Lidocaine 5% Ointment (15g)

What is Lidocaine 5% ointment?

Lidocaine 5% ointment is a topical medicine that is used to numb the skin. It is prescribed in the treatment of a number of conditions, including the likes of eczema, insect bites and mild burns to the skin's surface.

To buy Lidocaine 5% ointment, you must have been prescribed it by a doctor. However, lidocaine is also contained in over the counter creams that can be bought from pharmacies

What is Lidocaine ointment used to treat?

Lidocaine is used to provide pain relief from a number of conditions. It can be used for problems like eczema and insect bites but is also prescribed for genital herpes.

It is often prescribed for genital herpes and will get to work very quickly in just a couple of minutes and can also provide relief for a number of hours.

Using Lidocaine will provide fast-acting relief from pain, meaning you can get on with your day without discomfort.

Why is Lidocaine ointment recommended for treating genital herpes?

Lidocaine has been used in clinical trials and found to provide effective pain relief from herpes. 

If you are prescribed this medicine for genital herpes, it should be applied directly to the affected area and will get to work in just two minutes.

Furthermore, the numbing effects of Lidocaine will last for several hours, allowing you to deal with the pain and discomfort caused by this problem.

How does Lidocaine work?

Lidocaine is an anaesthetic medicine. It works by impairing the nerves' function to transmit pain sensations to your brain. Impairing this function numbs the affected area. This helps to lessen the pain that comes with conditions like eczema, genital herpes and burns. At the same time, the cream can help to soothe the skin's soreness, providing pain relief.

Who can use Lidocaine?

Lidocaine 5% is an effective anaesthetic treatment, but it is not suitable for everyone to use.

Do not use Lidocaine 5% ointment if:

• You are allergic to any of the ingredients contained in this medicine, or any other amide-type local anaesthetics
• You or your child has porphyria, methaemoglobinaemia or glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency
• The affected area has cuts, rashes, eczema, bleeding and scabs, or the skin feels sore

Make sure you tell your doctor before using Lidocaine 5% ointment if you have (or have a history of) any liver, kidney or heart problems. In some cases, Lidocaine may interact with medicines you are already using.

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding before using Lidocaine.

This information is not exhaustive. Read the patient information leaflet for full details on precautions.

Can you buy Lidocaine over the counter?

Lidocaine is a prescription medicine, but it can be bought from pharmacies if you are due to have a cosmetic procedure that involves a needle.

Can you buy Lidocaine online in the UK?

Yes, you can buy Lidocaine ointment online in the UK. To order Lidocaine from Medicine Direct, all you need to do is complete a simple online consultation, which involves answering some questions about your condition and medical history. These answers will be reviewed by one of our registered prescribers to make sure Lidocaine is suitable for you.

Do not buy medicine online from anywhere other than regulated pharmacies, like Medicine Direct. You can view the official medical authorities we are regulated by on our About Us page. These regulatory bodies ensure we sell nothing but genuine, approved and safe medicine from our online pharmacy.

Lidocaine alternatives

Aciclovir 5% Cream is also available to buy from Medicine Direct to treat genital herpes. This treatment works to reduce the severity and length of the problem when applied during the early stages of an outbreak.

Oral prescription medicines such as Aciclovir and Valaciclovir tablets can also be bought from Medicine Direct. These medicines will work to fight the infection that causes herpes.