Local Anaesthetic
Last reviewed July 2026
Who is this for?
Lidocaine hydrochloride is a local anaesthetic, a drug that temporarily numbs a specific area of your body so you don't feel pain during medical or dental procedures.
Blocks voltage-gated sodium channels in nerve cell membranes, preventing depolarization and propagation of action potentials to interrupt pain signal transmission. Additionally, suppresses cardiac arrhythmias by stabilizing myocardial cell membranes and reducing automaticity of ectopic pacemakers.
Numbing before minor surgery, dental procedures, stitching of wounds, numbing skin before injections, relief of pain from sore throat or mouth ulcers, treatment of certain irregular heartbeats
Prescription Required
You need a doctor's prescription to buy this drug.
Explore this drug
Since lidocaine is mostly given by healthcare professionals during procedures, missing a dose is not usually applicable. If you are using the gel or cream at home and miss an application, apply it as soon as you remember, but do not double up.
Only allow a trained healthcare professional to give you lidocaine injections, and do not attempt to inject yourself at home. Buy only from reputable pharmacies and check that the packaging is intact; avoid buying from roadside vendors or unregistered shops. If you feel your heart racing, have difficulty breathing, or feel faint after receiving lidocaine, tell your doctor or nurse immediately.
Other heart medicines like beta-blockers (e.g. propranolol, atenolol) can increase lidocaine's effects and cause problems. Cimetidine (used for ulcer/stomach acid) can slow down how your body removes lidocaine, making side effects worse. Avoid alcohol around the time of use as it can increase dizziness and drowsiness.
Check your specific combination
Is it safe to take Lidocaine with your other drugs?
Lidocaine should be used during pregnancy and breastfeeding only if your doctor says it is necessary, so always inform your doctor or dentist if you are pregnant or nursing.
Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and heat, as Nigerian weather can be very hot, so avoid leaving it on window sills or in cars. Keep out of reach of children. Do not use if the solution looks cloudy or discoloured.
For information only: not medical advice. Always talk to a doctor or pharmacist before changing your medication.
Names this drug is sold under, especially in Nigerian and West African pharmacies
Tap a brand for packaging, NAFDAC details and authenticity check
Counterfeit Drug Warning
Fake drugs are a serious problem in Nigeria. Always buy from a registered pharmacy. If the packaging looks different from what is described above, do not use it.