Xylocaine
Xylocaine
Xylocaine (pronounced: zy-lo-cane), also known as Lidocaine, is a common local anesthetic and antiarrhythmic drug. It is used topically to relieve itching, burning and pain from skin inflammations, injected as a dental anesthetic, or used as a local anesthetic for minor surgery.
Etymology
The term "Xylocaine" is derived from the Greek word "xylon," which means wood, and "caine," a common suffix for anesthetics. The name was chosen because the drug was originally derived from the wood of the coca plant.
Usage
Xylocaine works by blocking nerve signals in your body and is used to reduce pain or discomfort caused by minor skin irritations, sore throat, sunburn, teething pain, vaginal or rectal irritation, ingrown toenails, hemorrhoids, and many other sources of minor pain on a surface of the body. Xylocaine is also given in an epidural (spinal block) to reduce the discomfort of contractions during labor.
Related Terms
- Anesthetic: A substance that induces insensitivity to pain.
- Lidocaine: A local anesthetic and antiarrhythmic drug, also known as Xylocaine.
- Epidural: An injection in the spine to block pain.
- Hemorrhoids: Swollen veins in the lower part of the rectum and anus, often a source of minor pain that can be treated with Xylocaine.
Side Effects
Common side effects of Xylocaine include redness, swelling, numbness, tingling, or warmth where the medication was applied. If these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor or pharmacist promptly.
Precautions
Before using Xylocaine, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to other anesthetics (such as bupivacaine, prilocaine); or if you have any other allergies.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Xylocaine
- Wikipedia's article - Xylocaine
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