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
The side effects below only apply to 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
The side effects below only apply to lidocaine 5% ointment and LiDORx (lidocaine) 3% gel:
- Nervousness
- Overwhelming feeling of happiness and joy
- Feeling confused
Lidocaine OTC serious side effects
Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.
The side effects below only apply to lidocaine 5% ointment and LiDORx (lidocaine) 3% gel:
- Blood problems (methemoglobinemia): Seizures, loss of consciousness, fast heart beat, trouble breathing, feeling dizzy or faint, feeling tired, skin color turning blue
- Too much lidocaine in your body: Drowsiness, confusion, slow heart beat, trouble breathing, difficulty controlling muscle movements
- 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 OTC side effects have also been reported
Along with its needed effects, a medicine 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:
Rare
Blistering, crusting, irritation, itching, or reddening of the skin
cracked, dry, or scaly skin
fast heartbeat
hives or welts, itching, skin rash
hoarseness
irritation
joint pain, stiffness, or swelling
large, hive-like swelling on the face, eyelids, lips, tongue, throat, hands, legs, feet, or genitals
noisy breathing
swelling of the eyelids, face, lips, hands, or feet
tightness in the chest
trouble breathing or swallowing
Incidence not known
Blistering, bruising, burning, discoloration, itching, redness, or swelling at the application site
bluish-colored lips, fingernails, or palms
blurred vision
chest pain or discomfort
cold, clammy, or pale skin
confusion
dark urine
dizziness, faintness, or lightheadedness when getting up suddenly from a lying or sitting position
drowsiness or dizziness
false or unusual sense of well-being
fear or nervousness
headache
irregular, fast or slow, or shallow breathing
loss of consciousness
no blood pressure or pulse
pale or blue lips, fingernails, or skin
puffiness or swelling of the eyelids or around the eyes, face, lips, or tongue
rapid heart rate
seizures
shakiness in the legs, arms, hands, or feet
slow or irregular heartbeat
stopping of the heart
trembling or shaking of the hands or feet
twitching
unusual bleeding or bruising
unusual drowsiness, dullness, tiredness, weakness, or feeling of sluggishness
Some side effects 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:
Incidence not known
Bad, unusual, or unpleasant (after) taste
change in taste
cold or numbness
confusion about identity, place, and time
continuing ringing or buzzing or other unexplained noise in the ears
double vision
hearing loss
heat sensation
lack or loss of strength
metallic taste
sleepiness or unusual drowsiness
Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
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