
Prevention of skin infection and temporary relief of pain and itching due to:
Topical lidocaine products come in many forms and strengths. Each can be used for different conditions.
In general, they're used for temporary relief of pain, itching, burning, or discomfort from: