Lidocaine-HC (Generic)

This combination medication is used to treat irritation, soreness, and itchiness from certain skin conditions (e.g., scrapes, minor burns, eczema, insect bites). It can also be used to treat minor discomfort and itching caused by hemorrhoids and other problems of the anal area (e.g., anal fissures). This medication contains lidocaine, an anesthetic that works to decrease pain by temporarily numbing the area. This product also contains hydrocortisone, a corticosteroid that reduces redness, itching, and swelling.

Wash your hands before applying the medication. Clean and dry the area to be treated.

Apply a thin layer of medication to the affected area of skin 2 or 3 times daily or as directed by your doctor. If you are using the medicated pads, use each pad only once and discard the pad after one use. Do not save used pads for later.

To apply this medication to the outside of the anus, apply a small amount to the affected area and rub in gently. Do not apply this medication inside the anus.

Dosage is based on your medical condition and response to therapy. Use this medication regularly in order to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, use it at the same times each day.

Do not use on large areas of the body, apply heat or cover the area with waterproof bandages or plastic unless directed to do so by your doctor. If used in the diaper area on an infant, do not use tight-fitting diapers or plastic pants. These may increase the risk of serious side effects.

Wash hands immediately after use unless you are treating an area on the hands. Avoid getting the product in your eyes, nose, ears, or mouth. If the medication gets in these areas, rinse the area immediately with clean water.

Do not use more of this product, use it more often, or keep using it longer than prescribed by your doctor. If you have been using this medication for a long time or in high doses, do not suddenly stop using it without your doctor's approval. Some conditions may become worse when this drug is suddenly stopped. Your dose may need to be gradually decreased.

Inform your doctor if your condition does not improve or if it worsens after 1 to 2 weeks.

Redness, swelling, or temporary numbness at the treated area may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor.

Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.

Tell your doctor right away if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: change in skin appearance (e.g., color, stretch marks, thinning skin), skin redness/tenderness/pus or other signs of infection.

Get medical help right away if you have any very serious side effects, including: slow/shallow breathing, signs of serious infection (e.g., fever, persistent sore throat), seizures, pale/bluish/gray skin, unusual tiredness, shortness of breath, fast/slow/irregular heartbeat.

A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, seek immediate medical attention if you notice any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.

This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice any other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

In the US - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch.

In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.

Before using this product, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to lidocaine; or to other amide anesthetics (e.g., bupivacaine, prilocaine); or to hydrocortisone; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: diabetes, eye problems, current/recent infections (such as tuberculosis, chickenpox, herpes), skin sores/infections (such as fungal infections), liver disease, stomach/intestinal problems, a certain blood disorder (methemoglobinemia).

If there is an infection or sore in the area to be treated, do not use this medication without consulting your doctor first.

Children may be more sensitive to the effects of too much corticosteroid medication. Consult your doctor for more details.

During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. It should not be used for long periods of time or in large amounts. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.

Lidocaine passes into breast milk. It is unknown if hydrocortisone passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Store at room temperature between 59-86 degrees F (15-30 degrees C). Do not refrigerate. Keep all medicines away from children and pets.

Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company for more details about how to safely discard your product.

Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.

This medicine may be harmful if swallowed. If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison control center right away. US residents can call their local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center.

If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember unless it is almost time for the next dose. In that case, skip the missed dose. Use your next dose at the regular time. Do not double the dose to catch up.

This medication has been prescribed for your current condition only. Do not use it later for another condition unless told to do so by your doctor. A different medication may be necessary in that case.