Before you start applying Lidocaine blue gel, you should know the side effects and risks. It can be used as a topical solution and is applied to the skin with cotton applicators. Some products are sprayed or swished in the mouth, so you have to spit them out after application. However, some people have experienced side effects when using the 2% solution, including seizures, severe brain injury, and heart problems.
Methemoglobinemia risk:
Benzocaine, used in oral and topical anesthetic gels, can increase the risk of methemoglobinemia in patients. A report based on an oral spray found that a patient with methemoglobinemia should be suspected if arterial blood gas readings were normal but pulse oximeters were low. This was confirmed in the patient.
Skin abrasion:
Lidocaine blue gel is a topical solution that contains 3% or 2.75% lidocaine. The gel applies as a thin film to the affected area and can be applied two to three times daily. It relieves pain and inflammation from sunburns, minor skin irritations, and rashes. This is a trusted product that is effective for most types of burns. Lidocaine blue gel for skin abrasion should not be applied to raw or blistered areas. The lotion should also not be applied to large areas or large amounts. It should not be used for more than 7 days or if the symptoms last longer.
Changes in hepatic blood flow:
It is unknown whether lidocaine can affect hepatic blood flow. This substance is excreted in the urine primarily via the kidney, where it undergoes biotransformation to produce its metabolites. It is thought that the rapid uptake influences the first phase of the elimination by rapidly equilibrating tissues, followed by a slower phase that is related to metabolism and excretion.
Cardiovascular effects:
The cardiovascular effects of using Lidocaine blue gel after cardiac surgery have received considerable attention in the literature. A systematic review of the literature has evaluated its effectiveness for reducing postoperative pain and enhancing recovery following cardiac surgery. The researchers extracted data from an electronic database that included postoperative pain scores, opioid consumption, nausea, vomiting, hospital length of stay, and adverse effects associated with Lidocaine use. The authors also looked at the incidence of arrhythmia and all-cause mortality.
