What Xylocaine is for

Xylocaine Ointment is used:

• to relieve pain following minor burns and skin irritation including sunburn, insect bites, nettle rash and sore nipples;
• to prevent pain and discomfort, and to act as a lubricant during medical procedures and tests;
• to relieve pain of some conditions of the back passage such as haemorrhoids (piles) or fissures
• in dentistry to prevent pain during scaling or injection and when fitting dentures.

Xylocaine belongs to a group of medicines called local anaesthetics. It works by making the pain nerves unable to pass messages to the brain. Your physician, pharmacist or dentist will have explained what Xylocaine Ointment is used for and told you

Xylocain Dosage

Follow all directions given to you by your physician, pharmacist or dentist carefully. They may differ from the information contained below. A health professional may recommend this medicine for another use. Ask them if you want more information. Xylocaine Ointment is not addictive.

Before you use Xylocaine

Do not use Xylocaine Ointment if you are pregnant or breastfeeding unless your physician or dentist says it is safe to do so. Ask them about the risks and benefits involved. Xylocaine has been widely used during pregnancy and there have been no reports of any ill effects on the baby. When used correctly, it is unlikely that any Xylocaine Ointment will get into your breast milk if you are breastfeeding. Do not use after the use by (expiry) date printed on the pack. It may have no effect at all, or worse, an entirely unexpected effect if you take it after the expiry date. Do not use Xylocaine Ointment if the packaging is torn or shows signs of tampering. Do not use it to treat any other complaints unless your physician tells you to. Do not give this medicine to anyone else.

Xylocine Precautions

You must tell your physician, pharmacist or dentist if:

• you have any allergies to other local anaesthetics, any ingredients listed at the end of this leaflet, any other substances. If you have an allergic reaction, you may get a skin rash, hayfever, difficulty breathing or feel faint.
• you have any of these medical conditions: epilepsy; heart, liver or kidney problems; open wounds or infection where the ointment will be used.

Taking other medicines with Xylocaine

Tell your physician if you are taking any other medicines, including: ones to control your heart beat; ones for blood pressure (anti-hypertensives); ones for epilepsy or fits; cimetidine; any medicines that you buy at the chemist, supermarket or health food shop. These medicines may affect the way Xylocaine Ointment works. Your physician, pharmacist or dentist can tell you what to do if you are taking any of these medicines. If you have not told your physician about any of these things, tell them before you use any Xylocaine Ointment.

Using Xylocaine

Your physician, pharmacist or dentist will tell you how much ointment you should use. The dose depends on the size of the area and the procedure involved.

The maximum single dose is 5g (250mg lignocaine). This is roughly equivalent to squeezing a 15cm (6in) length of ointment from the tube. Do not use more than 17-20g of the ointment in any 24 hours. Apply a thin layer of ointment over the area.

A sterile gauze pad is recommended for application to burnt or abraded skin.

For tender or sore nipples, apply a small amount of the ointment on a piece of gauze.

Wash all the ointment away before breastfeeding.

For children less than 12 years, do not use more than 0.1g ointment/kg bodyweight as a single dose. Do not apply more than three doses during any 24 hours.

Ask your physician, pharmacist or dentist if you are unsure about the amount of Xylocaine Ointment to use.

While you are using Xylocaine

Do not use Xylocaine Ointment on open wounds or infected areas.

Do not get Xylocaine Ointment in your eyes. If any of the ointment does go in your eye, rinse immediately with lots of water for at least 15 minutes and call your physician.

Please talk to your physician, pharmacist or dentist about these possibilities if you think they may bother you.

Side effects of Xylocaine

Tell your physician, pharmacist or dentist as soon as possible if you do not feel well while you are taking Xylocaine Ointment.

Xylocaine Ointment will help to relieve pain and discomfort in most people, but it may have unwanted side-effects in a few people. All medicines can have side effects. Sometimes they are serious, most of the time they are not. You may need medical treatment if you get some of the side effects. Ask your physician, pharmacist or dentist to answer any questions you may have.

Tell your physician, pharmacist or dentist if you notice skin rash or irritation and it worries you. This is a mild side effect of Xylocaine Ointment.

Tell your physician immediately or go to casualty at your nearest hospital if you notice any of the following: wheezing or difficulty breathing; chest pain; severe rash or itching; increased sweating. These are all serious side effects. You may need urgent medical attention. Serious side effects are rare.

Tell your physician if you notice anything else that is making you feel unwell. Some people may get other side effects while using Xylocaine Ointment.

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