Lidocaine is a local anesthetic (numbing medication). It works by blocking nerve signals in your body.

Lidocaine viscous is used to treat sores inside the mouth, during dental procedures to numb the gums, and to numb the mouth and throat before a surgery or medical procedure.

Lidocaine viscous should not be used to treat teething pain in infants.

Lidocaine viscous may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Do not use lidocaine viscous to treat teething pain in a baby. Death can occur from the use of this medicine in very young children.

Use the smallest amount of this medicine needed to numb or relieve pain. Do not use large amounts of lidocaine viscous.

An overdose of numbing medication can cause fatal side effects if too much of the medicine is absorbed through your gums and into your blood.

Lidocaine viscous comes as a thick liquid and should be shaken well before using. Lidocaine viscous usually is used as needed but not more frequently than every 3 hours, with a maximum of 8 doses in 24 hours. In children under 3 years of age, do not use more frequently than every 3 hours, with a maximum of 4 doses in 12 hours. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Use lidocaine exactly as directed. Do not use more or less of it or use it more often than prescribed by your doctor.

For a sore or irritated mouth, the dose should be placed in the mouth, swished around until the pain goes away, and spit out.

For a sore throat, the dose should be gargled and then may be swallowed. To avoid or decrease side effects, use the minimum amount of drug needed to relieve your pain.

In infants and children under 3 years of age, use a measuring device to carefully measure the correct dose. Apply the medication to the affected area using a cotton-tipped applicator.

Because lidocaine viscous decreases the feeling in your mouth and/or throat, it may affect your ability to swallow. Avoid eating for at least 1 hour after you have used this drug. You should also avoid chewing gum while using this medication.

Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Use the medicine exactly as directed.

Improper use of lidocaine viscous may result in death.

Read and carefully follow any Instructions for Use provided with your medicine. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you do not understand these instructions.

Lidocaine viscous may be applied with your finger tips or a cotton swab, or with the applicator provided with the medicine.

Use the smallest amount of this medication needed to numb or relieve pain. Do not use large amounts of lidocaine viscous.

Avoid swallowing the medicine while applying it to your gums or the inside of your mouth.

Your body may absorb more of lidocaine viscous if:

• you use too much;

• you swallow the medicine;

• you apply the medicine to gum tissue that is cut or irritated; or

• you apply heat to a treated area.

Avoid eating within 1 hour after using this medicine inside your mouth or throat. You may have trouble swallowing and choking could occur, especially in a child.

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

An overdose of numbing medication can cause fatal side effects if too much of the medicine is absorbed through your gums and into your blood. This can happen if you apply more than the recommended dose.

Do not use lidocaine viscous to treat teething pain in a baby. A baby could accidentally swallow this medicine if it is placed in the mouth. Heart problems, seizures, severe brain injury, and death can occur from the use of this medicine in very young children. Always ask a doctor before using any medicine to treat your baby's teething pain.

You should not use lidocaine viscous if you are allergic to any type of numbing medicine.

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

• liver disease;

• a serious heart condition such as "AV block";

• an allergy to any drugs; or

• broken, swollen, or damaged skin or gum tissue.

Ask a doctor before using this medicine if you are pregnant or breast-feeding.

Older adults may be more sensitive to the effects of this medicine.

Since lidocaine topical is used when needed, you may not be on a dosing schedule. Skip any missed dose if it's almost time for your next dose.

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222 if anyone has accidentally swallowed the medication.

An overdose of numbing medicine can cause fatal side effects if too much of the medicine is absorbed through your gums and into your blood. Overdose symptoms may include uneven heartbeats, seizure (convulsions), slowed breathing, coma, or respiratory failure (breathing stops).

Lidocaine applied to the gums is not likely to cause an overdose unless you apply more than the recommended dose.

Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom).

It is important to keep all medication out of sight and reach of children as many containers (such as weekly pill minders and those for eye drops, creams, patches, and inhalers) are not child-resistant and young children can open them easily. To protect young children from poisoning, always lock safety caps and immediately place the medication in a safe location – one that is up and away and out of their sight and reach. http://www.upandaway.org

Unneeded medications should be disposed of in special ways to ensure that pets, children, and other people cannot consume them. However, you should not flush this medication down the toilet. Instead, the best way to dispose of your medication is through a medicine take-back program. Talk to your pharmacist or contact your local garbage/recycling department to learn about take-back programs in your community. See the FDA's Safe Disposal of Medicines website (http://goo.gl/c4Rm4p) for more information if you do not have access to a take-back program.

Avoid eating, chewing gum, or drinking hot liquids until the feeling in your mouth has returned completely. Chewing while your mouth is numb could result in a bite injury to your tongue, lips, or inside of your cheek.

Do not allow lidocaine viscous to come into contact with your eyes. If it does, rinse with water.

Avoid using other medications on the areas you treat with lidocaine viscous unless your doctor tells you to.

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Lidocaine viscous may cause serious side effects. Stop using lidocaine viscous and call your doctor at once if you have:

• drowsiness, depression, confusion, feeling nervous or restless;

• weakness, slow breathing, slow heart rate;

• a light-headed feeling, like you might pass out;

• numbness or cold feeling;

• vomiting; or

• blurred vision.

Common side effects of lidocaine viscous may include:

• unusual or unpleasant taste in the mouth; or

• numbness in places where the medicine is accidentally applied.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Lidocaine viscous is not likely to be affected by other drugs you use. But many drugs can interact with each other. Tell each of your health care providers about all medicines you use, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

Keep all appointments with your doctor.

Do not let anyone else use your medication. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your prescription.

It is important for you to keep a written list of all of the prescription and nonprescription (over-the-counter) medicines you are taking, as well as any products such as vitamins, minerals, or other dietary supplements. You should bring this list with you each time you visit a doctor or if you are admitted to a hospital. It is also important information to carry with you in case of emergencies.