Does Lidocaine Hydrochloride Interact with Topical Local Anesthetics?
Lidocaine Hydrochloride and Topical Local Anesthetics have a major drug interaction according to U.S. FDA drug labeling data. Serious dose-related cardiac arrhythmias may occur if lidocaine solutions containing epinephrine are used during or following administration. Patients taking both medications should consult their healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing the dosage of either drug. This information is based on official FDA drug labeling sourced from OpenFDA and the NIH National Library of Medicine.
- Severity
- Major
- Management
- Close medical supervision required
- Data Source
- U.S. FDA via OpenFDA
What To Tell Your Doctor or Pharmacist
If you are taking Lidocaine Hydrochloride and your doctor is considering prescribing Topical Local Anesthetics (or vice versa), make sure to:
- Inform your doctor and pharmacist of all current medications, including over-the-counter drugs and supplements
- Ask whether the benefits of combining these medications outweigh the risks for your specific situation
- Ask what symptoms to watch for that would indicate the interaction is causing problems
- Ask how frequently you should be monitored while these are co-prescribed
- Ask whether any dosage adjustments are needed
- Never stop or change either medication without first consulting your healthcare provider