Lidocaine for Mouth and Nose (gel, ointment, liquid and spray)

Most adults and young people over the age of 16 years can use lidocaine for mouth and throat. There are also lidocaine products that are suitable for children and babies.

Teething treatments are for babies from the age of 5 months or 6 months, depending on the brand. Always check the packaging and instructions before giving lidocaine to a baby.

Lidocaine products can look very similar. Some are only suitable for people over the age of 16. This is because they contain choline salicylate (an ingredient related to aspirin).

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

Lidocaine is generally considered safe to use during pregnancy and breastfeeding. However, some lidocaine treatments for mouth and throat contain additional ingredients.

They may contain salicylates such as choline salicylate. Salicylates are related to aspirin and are generally not recommended in pregnancy, so always check the ingredients.

Always read the instructions that come with your medicine first and wash your hands before and after using the ointment, gel or liquid.

Ointment, gel, liquid or spray for mouth ulcers

Put a small amount of lidocaine onto your fingertip or a cotton bud. Gently wipe it across the surface of your mouth ulcer.

After 3 hours you can use it again, if you need to.

Gel for teething

Squeeze a small amount of teething gel onto your finger or a cotton bud. Gently dab it onto the sore parts of your child’s mouth.

Do not put the gel too far back into their mouth, as this can make them choke. You can use the gel every 3 hours, if your child needs it.

Ointment, gel, liquid or spray for dentures

Put a small amount of lidocaine onto your finger. Gently rub it onto the sore parts of your gums.

Wait at least 30 minutes, then put your dentures back in. Do not put the lidocaine straight onto your dentures.

Spray for sore throats

Spray 1 or 2 squirts of lidocaine into your mouth. Aim the spray onto the sore parts of your throat.

Repeat, following the instructions that come with your medicine.

What if I use too much?

Lidocaine is usually a very safe medicine if you follow the instructions that come with it.

To avoid using too much by accident, always put the gel, ointment or liquid onto your finger or a cotton bud. Do not squeeze it straight into your mouth.

Lidocaine mouth and throat products are generally very safe. People rarely have any side effects. However, as with all medicines, it is possible to be unexpectedly allergic to lidocaine.

Serious allergic reaction

It is extremely rare to have an allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) to lidocaine.

Cautions with other medicines

Lidocaine can potentially affect the way other medicines work. However, this is more likely when you are using lidocaine at higher doses or if you are having lidocaine injections.

If you are using your lidocaine treatment for mouth and throat as directed, it usually will not affect any other medicines.

Mixing lidocaine with herbal remedies and supplements

There is very little information about taking herbal medicines and supplements with lidocaine.

How does Lidocaine work?

Lidocaine is a local anaesthetic that numbs the area where you have used it. It works by stopping nerves from sending pain signals to your brain. If you use lidocaine treatment for mouth ulcers or a sore throat, it will ease your painful symptoms.

How long will I need to take it for?

You can use lidocaine mouth and throat products for as long as you need them. Make sure you follow the instructions that come with your medicine. See a dentist or doctor if the sore areas in your mouth are bothering you, or if they do not heal. You may need a different treatment.

Is it safe to use lidocaine for mouth and throat for a long time?

You will usually use lidocaine for a short time to help with your symptoms. See your doctor if your symptoms do not improve.

Only keep on using lidocaine if your doctor or your dentist says it’s OK to use it long term.

Can I drink alcohol with it?

Yes, you can drink alcohol with lidocaine mouth and throat treatments.

Is there any food or drink I need to avoid?

No, using lidocaine mouth and throat products does not affect what you can eat or drink.

However, be careful when having hot food and drinks. Lidocaine numbs your mouth making it easier to burn yourself.

Will it affect my fertility?

There is no firm evidence that lidocaine treatments affect male or female fertility.

Will it affect my contraception?

Lidocaine treatments do not affect any type of contraception, including the combined pill and emergency contraception.

Are there similar treatments for mouth ulcers and sore throats?

Most of the treatments that you buy for mouth ulcers and sore throats contain lidocaine.

However, some of them contain a different local anaesthetic called benzocaine. Benzocaine and lidocaine work in a similar way, but benzocaine is better for treating toothache and dental pain.

Can I drive or ride a bike?

Yes. Lidocaine treatments for mouth and throat will not affect your ability to drive or ride a bike.