Lignocaine 2% Gel with Chlorhexidine 0.05%

Generic Name: Lignocaine; Chlorhexidine gluconate
Product Name: Lignocaine 2% Gel with Chlorhexidine 0.05%

Indication

This is an anaesthetic gel with an antiseptic/disinfectant used for medical procedures or the insertion of instruments such as catheters.

Action

Lignocaine belongs to a group of medicines known as local anaesthetics. It works by temporarily blocking the pathway of pain signals along nerves. Pain is caused by the stimulation of pain receptors at the ends of nerves. The stimulation causes sodium to enter the nerve ending, which causes an electrical signal to build up in the nerve. When this electrical signal is big enough, it passes along the nerve to the brain, where the signal is interpreted as pain. works by stopping the sodium entering the nerve ending at the site of the pain. This prevents an electrical signal building up and passing along the nerve fibres to the brain. In this way lignocaine causes numbness and relieves pain at the area it is applied to. Chlorhexidine gluconate is an antiseptic effective against a wide range of bacteria, yeasts, some fungi and viruses. It is most active at a neutral or alkaline conditions. Its activity is reduced by the presence of blood or body fluids. It binds strongly to skin, mucosa and other tissues and is therefore poorly absorbed.

Dose advice

The gel should be slowly and gently inserted into the appropriate area by a medical professional prior to insertion of an instrument, or a medical procedure and then left for three to five minutes to allow the anaesthetic to take effect.

Schedule

S2

Common side effects

Side-effects to this kind of medication are rare and are generally due to sensitisation or allergic reactions.

Uncommon side effects

Uncommonly, this kind of anaesthetic may cause rare side-effects to the central nervous system and the cardiovascular system, causing a number of symptoms.

References

1. AMH Pty Ltd. Lignocaine. Australian Medicines Handbook: July, 2005.
2. MIMS Pty Ltd. Lignocaine 2% Gel with Chlorhexidine 0.05%. Mims Online, Available from: [URL Link]

For further information talk to your doctor.