When Lidocaine Ointment 5% is used concomitantly with other products containing lidocaine, the total dose contributed by all formulations must be kept in mind.
Adult
A single application should not exceed 5 g of Lidocaine Ointment 5%, containing 250 mg of lidocaine base (equivalent chemically to approximately 300 mg of lidocaine hydrochloride). This is roughly equivalent to squeezing a six (6) inch length of ointment from the tube. In a 70 kg adult this dose equals 3.6 mg/kg (1.6 mg/lb) lidocaine base. No more than one-half tube or one-third of a jar, approximately 17-20 g of ointment or 850-1000 mg lidocaine base should be administered in any one day.
Although the incidence of adverse effects with Lidocaine Ointment 5% is quite low, caution should be exercised, particularly when employing large amounts, since the incidence of adverse effects is directly proportional to the total dose of local anesthetic agent administered.
