Lidocaine Vs. Orajel: Drug Comparison

Lidocaine is a local anesthetic commonly used to numb tissues in a specific area before surgical procedures, dental work, or minor skin treatments. It works by blocking sodium channels in nerve cells, preventing the transmission of pain signals. Lidocaine can be administered through various forms, including injections, topical creams, and patches, making it versatile for different medical applications. While generally safe, lidocaine can cause side effects such as redness or swelling at the application site, dizziness, and, in rare cases, systemic toxicity if used in excessive amounts.

Lidocaine has many different types and names. The information below is about brand name Xylocaine^®.

Orajel^® is an over-the-counter (OTC) topical anesthetic used primarily to relieve pain from minor mouth irritations, toothaches, sore gums, and canker sores. The active ingredient in Orajel is usually benzocaine, which works by numbing the affected area, providing temporary relief from pain and discomfort. Orajel comes in various forms, including gels, liquids, and swabs, allowing for flexible application depending on the user's needs. While effective for short-term pain relief, it should be used with caution, as overuse or prolonged use can lead to side effects like methemoglobinemia, a serious condition in which oxygen delivery to tissues is impaired​.

Orajel has many different types and names. The information below is about Orajel Instant Pain Relief Regular.

Amide local anesthetic

Ester local anesthetic

Xylocaine (lidocaine hydrochloride) injections are indicated:

• For production of local or regional anesthesia by infiltration techniques such as percutaneous injection and intravenous regional anesthesia by peripheral nerve block techniques such as brachial plexus and intercostal and by central neural techniques such as lumbar and caudal epidural blocks, when the accepted procedures for these techniques as described in standard textbooks are observed

Oral pain reliever for the temporary relief of pain due to toothaches

• See the Full Prescribing Information for important administration instructions

• Comes as an injection

• Typically applied to the affected area up to 4 times daily

• Comes as a topical gel

Adverse experiences following the administration of lidocaine hydrochloride are similar in nature to those observed with other amide local anesthetic agents. These adverse experiences are, in general, dose-related and may result from high plasma levels caused by excessive dosage, rapid absorption or inadvertent intravascular injection, or may result from a hypersensitivity, idiosyncrasy or diminished tolerance on the part of the patient. Serious adverse experiences are generally systemic in nature. The following types are those most commonly reported:

• Central nervous system

• Cardiovascular system

• Allergic

• Neurologic

• Hematologic

Stop use and ask a physician if:

• Swelling, rash or fever develops

• Irritation, pain or redness persists or worsens

• Symptoms do not improve in 7 days

• Lidocaine hydrochloride is contraindicated in patients with a known history of hypersensitivity to local anesthetics of the amide type

• Drug interactions: Monoamine oxidase inhibitors, tricyclic antidepressants, phenothiazines, butyrophenones, vasopressor drugs, ergot-type oxytocic drugs

Do not use:

• More than directed

• For more than 7 days unless directed by a physician or healthcare provider

• The safety and effectiveness of lidocaine hydrochloride depend on proper dosage, correct technique, adequate precautions, and readiness for emergencies

• Xylocaine injections for infiltration and nerve block should be employed only by clinicians who are well versed in diagnosis and management of dose-related toxicity and other acute emergencies that might arise from the block to be employed and then only after ensuring the immediate availability of oxygen, other resuscitative drugs, cardiopulmonary equipment and the personnel needed for proper management of toxic reactions and related emergencies

• Pregnancy: Pregnancy Category B

• Labor and delivery: Local anesthetics rapidly cross the placenta and when used for epidural, paracervical, pudendal or caudal block anesthesia, can cause varying degrees of maternal, fetal and neonatal toxicity

• Breastfeeding: It is not known whether this drug is excreted in human milk

• Allergy alert: Do not use this product if you have a history of allergy to local anesthetics such as procaine, butacaine, benzocaine or other "caine" anesthetics

• Do not use if tube tip is cut prior to opening

• This preparation is intended for use in cases of toothache, only as a temporary expedient until a physician can be consulted

• Do not use continuously

• In case of overdose or allergic reaction, get medical help or contact a Poison Control Center right away

*This information is from the label for brand name Xylocaine^®. See the Full Prescribing Information for more complete information. Lidocaine has many different types and names, and this information may not be accurate for all medications that include lidocaine.

*This information is from the Orajel Instant Pain Relief Regular label. See the full label for more complete information. Orajel has many different types and names, and this information may not be accurate for all types of Orajel or all medications that contain benzocaine.