Lidocaine Viscous
Lidocaine Viscous is a liquid local anesthetic used to numb the mouth and throat when they're irritated or inflamed.
🧬 Where this information comes from Click to expand
The clinical label records used on this page are FDA-filed Structured Product Labeling (SPL) retrieved through openFDA. We identified 1 clinical label set within the page’s selected clinical scope after exact ingredient or ingredient-combination matching and applicable route/form matching. Forms, routes, brands, labelers, strengths, and NDC product-record counts are built separately from matching FDA National Drug Code Directory records. The linked DailyMed document is a representative official source for verification, not the page’s only clinical source. View the linked label on DailyMed →
How we combine label and product data →
Lidocaine Viscous is a thick numbing liquid (a local anesthetic) that blocks pain signals wherever it touches, used for a sore, irritated mouth or throat or to quiet the gag reflex during dental impressions; it is a familiar standby, available as a generic. Used as prescribed it is usually well tolerated, and most people notice only numbness or tingling, though dizziness or drowsiness can mean too much has reached the bloodstream. Its boxed warning reports seizures, heart stoppage and death in children under 3 given too much or too often, so never use it for teething, and treat bluish lips or skin as an emergency.
Clinical pearls
- For mouth sores, swish and spit it out; swallow it only when your prescriber directs it for throat use.
- Never add extra if a dose seems weak, and measure each one with an oral syringe, not a kitchen spoon.
- Skip over-the-counter benzocaine gels and sprays while using it; stacking numbing products raises the risk of methemoglobinemia, a blood oxygen problem.
- Mention it to any prescriber starting nitroglycerin, dapsone or primaquine, and say if you have G6PD deficiency, an inherited enzyme problem.
⚠️ FDA Boxed Warning — the FDA’s strongest safety alert ▾
This medication can cause seizures, heart stoppage, and death in children under 3 years old if not used exactly as directed. These serious and sometimes fatal events have been reported after parents or caregivers gave too much, or gave doses too close together. Lidocaine Viscous should not be used for teething pain. In children under 3, it should only be used if safer options have been tried and failed. Always measure the dose precisely, follow the prescribed schedule strictly, and store the bottle where children cannot reach it.
Patient information guide — a plain-language walkthrough of Lidocaine Viscous, written from its FDA label.
What Lidocaine Viscous is used for
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Lidocaine Viscous is prescribed to numb and relieve discomfort in the mouth and throat. Main uses include:
- Relieving pain from irritated or inflamed tissue in the mouth (oral mucosa)
- Soothing an inflamed or irritated throat (pharynx)
- Reducing the gag reflex during dental X-rays or dental impressions
How Lidocaine Viscous works
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Lidocaine is a local anesthetic — it works by blocking nerve signals right at the spot where it's applied. Nerves fire pain signals by exchanging charged particles (ions) across their membranes. Lidocaine stops that ion flow, so the nerve can't send its signal. You feel temporary numbness in the treated area without losing consciousness or affecting the whole body — as long as the medication stays where it's applied.
If too much is absorbed into the bloodstream, however, lidocaine can affect the heart and brain in serious ways, which is why sticking to the correct dose and schedule is so important.
Lidocaine Viscous dosage
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Lidocaine Viscous is used in the mouth or throat — adults swish it around the mouth and spit it out, or gargle it for throat use. Doses must be spaced several hours apart, and there is a strict limit on how many doses can be taken in a 24-hour period. In young children, the dose is very small and must be applied carefully with a cotton swab — never given freely.
- Always follow your prescriber's exact instructions — do not increase the dose or shorten the time between doses
- For children, doses are based on the child's weight and age — a pharmacist or prescriber should calculate this carefully
- Store the bottle out of reach of children at all times
Dosing details from the FDA-approved label
From the Lidocaine Viscous prescribing information (“Dosage and Administration”). Doses are set by your prescriber for your product, condition, kidney function and age — never change a dose on your own.
For symptomatic treatment of irritated or inflamed mucous membranes of the mouth and pharynx, the usual adult dose is 15 mL undiluted.
Read the label’s full dosing text
DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION Adult The maximum recommended single dose of lidocaine for healthy adults should be such that the dose of lidocaine does not exceed 4.5 mg/kg or 2 mg/lb body weight and does not in any case exceed a total of 300 mg. For symptomatic treatment of irritated or inflamed mucous membranes of the mouth and pharynx, the usual adult dose is 15 mL undiluted. For use in the mouth, the solution should be swished around in the mouth and spit out. For use in the pharynx, the undiluted solution should be gargled and may be swallowed. This dose should not be administered at intervals of less than three hours, and not more than eight doses should be given in a 24-hour period. The dosage should be adjusted commensurate with the patient’s age, weight and physical condition [see PRECAUTIONS ]. Pediatric Care must be taken to ensure correct dosage in all pediatric patients as there have been cases of overdose due to inappropriate dosing. It is difficult to recommend a maximum dose of any drug for children since this varies as a function of age and weight. For children over 3 years of age who have a normal lean body mass and normal body development, the maximum dose is determined by the child’s weight or age. For example: in a child of 5 years weighing 50 lbs., the dose of lidocaine should not exceed 75 to 100 mg (3.7 to 5 mL of lidocaine). For infants and in children under 3 years of age, the solution should be accurately measured and no more than 1.2 mL be applied to the immediate area with a cotton-tipped applicator. Wait at least 3 hours before giving the next dose; a maximum of four doses may be given in a 12-hour period. Lidocaine should only be used if the underlying condition requires treatment with a volume of product that is less than or equal to 1.2 mL.
Read the full Dosage and Administration section on DailyMed →
Lidocaine Viscous side effects
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Common side effects
- Lightheadedness or dizziness
- Drowsiness (an early sign of too much absorbed into the bloodstream)
- Numbness or tingling sensations
- Blurred or double vision
- Nausea or vomiting
- Ringing in the ears (tinnitus)
- Nervousness or confusion
When to get medical help
- Call 911 immediately if there are seizures or convulsions
- Seek emergency help for signs of cardiac arrest (no pulse, loss of consciousness, not breathing)
- Watch for a bluish tint to the skin or lips — this can signal methemoglobinemia (a dangerous change in the blood's ability to carry oxygen)
- Get emergency help if breathing becomes difficult or stops
- Call a doctor right away if you notice significant drowsiness merging into unresponsiveness
- Seek emergency care for a serious allergic reaction: severe swelling, hives, or anaphylaxis (sudden full-body allergic collapse)
Most side effects happen when more lidocaine is absorbed into the bloodstream than intended. Common ones include:
- Dizziness or lightheadedness
- Drowsiness (this can be an early warning sign of too much in the system)
- Nausea or vomiting
- Ringing in the ears
- Numbness or tingling beyond the treated area
- Blurred or double vision
- Nervousness or confusion
More serious reactions — including seizures, heart problems, or a bluish skin color (sign of methemoglobinemia) — require emergency medical attention. Don't wait to see if they pass on their own.
Lidocaine Viscous warnings and precautions
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- Overdose risk is real and serious: Using more than prescribed or dosing too frequently can push lidocaine levels in the blood to dangerous levels, causing seizures, heart stoppage, or death.
- Children under 3 — extreme caution: Fatal events have been reported. Never use for teething. Only use in very young children when no safer option exists, and measure the dose with precision.
- Methemoglobinemia: A rare but life-threatening condition where blood loses its ability to carry oxygen. Watch for bluish lips or skin — this is an emergency. Risk is higher in infants under 6 months, people with G6PD deficiency, and those on certain other drugs.
- Damaged tissue absorbs faster: If the mouth or throat lining is wounded or very raw, lidocaine absorbs into the bloodstream much more quickly, raising the risk of toxic blood levels.
- Heart effects: High blood levels can lower blood pressure and depress heart function. People with existing heart or lung conditions need extra care.
Lidocaine Viscous interactions
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Several medications increase the risk of methemoglobinemia (a dangerous drop in the blood's oxygen-carrying ability) when combined with lidocaine. Let your doctor or pharmacist know about everything you take:
- Nitrates/nitrites (e.g., nitroglycerin) — used for heart conditions; combination raises methemoglobinemia risk
- Other local anesthetics (e.g., benzocaine, bupivacaine, prilocaine) — additive effect on methemoglobinemia risk
- Certain antibiotics (e.g., dapsone, sulfonamides, nitrofurantoin) — known to contribute to methemoglobinemia
- Antimalarials (e.g., chloroquine, primaquine) — increase risk
- Some anticonvulsants (e.g., phenytoin, phenobarbital, valproate) — increase risk
- Certain cancer drugs (e.g., cyclophosphamide, hydroxyurea) — increase risk
- Other drugs including acetaminophen, metoclopramide, sulfasalazine, and quinine — also associated with increased risk
Interactions listed in the FDA-approved label
From the Lidocaine Viscous prescribing information (“Drug Interactions”): what the manufacturer studied or reported to the FDA.
Drug Interactions Patients who are administered local anesthetics are at increased risk of developing methemoglobinemia when concurrently exposed to the following drugs, which could include other local anesthetics: Examples of Drugs Associated with Methemoglobinemia: Class Examples Nitrates/Nitrites nitroglycerin, nitroprusside, nitric oxide, nitrous oxide Local anesthetics benzocaine, lidocaine, bupivacaine,…
Read the label’s full interactions text
Drug Interactions Patients who are administered local anesthetics are at increased risk of developing methemoglobinemia when concurrently exposed to the following drugs, which could include other local anesthetics: Examples of Drugs Associated with Methemoglobinemia: Class Examples Nitrates/Nitrites nitroglycerin, nitroprusside, nitric oxide, nitrous oxide Local anesthetics benzocaine, lidocaine, bupivacaine, mepivacaine, tetracaine, prilocaine, procaine, articaine, ropivacaine Antineoplastic agents cyclophosphamide, flutamide, rasburicase, ifosfamide, hydroxyurea Antibiotics dapsone, sulfonamides, nitrofurantoin, para-aminosalicylic acid Antimalarials chloroquine, primaquine Anticonvulsants phenytoin, sodium valproate, phenobarbital Other drugs acetaminophen, metoclopramide, sulfasalazine, quinine
Not a complete list. The label covers the interactions the manufacturer studied or reported, and our own interaction database does not cover every medicine either. Bring your full medication list, including vitamins and herbal products, to your pharmacist.
Before taking Lidocaine Viscous
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- Allergy to local anesthetics: Do not use if you've had a reaction to amide-type local anesthetics (like bupivacaine or mepivacaine) or to any ingredient in this product
- G6PD deficiency (a genetic enzyme condition): higher risk of methemoglobinemia
- Heart or lung disease: Use with extra caution; higher risk of serious effects if the drug is absorbed into the bloodstream
- Infants under 6 months: At especially high risk for methemoglobinemia
- Children under 3 years: Serious boxed warning applies — discuss carefully with the child's doctor
- Damaged or wounded mouth/throat tissue: Absorption is faster through broken tissue, increasing risk
- Pregnancy: Lidocaine crosses the placenta — discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor before using
- Liver disease: Lidocaine is broken down by the liver; impaired liver function could affect how the drug behaves in the body
Lidocaine Viscous overdose
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Taking too much lidocaine — or using doses too close together — can cause high levels in the blood, leading to seizures, slowed or stopped breathing, a dangerous drop in blood pressure, or cardiac arrest. Early warning signs include drowsiness, dizziness, ringing in the ears, or twitching. If any of these appear after use, stop immediately and call 911 or get to an emergency room — do not wait for symptoms to worsen.
What Lidocaine Viscous does in the body
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Lidocaine blocks the nerve signals that carry pain by preventing ions from crossing nerve cell membranes — this creates temporary numbness in the treated area. At normal doses, the main effect stays local. If enough is absorbed into the bloodstream, it can lower blood pressure and slow the heart by depressing the cardiovascular system. Drowsiness after use is often an early sign that blood levels are getting higher than intended.
How your body processes Lidocaine Viscous
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Lidocaine is absorbed through mucous membranes (like the lining of the mouth and throat), and how fast it gets into the bloodstream depends on where it's applied, how much is used, and whether the tissue is intact or damaged. Once absorbed, it's broken down quickly by the liver and the byproducts are cleared through the kidneys. Lidocaine also crosses into the brain and placenta. Its half-life — the time for blood levels to drop by half — is roughly 1.5 to 2 hours after intravenous use, though topical absorption patterns may differ.
How to store Lidocaine Viscous
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Store at 20° to 25°C (68° to 77°F). Dispense in a child-resistant container as defined in the USP/NF.
Written from the FDA-approved label with AI and reviewed by our pharmacy team. How we use AI →
Lidocaine Viscous: pharmacist answers to common questions
Quick, plain-English answers to the questions patients ask most about Lidocaine Viscous — the kind of thing our pharmacy team would talk through with you at the counter.
What exactly is Lidocaine Viscous used for?
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How do I use it correctly — do I swallow it?
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Is it safe to use on my baby or toddler for teething?
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What side effects should I watch for and when should I call for help?
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Are there any medications I should avoid while using this?
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Can I use more if the first dose doesn't seem to be working?
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Is Lidocaine Viscous available over the counter?
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Answers drafted from the FDA-approved label with AI and reviewed by our pharmacy team. How we use AI →
More about Lidocaine Viscous on HelloPharmacist
Lidocaine Viscous forms and strengths (how it comes)
Lidocaine Viscous is available in 1 form. Different forms and brands can have different approved uses, doses, schedules, and directions. Follow the instructions for your exact product, and do not switch forms without guidance from your prescriber or pharmacist.
Topical solution
Lidocaine Viscous on the U.S. market: products, makers and brands
How Lidocaine Viscous appears in the FDA’s National Drug Code Directory — including its dosage forms, strengths, brand names, manufacturers, and FDA-listed product records. These are directory records, not sales or prescription volume.
1 company lists 1 Lidocaine Viscous product record with the FDA, mostly as topical solution. Brand names on the directory include Xylocaine Viscous; the rest are generics.
Compare Lidocaine Viscous products
A representative set of FDA-listed product records for Lidocaine Viscous — across manufacturers, strengths, and dosage forms, grouped by form with each product’s manufacturer and how the FDA approved it. The same medicine may be made and packaged by different companies, so a single drug can have many directory entries. (It’s also why a refill can look different — a new shape, color, or box — even though it contains the same medication.)
| Strength | Route | Manufacturer / Labeler | Category ⓘ | Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 💊Topical solution | ||||
| 20 mg/mL | Oral; Topical | Direct RX | ANDA | Find on DailyMed ↗ |
Showing 1 of 1 products — FDA National Drug Code Directory. See every product, package size and price: browse all 1 Lidocaine Viscous NDCs →
Lidocaine Viscous side effects reported to the FDA (FAERS)
After a medicine reaches the market, patients, doctors and drugmakers can send the FDA reports of problems they think may be linked to it. Here’s what’s been reported for Lidocaine Viscous — a signal of what to watch for, not proof the drug caused it.
Source: openFDA, from the FDA Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS). These are voluntary reports — they don’t prove the drug caused the effect, and counts reflect how often something was reported, not how often it actually happens. Reports also often name the very problem the medicine is taken for — a common reason to file one is that the drug didn’t help — so for a pain reliever you may see “pain” high on the list; that points to why the report was filed, not to the drug causing the symptom. This counts every report that lists Lidocaine Viscous in any role, so the total runs higher than the FDA’s official dashboard, which counts only cases where the drug is the suspect. For the authoritative figures, see the FDA FAERS Public Dashboard. Always talk to your pharmacist or doctor.
Lidocaine Viscous FDA approval history
How Lidocaine Viscous went from FDA review to the pharmacy shelf — the key milestones in its regulatory journey.
Source: Drugs@FDA.
Lidocaine Viscous recall history
A recall is when a specific batch of a medicine is pulled from the market — usually a manufacturing issue, not a problem with the drug itself. Class I is most serious, Class III least.
The FDA’s enforcement reports list no Lidocaine Viscous recalls since July 2021.
✅No Lidocaine Viscous recalls on record since July 2021Source: FDA enforcement (recall) reports, via openFDA; our copy was last updated Sep 24, 2026.
Lidocaine Viscous supply and shortage status
Whether Lidocaine Viscous is in short supply in the U.S. right now, plus any shortage history the FDA has on record. A shortage usually reflects a manufacturing or demand issue — not a safety problem with the drug.
Source: openFDA, from the FDA Drug Shortages database.
Lidocaine Viscous brand names
Lidocaine Viscous is sold under one brand name in the FDA directory — Xylocaine Viscous. A brand and its generic contain the same active ingredient; the brand name belongs to one company's product.
Who makes Lidocaine Viscous: manufacturers and labelers
One company lists Lidocaine Viscous products with the FDA. By number of product records, the largest are Direct RX. Labelers include manufacturers and repackagers; the product in your bottle depends on which one your pharmacy stocks.
Lidocaine Viscous drug class (RxNorm)
Lidocaine Viscous belongs to the Antiarrhythmic class.
Classified by RxNorm RxClass — the U.S. National Library of Medicine's standardized drug-classification service (Established Pharmacologic Class from the FDA, the ATC drug family from the WHO, and mechanism of action). Reference only, not medical advice.
Sources for this Lidocaine Viscous page
Core label, product, RxNorm, safety, and utilization data on this page come from the sources identified below. AI-written, editorial, and licensed sections are labeled separately.
How this page is built
HelloPharmacist combines public FDA and NLM records and does not author the underlying clinical facts. The plain-language sections are written with AI from the FDA-approved label text and reviewed by our pharmacy team before publication. West-Ward Pharmaceuticals Corp. is the representative DailyMed label linked for verification and dates. This is general education, not medical advice: always talk to your doctor or pharmacist about your own medicines. How we build and review drug pages →