When to Swallow Xylocaine Viscous and When to Spit
The fundamental rule for using Xylocaine Viscous, also known by its generic name lidocaine viscous, is that the method of administration must correspond to the location of the pain you are treating. The question of “do you swallow Xylocaine Viscous?” has a different answer for mouth pain than it does for throat pain. Improper usage, particularly swallowing when it is not indicated, can significantly increase the risk of serious side effects due to excessive systemic absorption.
Proper administration for mouth and oral mucosa
If you are using Xylocaine Viscous to alleviate pain from sores, inflammation, or irritation within the mouth (such as mucositis), the procedure is to swish and then spit it out.
- Method: Shake the bottle well before use. Measure the solution accurately with the included device, then swish it around your mouth for about 30 seconds.
- Aftercare: Immediately after swishing, spit out the solution completely. Do not swallow it. To maintain the numbing effect and avoid aspiration, do not eat or drink for at least one hour afterward.
Proper administration for the throat and pharynx
When treating pain in the pharynx or throat, a different method is used, and in this specific case, swallowing the solution is generally permitted for adults under a doctor’s supervision.
- Method: Gargle the undiluted solution at the back of the throat. Following the gargle, you may swallow the solution.
- Rationale: The swallowing action helps the medication reach and numb the affected areas in the esophagus, providing more comprehensive pain relief. The swallowed amount is subject to first-pass metabolism in the liver, which reduces the amount of active drug entering the bloodstream compared to more direct absorption.
The risks of swallowing Xylocaine Viscous improperly
The primary danger of swallowing Xylocaine Viscous when you should have spit it out is the increased risk of systemic toxicity. Absorption is variable across mucous membranes, but swallowing increases the amount of lidocaine that reaches the bloodstream. This can lead to a range of central nervous system (CNS) and cardiovascular side effects.
Key risks of overdose due to swallowing include:
- Central Nervous System (CNS) Effects: Symptoms can range from mild effects like drowsiness, confusion, dizziness, and ringing in the ears (tinnitus) to more severe manifestations such as tremors, seizures, and respiratory depression. Drowsiness is often an early sign of a high blood level.
- Cardiovascular Effects: Excessive blood levels can lead to a drop in blood pressure (hypotension), a slow heart rate (bradycardia), or irregular heartbeat. In very rare but severe cases, cardiovascular collapse or cardiac arrest can occur.
- Risk of Aspiration: Because Xylocaine Viscous numbs the mouth and throat, it can interfere with swallowing and the gag reflex. This is why patients must not eat or drink for at least one hour after use, as it increases the danger of aspirating food or drink into the lungs.
Xylocaine Viscous in special populations: Children and the elderly
Children and elderly patients are more sensitive to the systemic effects of lidocaine and require extra caution. There have been tragic cases of overdose and death in infants and young children linked to improper use, especially for teething pain.
For children under 3 years old, Xylocaine Viscous should not be swallowed; instead, a measured dose is applied to the specific sore area with a cotton-tipped applicator. Older children should swish and spit, rather than swallow, to minimize absorption. Elderly patients may also need careful consideration of dosage based on their age, weight, and overall physical condition.
Comparison of Swish-and-Spit vs. Gargle-and-Swallow
| Feature | Swish and Spit (Oral Pain) | Gargle and Swallow (Throat Pain) |
|---|---|---|
| Target Area | Mouth, gums, inner cheeks | Pharynx, throat, esophagus |
| Administration | Shake, measure, swish in mouth for ~30 seconds, and spit out. | Shake, measure, gargle at the back of the throat, and then swallow. |
| Swallowing | NEVER | Adults only, under doctor supervision |
| Primary Goal | Topical numbing of mouth surfaces | Topical numbing of throat and upper esophagus |
| Systemic Risk | Lower, due to spitting out excess medication | Higher, due to swallowing and systemic absorption |
| Post-Usage Precaution | Avoid eating/drinking for at least 1 hour | Avoid eating/drinking for at least 1 hour |
| Who Can Use | Adults, children (under medical supervision) | Adults only (under medical supervision) |
| Note for Children | Children must always spit out the solution. | Children must always spit out the solution. |
Conclusion: Always Follow Medical Instructions
In summary, the decision to swallow Xylocaine Viscous is not a choice but a function of where the medication needs to work. For pain confined to the mouth, the safe and correct procedure is to swish and spit. For throat or esophageal pain, adults may be advised by a doctor to gargle and then swallow. Crucially, children should never swallow the solution, regardless of the treatment area, and should not use this medication for teething pain. Misuse can lead to dangerous side effects due to increased systemic absorption. Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure you are following the correct administration instructions for your specific condition. By adhering to these guidelines, you can maximize the therapeutic benefits of the medication while minimizing potential risks. Learn more from trusted sources like the U.S. National Library of Medicine.
