How do you use Uro Jet lidocaine?

October 6, 2025 •

4 min read

Did you know that Uro-Jet lidocaine begins providing a local anesthetic effect within just 3 to 5 minutes of application during many procedures?. This makes the 2% topical jelly an efficient and sterile solution for pain management during minor medical interventions, particularly those involving sensitive mucous membranes.

Quick Summary

Uro Jet lidocaine is a 2% topical jelly provided in a sterile, pre-filled syringe for anesthesia during procedures like catheterization and intubation. Proper aseptic technique and careful administration are critical for safe application.

Key Points

Pre-filled Syringe: Uro Jet is a pre-filled, single-use syringe containing 2% lidocaine jelly for sterile administration.
Procedure-Specific Administration: Administration techniques vary depending on the procedure, with different approaches for male urethral, female urethral, or endotracheal applications.
Requires Waiting Period: Allow a few minutes for the anesthetic to take full effect after instillation, typically 3-10 minutes depending on the procedure.
Aseptic and Single-Use: Always use standard aseptic technique and discard any unused jelly and the syringe after a single use to maintain sterility.
Risk of Systemic Toxicity: Monitor patients for signs of dose-related toxicity, as excessive application or absorption can cause serious central nervous system and cardiovascular side effects.
Not for Injection: Uro Jet lidocaine is for topical and mucosal use only; it should never be injected.

Uro Jet is a sterile, single-use, pre-filled syringe containing 2% lidocaine hydrochloride jelly. It serves as a local anesthetic and lubricant for mucous membranes, commonly used in procedures involving the urinary tract (urethra), and for endotracheal and nasogastric intubation. This guide provides information for healthcare professionals on using Uro Jet lidocaine, emphasizing adherence to institutional protocols and sterile techniques.

General Administration Guidelines

Safe and effective use of Uro Jet lidocaine requires adherence to general guidelines, including:

Aseptic Technique: Maintain a sterile field and use sterile gloves. Open the sterile blister package just before use.
Patient Monitoring: Monitor vital signs and consciousness due to potential systemic absorption.
Adhere to Prescribing Information: Do not exceed the amount specified in the prescribing information or by a healthcare professional.
Single-Use and Disposal: Use the syringe once and properly discard any remaining jelly and the syringe to prevent contamination.

Specific Application Information

For Male Urethral Procedures

This is used for procedures such as catheterization or cystoscopy.

Cleanse and disinfect the urethral orifice. Position the patient appropriately.
Open the sterile package, hold the syringe, and remove the tip cap.
Insert the syringe tip into the urethra and slowly instill the jelly as directed by the prescribing information or a healthcare professional. The amount used may vary depending on the procedure and specific product instructions.
For procedures like sounding or cystoscopy, follow the recommended waiting period after instillation to allow the anesthetic to penetrate the tissue.

For Female Urethral Procedures

This application is used for procedures like catheterization or to alleviate pain from urethritis.

Thoroughly cleanse the urethral opening.
Slowly instill the amount of jelly specified by the prescribing information or a healthcare professional into the urethra.
Alternatively, apply the jelly to the urethral opening with a cotton swab as directed.
Wait the recommended time for the anesthetic effect before starting the procedure.

For Endotracheal Intubation

Uro Jet provides anesthesia and lubrication for inserting an endotracheal tube.

Apply a moderate amount of jelly to the external surface of the tube before use, as instructed.
Prevent jelly from entering the inner lumen to avoid occlusion from dried residue.
Do not use the jelly to lubricate endotracheal stylettes.

For Nasogastric (NG) Tube Placement

In certain situations, Uro Jet is used off-label for pain relief during NG tube insertion.

Identify the more open nasal passage and have the patient clear their nose if possible.
Instill the amount of jelly recommended by a healthcare professional into the chosen nostril and ask the patient to sniff it back while blocking the other nostril.
Wait the recommended time for the anesthetic to take effect before inserting the NG tube.

Table: Uro Jet vs. Other Topical Anesthetics


Feature	Uro Jet (Lidocaine Jelly)	EMLA (Lidocaine/Prilocaine Cream)	Oral Viscous Lidocaine
Active Ingredient	Lidocaine HCl 2%	Lidocaine and prilocaine	Lidocaine HCl 2% liquid
Formulation	Clear, water-soluble jelly	Cream	Viscous solution
Onset of Action	3–5 minutes for mucosal anesthesia	60 minutes or longer for full effect under occlusion	Very rapid for mucosal numbing
Primary Use	Urethral and other mucosal anesthesia; lubrication	Dermal anesthesia (on intact skin)	Oral and throat anesthesia, especially for mouth sores or before procedures
Administration	Prefilled syringe for instillation	Topical application under an occlusive dressing	Swished in mouth and spit out, or swabbed on affected area
Sterility	Sterile, single-use syringe	Not necessarily sterile for all applications	Can be purchased over-the-counter; not sterile
Advantages	Fast-acting for mucosal procedures, sterile, convenient pre-filled format	Deep skin anesthesia	Effective for oral applications
Disadvantages	May require waiting time for deep anesthesia	Requires longer wait time	Risk of aspiration if swallowing is impaired

Key Safety Reminders

Risk of Toxicity: Be aware of the risks of lidocaine toxicity, especially in vulnerable populations like children and those with liver issues. This risk is dose-related.
Aspiration Risk: Topical oral anesthesia can impair swallowing. Follow healthcare provider instructions regarding eating and drinking after oral use.
Allergic Reactions: Though uncommon, anaphylactic reactions can occur. Verify no known hypersensitivity to lidocaine before use.
Endotracheal Tube Occlusion: Avoid getting jelly inside the endotracheal tube lumen as it can dry and cause a blockage.
Methemoglobinemia: Use cautiously in patients susceptible to methemoglobinemia, a rare blood disorder.

Conclusion

Uro Jet lidocaine is an effective, sterile topical anesthetic for reducing pain and discomfort during minor medical procedures involving mucous membranes. Its sterile, pre-filled syringe ensures convenience and safety. Correct administration according to the specific procedure and prescribing information, along with strict adherence to safety precautions, are crucial for optimal outcomes and minimizing risks like systemic absorption. Always use aseptic technique and closely monitor the patient. Refer to the full prescribing information for comprehensive clinical details and warnings, such as the document provided by Amphastar Pharmaceuticals. Consult a physician and review official product information for guidance on any non-standard applications.

Amphastar Pharmaceuticals Uro-Jet Prescribing Information

Frequently Asked Questions

Uro Jet lidocaine jelly is used for providing topical anesthesia and lubrication during medical procedures involving mucous membranes, such as urethral catheterization, cystoscopy, and endotracheal or nasogastric intubation.

The anesthetic effect of Uro Jet begins within 3 to 5 minutes after application to the mucous membranes. A slightly longer wait time, typically 5 to 10 minutes, may be necessary for deeper anesthesia, such as for cystoscopy.

For male urethral procedures, a healthcare professional slowly instills the appropriate amount of jelly into the urethra using the pre-filled syringe, as directed by prescribing information. For adequate anesthesia during more involved procedures, a penile clamp is applied for a recommended period after instillation to ensure proper absorption.

Common side effects are typically localized and mild, such as stinging, irritation, redness, or swelling at the application site. Serious systemic side effects are rare and usually associated with overdosage.

Uro Jet is typically administered by a healthcare professional in a clinical setting. If instructed for at-home use, you must follow your doctor's specific directions exactly and adhere to all warnings and safety precautions, especially regarding administration.

The administration for children must be carefully determined by a healthcare professional based on their weight and age. The lowest effective amount should always be used, and administration should be under medical supervision.

A serious allergic reaction is rare but requires immediate medical attention. Signs include rash, severe dizziness, swelling (especially of the face, tongue, or throat), or trouble breathing. Patients should inform their doctor of any known hypersensitivity to lidocaine or other amide-type anesthetics.

Using too much Uro Jet can lead to an overdose and serious systemic side effects, including dizziness, drowsiness, slow or shallow breathing, seizures, confusion, and heart problems. If an overdose is suspected, seek immediate medical help.