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Lidocaine/Menthol

Lidocaine/Menthol Side Effects

Ally Tsai, PharmDAllison Gourley, PharmD
Reviewed by Ally Tsai, PharmD, Allison Gourley, PharmD
Last reviewed on October 26, 2022

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.

Common Side Effects

Please note: The following side effects are those reported with lidocaine 5% ointment and LiDORx (lidocaine) 3% gel:

  • Lightheadedness
  • Dizziness
  • Feeling sleepy and tired
  • Ringing in the ears
  • Blurry or double vision
  • Vomiting
  • Feeling hot, cold, or numb
  • Twitching, shaking
  • Seizures
  • Coma
  • Trouble breathing
  • Slow heart rate
  • Low blood pressure

Less Common Side Effects

Please note: The following side effects are those reported with topical menthol:

  • Skin burning

Please note: The following side effects are those reported with lidocaine 5% ointment and LiDORx (lidocaine) 3% gel:

  • Nervousness
  • Overwhelming feeling of happiness and joy
  • Feeling confused

Lidocaine/Menthol serious side effects

Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.

  • Too much lidocaine in your body: Drowsiness, confusion, slow heart beat, trouble breathing, difficulty controlling muscle movements
  • Serious blood problems with methemoglobinemia: Gray or blue-colored skin (cyanosis), headache, slow or fast heart beat, shortness of breath, dizziness, general lack of energy, chest pain, confusion, convulsions
  • Serious allergic reactions: Swelling of the face, difficulty breathing, trouble speaking, throat tightening up, red and itchy rash, lightheadedness, clammy skin

Source: DailyMed

The following Lidocaine/Menthol side effects have also been reported

Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:

  • Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
  • Headache, unusual weakness or fatigue, shortness of breath, nausea, vomiting, rapid heartbeat, blue skin or lips, which may be signs of methemoglobinemia
  • Heart rhythm changes—fast or irregular heartbeat, dizziness, feeling faint or lightheaded, chest pain, trouble breathing

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report these to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):

  • Irritation at application site
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