Lidocaine cream is a potent numbing agent commonly used to treat hemorrhoids (piles) and itching. With various brand names such as Anusol, Boots Haemorrhoid, Germaloids, Perinal, Xylopract, and Preparation H Rapid Relief with Lidocaine, this cream quickly alleviates the painful, itching, and burning symptoms associated with hemorrhoids.
Here are essential points to consider when using lidocaine cream for hemorrhoids:
Using Lidocaine Cream Safely
- Check the patient information leaflet before use to ensure it is safe for you.
- Apply the cream up to three times a day on the affected area or as directed by a doctor.
- Potential side effects include skin irritation, redness, and itching. If experienced, discontinue use and consult a healthcare professional.
- Seek medical advice before using lidocaine cream during pregnancy or breastfeeding.
- Inform your doctor or pharmacist about any other medications or herbal supplements you are taking, as interactions may occur.
- Lidocaine cream is available over-the-counter at pharmacies and online retailers.
How to Apply Lidocaine Cream for Hemorrhoids
To effectively apply lidocaine cream for hemorrhoids, follow these steps:
1. Wash your hands and cleanse the affected area with mild soap and water, then pat it dry.
2. Squeeze a small amount of lidocaine cream onto your fingertip or a cotton swab.
3. Gently apply the cream to the affected area surrounding the anus, aiming to cover the entire region.
4. Massage the cream into the skin until it is absorbed.
5. Wash your hands once again after application.
It is crucial to adhere to the instructions on the product label or follow your doctor’s guidance. Apply lidocaine cream up to three times daily or as needed for relief from hemorrhoid symptoms like pain, itching, and burning.
Do not use the cream for more than seven days without medical advice. If side effects occur or symptoms persist, consult a healthcare professional.
Possible Side Effects of Lidocaine Cream for Hemorrhoids
Although lidocaine cream is generally safe for hemorrhoid treatment, it may cause side effects in some individuals. Potential side effects include:
– Skin irritation, redness, or itching at the application site.
– Allergic reactions like rash, hives, or difficulty breathing. Seek immediate medical attention for these symptoms.
– Numbness or tingling in the area of application.
– Headache, dizziness, or lightheadedness.
– Changes in heart rate or blood pressure.
– Blurred vision or ringing in the ears.
It is essential to carefully read the patient information leaflet and adhere to the instructions. If you experience any side effects or your symptoms do not improve, consult a doctor or pharmacist.
Avoid using lidocaine cream for more than seven days without medical advice. Furthermore, pregnant or breastfeeding individuals should seek medical guidance before using lidocaine cream.
Are There Any Precautions to Take When Using Lidocaine Cream for Hemorrhoids
When using lidocaine cream for hemorrhoids, take the following precautions to ensure safe and effective usage:
– Read and follow the instructions in the patient information leaflet.
– Do not exceed seven days of use without medical advice.
– Avoid using lidocaine cream during pregnancy or breastfeeding without consulting a healthcare professional.
– Do not apply the cream inside the rectum.
– Do not apply to broken or inflamed skin, as it can increase absorption and blood levels of the medication.
– Avoid applying the cream to the eyes, ears, or mucous membranes. In case of contact with the eyes, immediately rinse with water or saline and protect them until sensation returns.
– Inform your doctor or pharmacist about other medications or herbal supplements you are taking.
– Consult a doctor or pharmacist if side effects occur or symptoms persist.
– Store lidocaine cream at room temperature and out of reach of children.
Prior to using lidocaine cream, seek medical advice if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or have any medical conditions or allergies.
Can Lidocaine Cream Interact With Other Medications
Lidocaine cream can interact with various medications. Some examples include:
- Anti-arrhythmia drugs like amiodarone (Cordarone).
- Antibiotics such as ciprofloxacin (Cipro) and clarithromycin (Biaxin).
- Anti-depressants like amitriptyline (Elavil).
- Anti-histamines/H2 blockers such as cimetidine (Tagamet).
- Anti-fungal medications like fluconazole (Diflucan).
- Anti-seizure medications like carbamazepine.
- Nitroglycerin.
- Metoclopramide.
- Aspirin.
- Budesonide/formoterol (Symbicort).
- Levothyroxine (Synthroid).
- Acetaminophen (Tylenol).
- Cyanocobalamin (Vitamin B12).
- Ascorbic acid (Vitamin C).
- Cholecalciferol (Vitamin D3).
- Diclofenac topical (Voltaren Arthritis Pain Gel).
- Alprazolam (Xanax).
- Ondansetron (Zofran).
- Cetirizine (Zyrtec).
Inform your doctor or pharmacist about all medications you are taking, including prescription, over-the-counter, and herbal products, before using lidocaine cream for hemorrhoids. They can provide guidance on the safe use of lidocaine cream alongside other medications.
Other Saftey Tips
Do not apply to open wounds.
Creams should never be applied directly into an anus and to open wounds; using medication in places already irritated may lead to serious side effects. You should also refrain from trying to “pop” any hemorrhoid that resembles one; doing so could result in serious and even potentially deadly injuries to delicate skin near an anus.
Preparation H, Recticare and lidocaine are recognized as effective treatments for relieving hemorrhoid symptoms. However, they should not be interchanged as each medication contains unique ingredients that work differently – Preparation H contains vasoconstricting phenylephrine while Recticare and lidocaine contain local anesthetics to relieve pain relief.
Preparation H contains 1% lidocaine for an immediate and long-term numbing effect to relieve itching, burning and pain associated with hemorrhoids. Glycerin soothes irritated skin while supporting healing processes – this product is safe to use at home and may qualify for FSA or HSA reimbursement.
Do not apply to large areas of your skin.
Hemorrhoids form when blood vessels near the anus swell up, resulting in itchy and painful vessels that press against it. Hemorrhoids often respond well to home treatments; however, severe rectal pain, heavy bleeding or fever require medical intervention.
Over-the-counter hemorrhoid products typically consist of soothing agents like lidocaine as well as ingredients to reduce itching such as zinc oxide, witch hazel or even steroid creams.
If over-the-counter treatments don’t alleviate symptoms, a doctor can suggest rubber band ligation or other minor office procedures such as sclerotherapy to shrink internal hemorrhoids and lessen pain. They involve cutting off their blood supply so the internal hemorrhoid will shrink or even fall off; another option includes infrared photocoagulation which involves shining a beam of heat onto external hemorrhoids to shrink them down.
Do not use for more than 7 days.
Most people have at some point experienced hemorrhoids and seek ways to ease their discomfort. OTC products such as Preparation H, Recticare and lidocaine cream may provide temporary relief by numbing affected areas and relieving pain.
However, this type of treatment should only be utilized for no more than seven days as pain and itching will return after that point. Overuse can lead to side effects like burning or reddening of the anal area.
If the pain and itching persist, or if piles keep returning, it is wise to contact a healthcare provider immediately for further assessment and possible more intensive treatments options.
Home treatments like sitz baths and diet changes may help alleviate external hemorrhoids symptoms; if symptoms continue, however, you should visit a doctor to determine whether prolapsed internal hemorrhoids require office removal or another form of therapy.
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