Xylocaine 5% Ointment

Xylocaine 5% Ointment is a sterile lidocaine topical gel designed to numb mucous membranes and act as a lubricating anesthetic for short medical procedures. It works quickly to reduce pain and ease insertion of medical devices. Use Xylocaine 5% Ointment as your clinician advises. Always check with a healthcare professional before use. 

Key Features

How does Xylocaine 5% Ointment work?

Xylocaine Ointment contains lidocaine hydrochloride, an amide local anesthetic. It is made in a clear, viscous gel. The product is used on moist surfaces such as the urethra, rectum, throat, and for endotracheal intubation. The gel also serves as a lubricant during catheterization and scope procedures. 

• Lidocaine in Xylocaine Ointment blocks nerve signals in the area where it is applied. When nerves cannot send pain signals, you feel less pain. 
• The effect is local and short lived. The gel both numbs and helps instruments glide with less friction. 

Uses

• To prevent and control pain in procedures of the male and female urethra (for example catheterization or cystoscopy). 
• As an anesthetic lubricant for endotracheal intubation (oral and nasal). 
• For topical relief of painful urethritis and symptomatic treatment of cystitis-related pain. 

Dosage

Apply 3-4 times a day to the affected area.

How to use Xylocaine 5% Ointment step by step

• Use only the amount your clinician asks for. Follow their directions. 
• For urethral use, the physician or nurse usually applies the gel using a sterile syringe and a nozzle. 
• For endotracheal intubation, the gel is used on the tube to ease insertion and reduce local pain. 
• Do not swallow the Ointment. It is for topical use only. If you accidentally swallow any, tell your healthcare provider. 

Side effects

• Local numbness 
• Mild irritation or stinging 
• A bitter taste

Serious but rare risks

• Signs of allergic reaction such as rash, swelling, or trouble breathing.
• Central nervous system symptoms from excessive absorption: dizziness, ringing in the ears, confusion, tremors, or seizures.
• Heart-related issues: slow heartbeat, low blood pressure, or cardiac arrest in severe overdose.

Drug interactions 

• Other Local Anesthetics: The toxic effects are additive. Using Xylocaine Ointment with other local anesthetics (e.g., bupivacaine, procaine, tetracaine) should be done with caution and under medical supervision.
• Antiarrhythmic Drugs: Use with Class I and Class III antiarrhythmic medicines (e.g., amiodarone, mexiletine, propafenone) may result in additive cardiac effects, requiring close monitoring.
• Drugs Causing Methemoglobinemia: Co-administration with other agents that can cause methemoglobinemia (e.g., nitrates/nitrites, certain antibiotics, antineoplastics, and other local anesthetics) increases the risk of this serious condition.
• Central Nervous System (CNS) Depressants: Medicines like alprazolam, diazepam, and other sedatives, tranquilizers, or anti-anxiety drugs may have their effects amplified, leading to increased drowsiness or slowed breathing.
• Cytochrome P450 Inhibitors: Drugs that reduce the clearance of lidocaine (e.g., cimetidine, beta-blockers, fluvoxamine, erythromycin, itraconazole) can lead to higher, potentially toxic, plasma concentrations of lidocaine, especially with long-term or high-dose use. 

Practical tips for best results

• Let the healthcare team apply the ointment. They know the right dose and technique. 
• Do not apply near open wounds unless directed. 
• If a procedure requires more anesthesia, your provider may use additional medicines or techniques. 
• Report any unusual symptoms right away. Serious side effects needs urgent care. 

Storage and handling

Store Xylocaine ointment at room temperature as directed on the label. Keep the tube sealed until use. Do not use past the expiry date. Dispose of opened single-use nozzles or tubes as your clinician directs. 

Precautions

• Do not use Xylocaine ointment if you are allergic to lidocaine or another amide local anesthetics. 
• Use caution in people with liver disease. Lidocaine is processed by the liver, so liver problems may raise blood levels. 
• Children are more likely to absorb higher amounts; use only under strict clinical supervision. 
• Avoid large volumes and prolonged use to reduce the risk of systemic toxicity. 

Conclusion

Xylocaine Ointment offers quick, local numbing and lubrication for short medical procedures. It helps reduce pain and makes many routine procedures easier for both clinicians and patients. Use it only as your clinician directs. If you have concerns about heart or liver disease, allergies, or medicines you take, tell your provider before use. 

References

https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/Lidocaine-Hydrochloride
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK539881/

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