lidocaine hydrochloride + phenazone at a glance
Medicine class
Local anaesthetic combined with an analgesic and anti-inflammatory agent
Route
Ear drops for use only in the affected ear canal
Eardrum requirement
The eardrum must be intact; do not use with a perforation, grommet or myringotomy
Before administration
Warm the bottle between the hands to reduce discomfort from cold drops
What is lidocaine hydrochloride + phenazone used for?
Licensed local symptom and pain relief for middle-ear disease without eardrum perforation.
Acute congestive otitis media
Viral bullous otitis associated with influenza
Barotraumatic otitis caused by pressure change
How does lidocaine hydrochloride + phenazone work?
Lidocaine temporarily blocks pain signals. Phenazone has pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory activity. Systemic absorption through an intact eardrum is expected to be low.
lidocaine hydrochloride + phenazone preparations and strengths
Ear drops
Route: Otic
Strengths: 40 mg + 10 mg/g
How to take lidocaine hydrochloride + phenazone
Use only in the ear as directed. Warm the bottle in your hands, attach the dropper and lie with the affected ear facing upwards. Instil the prescribed amount without touching the ear with the dropper, then replace the protective cap. Do not swallow or put the solution in the eyes or nose.
Check that the eardrum is intact before treatment.
Stop using the drops and seek medical advice if ear discharge develops.
Keep the bottle in its original packaging to protect it from light.
lidocaine hydrochloride + phenazone side effects
Get urgent medical advice
- Rare local allergic reactions may cause itching or a rash; stop treatment and seek medical advice.
- Ear discharge may indicate a perforated eardrum; stop the drops and obtain medical advice.
- Seek urgent help for swelling of the face or throat, breathing difficulty or another severe allergic reaction.
lidocaine hydrochloride + phenazone in pregnancy
It may be used during pregnancy if necessary when the eardrum is intact and it is used as directed. Consult a doctor or pharmacist first because information about placental transfer is limited.
lidocaine hydrochloride + phenazone while breastfeeding
It may be used during breastfeeding if necessary when the eardrum is intact and it is used as directed. Systemic absorption of topical lidocaine is generally low, but advice is particularly important for premature or unwell infants.
lidocaine hydrochloride + phenazone interactions
No interaction studies have been performed, so specific interactions have not been established. Tell the prescriber or pharmacist about all medicines being used.
Common questions about lidocaine hydrochloride + phenazone
Answers are fully visible for fast scanning and source review.
Does it cure an ear infection?
No. It relieves local pain and inflammation but is not an antibiotic or antiviral treatment.
Why must the eardrum be intact?
A perforation may allow the drops to reach middle-ear structures, risking harmful local effects including ototoxicity.
Can it be used with grommets?
Sources
These sources were used to prepare and review this medicine page.
Prepared and reviewed by the iatroX editorial team.