Lidocaine is used to relieve nerve pain after shingles (infection with the herpes zoster virus). Learn about side effects, drug interactions, dosages, warnings, and more. Easy-to-read patient tips for lidocaine covering how it works, benefits, risks, and best practices. Lidocaine injection is used to cause numbness or loss of feeling for patients having certain medical procedures (by blocking certain nerves using the brachial plexus, intercostal, lumbar, or epidural blocking techniques). It has a role as a xenobiotic, a local anaesthetic, an anti-arrhythmia drug, an environmental contaminant and a drug allergen. It is a member of benzenes, a monocarboxylic acid amide and a tertiary amino compound. It is functionally related to a glycinamide. Lidocaine is an antiarrhythmic medication of the class Ib type. [11] This means it works by blocking sodium channels thus decreasing the rate of contractions of the heart. [14][11] When injected near nerves, the nerves cannot conduct signals to or from the brain. Systematic Review And Meta-Analysis Of The Effect Of Warming Local Anesthetics On Injection Pain. Learn about lidocaine viscous 2% usage and dosing. Read the latest news and reviews about the drug as well as potential side effects and popular alternatives. Lidocaine topical is a local anesthetic (numbing medication). There are many brands and forms of lidocaine topical available. Not all brands are listed on this leaflet. Lidocaine topical (for use on the skin) is used to provide temporary relief of muscle or joint pain or discomfort. Lidocaine skin patch is used to relieve nerve pain caused by herpes zoster or shingles (postherpetic neuralgia). Lidocaine belongs to the family of medicines called local anesthetics. Overview: Lidocaine for mucous membranes (such as the mouth and throat) is commonly used to prevent and relieve pain or to numb part of your body before a procedure. The most common side effects.