Lignocaine gel, also known as lidocaine gel, is a topical anesthetic medication. It numbs specific areas of the body when applied to the skin or mucous membranes. This gel provides localized pain relief by temporarily desensitizing nerve endings.
How Lignocaine Gel Works
Lignocaine, the active ingredient, is an amide-type local anesthetic. When applied, it infiltrates nerve cells through their membranes. Inside the nerve cells, it binds to voltage-gated sodium channels, preventing the influx of sodium ions. This action blocks the generation and conduction of nerve impulses, effectively stopping pain signals from reaching the brain. Numbing occurs within minutes, with the duration of effect varying based on dosage, formulation, and application site.
Common Applications
Lignocaine gel provides temporary, localized pain relief in various medical and everyday situations. It alleviates discomfort from minor skin irritations such as insect bites, sunburn, or minor cuts and scrapes. It also serves as an anesthetic lubricant for certain medical procedures.
Healthcare professionals use lignocaine gel to numb areas before procedures like urinary catheterization or endoscopy. It provides relief for conditions affecting mucous membranes, including mouth ulcers, sore gums, or irritation from dentures. It can also offer temporary pain relief for conditions like hemorrhoids or anal fissures.
Safe Handling and Important Considerations
Proper application is important for effectiveness and safety. Wash hands before and after applying, unless the affected area is on your hands. Apply a thin layer to clean, dry, and healthy skin, gently rubbing it in until evenly distributed. Do not apply the gel to broken skin, open wounds, or infected areas, as this can increase systemic absorption and the risk of side effects.
Adhere to recommended dosage and frequency, avoiding excessive or prolonged use without supervision. Overuse, especially on large body areas, can lead to increased absorption and systemic side effects such as dizziness, nervousness, confusion, or cardiovascular issues. If using the gel in the mouth or throat, avoid eating or drinking for at least one hour afterward to prevent choking or biting the numb tissues. Seek medical advice if you experience severe reactions, worsening symptoms, or signs of an allergic reaction like swelling of the face, lips, or tongue, difficulty breathing, or widespread itchy rashes. Inform your healthcare provider about any existing medical conditions, such as heart or liver disease, or if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, as these factors may influence its safe use.