Introduction
Lidocaine is a local anesthetic that reduces pain transmission to the brain by blocking sodium channels in nerve cell membranes. In gel form, lidocaine can be applied to the skin and mucous membranes or, if catheters are attached, it can be used to numb body cavities. Lidocaine only penetrates the skin layers and only a small amount is absorbed into the bloodstream. Side effects tend to be localized and very rare throughout the body.
Indications for Lidocaine Gel
As a local anaesthetic, lidocaine can be used to relieve pain in almost all areas of the body. The gel form is particularly suitable for making medical procedures more pleasant. One area is the insertion of catheters or endoscopes into the urethra.
This insertion is a normally unpleasant to painful procedure to diagnose bladder diseases or, in the case of the catheter, to drain the urine. The gel is applied to the catheter or endoscope and inserted into the urethra. A lidocaine gel can also be applied to the instruments during endoscopies of the stomach or respiratory tract, making the examination less painful.
Lidocaine gel is also used in cases of premature ejaculation, as it is applied to the glans to delay the ejaculation. In this case, however, the gel should be washed off again before sexual intercourse. Lidocaine gel should only be used on intact skin and not on open wounds, as too much of the drug gets into the bloodstream where it has a toxic effect. This topic might also be of interest to you:
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Effect of Lidocaine Gel
Lidocaine is a poorly water soluble but well fat soluble substance and can therefore be easily absorbed through the skin. Absorption through the mucous membrane is even better, as it is designed to absorb many substances. Lidocaine is quickly absorbed after application and is deposited in the cell membrane of the nerve cells.
The cell membrane contains many small channels for sodium, which are necessary for the transmission of stimuli along the nerve. These channels are blocked by the lidocaine and the formation of the signal, the action potential, is prevented. The effect of Lidocaine starts already a few seconds to minutes after administration, because the active substance only has to reach the local nerves and does not have to act centrally. The rapid effect is particularly helpful when a catheter is inserted, since the active ingredient is introduced together with the catheter. At higher doses, lidocaine also has a central effect and has an influence on the cardiovascular system.
