The Pros and Cons of Lidocaine

Skincare is one of the most concerning aspects in the modern era. Men and women both have a variety of skincare problems and infections. However, the advancement in the field of medicine has led to the development of many solutions for skin problems as well. One such medication is Lidocaine. Contrary to the popular belief, Lidocaine has several harms as well as benefits.  

What is Lidocaine?

For those who don’t know, this is a specific kind of medication generally in an ointment form which is used on the skin to stop the feeling of itching and pain. It can be considered as a local anesthetic medication with numbing agents that help in reducing the pain. Your skin may get infected and itchy from problems such as scrapes, burns, eczema, insect bites, or any tough rashes. Although Lidocaine can be used in appropriate quantities at any point on the skin, they are often used to treat sensitive areas such as the genital areas of men and women. 

Pros of Lidocaine

Works Instantly

One of the main benefits of using Lidocaine is that it works instantly. By blocking the nerves which transmit pain sensations to the brain, the pain in the skin is immediately relieved. According to research, Lidocaine starts its effect within 90 seconds of application and the effect could last for up to 20 minutes or even more in some cases. Due to this quick response of lidocaine in the human body, the patient is treated in a relatively shorter time with very mild side effects that follow. 

Lidocaine injection anesthesia.

Available Over-the-Counter

In certain countries, lidocaine is easily available at almost every medical store. As a result, you have a quick solution for most skin problems easily. Lidocaine is available over the counter as well. However, be sure that you read out the direction of usage in detail so that you don’t make any mistakes with skin that has already been damaged to a great extent. If you still have any questions, we recommend consulting the pharmacist on the spot or take your time to consult a proper doctor before using Lidocaine in any way. 

Here are some of the best over-the-counter creams for lidocaine – Strongest Lidocaine Cream OTC

Works for Premature Ejaculation

Lidocaine has several applications and one of the most common ones is in the form of lidocaine spray. The spray is quite helpful for men who suffer from premature ejaculation. According to one study, one in every three men are facing this problem which is why their sex life gets disturbed.  A study conducted in 2003 concluded that the use of lidocaine spray helped men who had an average time of ejaculation at about 84 seconds to an increased time of 11 minutes and 21 seconds. 

Once the Lidocaine spray is used, it helps in numbing down the sensitive skin tissues giving you a “lesser feel” when you are engaged in sexual activities. As a result, you will last longer and this is one great benefit of using lidocaine spray.

Lidocaine spray can be used for premature ejaculation problems. Works Great as an Anti-Inflammatory Drug

Medical experts have evaluated that lidocaine is becoming recognized as a great anti-inflammatory drug. The chemical properties of lidocaine are often compared with steroids and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs as well. In various experiments on humans, the anti-inflammatory properties of lidocaine were visible which is why it is being recognized as the solution for ulcerative proctitis, arthritis, herpes simplex, and various kinds of burn wounds as well. 

Cons of Lidocaine

Lidocaine is truly beneficial in many ways. However, there is a list of drawbacks of using lidocaine as well which should be considered. 

Irritation on the Skin

A common way to consume lidocaine is via medically-approved injections. However, sometimes, these injections may cause swelling on the skin which can become itchy and painful. Furthermore, there are chances of having red or purple spots on the skin. Most of the time, they are not harmful to a great extent and only cause minor discomfort. Skin redness is another issue associated with the consumption of lidocaine. Nonetheless, since the drug is used for the treatment of various skin problems, these minor issues are only for a while and not permanent. 

Such spots may appear due to the usage of lidocaine.

Digestive Distress

Sometimes, the body may react to a unique drug in an abnormal manner. As a result, people face digestive distress when something particularly new is consumed. Lidocaine may cause vomiting, constipation, and headache as well. Keep in mind that you should not take lidocaine in high volumes because this may further add to the digestive distress. Limit the consumption if the issue persists. Your doctor can advise you further regarding diet so that you are able to avoid the digestive distress caused due to lidocaine. 

digestive distress is a side effect of lidocaine. Psychological Issues

On rare occasions, lidocaine can affect your nervous system and create some short-term psychological issues as well. Some studies have shown that the application of lidocaine, particularly in the form of an injection, led to drowsiness and nausea. Being a strong chemical with anesthetic properties, this is a common side effect that does not affect your overall health in any major way. Dizziness and headache may also persist but for a short time. 

Breathing Problems

In some conditions, particularly when a persons’ lungs have been affected badly, there are chances that lidocaine may cause slight trouble in breathing as well. However, doctors carefully analyze each aspect of their patient before recommending them every drug so the chances of such a problem are very low. Furthermore, there are some other medicines which could help you out with breathing problems caused by lidocaine. Keep in mind that you should immediately talk to a doctor if the problem persists for long and you have not already been advised of it. 

Blurry Vision

Blurry vision is a common side effect of many injection-based medications. Most of the time, blurry vision is only partly and the actual vision is restored once the effect of lidocaine is over. You can check with your doctor regarding blurry vision if it persists. Once your body adapts to the injections of lidocaine, most of the side effects mentioned above will no longer be there. 

Lidocaine. 

Heart Problems

In rare circumstances, there can be the worst reactions in the body with the injection of lidocaine or consumption in the form of capsules. The first stage would be an abnormal heartbeat which may also lead to difficulty in breathing. There is a chance that a person who has an abnormal heartbeat faces sudden seizures as well as other related changes in the body. 

The last stage of heart problems associated with lidocaine includes the risk of a cardiac arrest, also known as a heart attack. The best way to avoid any such problem is to not risk any early warning signs and visit the doctor on the priority when you start to notice something odd. Besides, you should stop the consumption of any kind of drug including lidocaine if it starts to show any abnormal reactions.

As a result of lidocaine, heart problems may occur on rare occasions. 

Severe Allergic Reactions

Drugs react differently to different types of bodies. This happens because the immune system of every person distinctively treats the drugs. The chances of sudden skin redness, itching on major spots, increasing redness, and increasing swelling are uncommon when it comes to the use of lidocaine. However, keep in mind that they can occur for sure if you take lidocaine in more than the prescribed amount. 

Malignant Hyperthermia

Malignant Hyperthermia can be defined as a reaction to anesthesia which mainly occurs because the body’s metabolism rises which triggers a further set of actions. An instant rise in body temperature and muscle rigidity are the most common outcomes of Malignant Hyperthermia. This problem may occur during surgery when the lidocaine is being used as an anesthetic drug or injection. 

Early-stage damage includes damage to various tissues or organs while the last stage of Malignant Hyperthermia is death. However, you don’t need to worry because most over-the-counter medications which contain lidocaine only contain a limited amount that is not as strong as the anesthetic lidocaine. Moreover, even in the case of Malignant Hyperthermia, the problem is treatable by administering dantrolene sodium in the patient’s body and aiming for rapidly cooling down the patient. 

Suggested Reading – Are Lidocaine Creams Helpful In Easing Pain?

Conclusion

Lidocaine is becoming increasingly recognized as a medication being used for various problems. From skincare to sexual problems, lidocaine can work perfectly if the right amount is taken at a suitable time period. Despite the numerous benefits of lidocaine, there are various side effects too which should be considered. With various applications such as creams, spray, and even injections, the usage of lidocaine is increasing globally. However, it is always preferable to consult a doctor if the issue you are facing is a major one.