Lidocaine (lignocaine) 2% w/w: uses, price & cheaper substitutes
Common uses: Numbing and lubricating the urethra before a urinary catheter is inserted or a cystoscopy is done; Numbing the skin or lining before minor procedures – nasal or rectal examinations, endoscopy tube insertion, dressing changes.
Listed MRPs range from ₹0.52 to ₹1.16 per g across 5 listings.
Price comparison
| Brand | Manufacturer | Pack | MRP | ₹ / g | As on |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lignocaine (Lidocaine) Hydrochloride Gel IP 2% W/VJan Aushadhi | Jan Aushadhi (PMBJP) | 20 g | ₹10.32 | ₹0.52 | 19 October 2026 |
| M Cain 2% Jelly | Medley Pharmaceuticals | 30 g | ₹19.92 | ₹0.66 | 19 October 2026 |
| Lox 2% Jelly | Neon Laboratories Ltd | 30 g | ₹34.58 | ₹1.15 | 19 October 2026 |
| Xylocaine 2% Jelly | Zydus Cadila | 30 g | ₹34.82 | ₹1.16 | 19 October 2026 |
| Lidfast 2% Jelly | Samarth Life Sciences Pvt Ltd | 30 g | ₹34.78 | ₹1.16 | 19 October 2026 |
MRPs as printed/listed on the date shown; actual price may vary.
Uses
- Numbing and lubricating the urethra before a urinary catheter is inserted or a cystoscopy is done.
- Numbing the skin or lining before minor procedures – nasal or rectal examinations, endoscopy tube insertion, dressing changes.
- Short-term relief of pain from painful piles (haemorrhoids), anal fissures and small cuts or grazes, when a doctor advises.
- Relief of burning and pain during urination after a catheter or urinary procedure, as prescribed.
How to take it
Lidocaine 2% jelly is applied only on the outside of the body or inside the urethra or back passage – never swallow it. For skin or anal use, wash and dry the area, squeeze a thin layer of jelly from the tube onto the painful spot with a clean finger and wash your hands afterwards. The numbing starts within a few minutes and lasts for about 20 to 30 minutes. For catheterisation the jelly is usually instilled into the urethra by a nurse or doctor using the nozzle on the tube and left for a few minutes before the catheter goes in; do not try this at home unless you have been trained to do self-catheterisation. Use the smallest amount that gives relief and do not apply it more often than your doctor or the pack says, because lidocaine absorbed through broken or large areas of skin can affect the heart and brain. Do not put it in the eyes or on badly broken, infected or bleeding skin. If pain lasts more than a few days, or you need the jelly every day for piles or fissures, see a doctor instead of continuing on your own.
Side effects
Common
- Mild burning, stinging or itching where the jelly is applied, usually for a few minutes.
- Redness or mild swelling of the skin or lining.
- Temporary numbness that may spread a little beyond the area applied.
Serious
Stop and get medical help urgently if you notice any of these.
- Signs of too much lidocaine being absorbed – light-headedness, nervousness, confusion, drowsiness, ringing in the ears, blurred or double vision, twitching or tremor, slow or irregular heartbeat. Stop using it and get medical help immediately.
- Severe allergic reaction – hives, swelling of the face, lips or throat, difficulty breathing. Get emergency help.
- Pale, grey or blue skin or lips with shortness of breath (methaemoglobinaemia – a rare blood problem). Go to a hospital at once.
- Fits (seizures) after applying large amounts, especially on broken skin or in children.
Safety information
Alcohol
Alcohol does not interact with lidocaine jelly applied to the skin. Avoid drinking heavily if you are also having a procedure done.
Pregnancy
Small amounts applied to the skin are considered low risk, but tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding before using it regularly, especially for piles or fissures in late pregnancy.
Kidney problems
No dose change is needed for occasional skin use. If you have kidney disease and need the jelly often, tell your doctor.
Liver problems
Lidocaine is broken down by the liver. If you have liver disease, use only small amounts and tell your doctor, because more of the drug can build up in the body.
Children
Do not use lidocaine jelly on babies and young children unless a doctor has prescribed it and shown you the exact amount – children absorb more through the skin and can get serious side effects, including fits. Never use it for teething pain.
Missed dose
This jelly is used when needed, not on a fixed schedule, so a missed application does not matter. Do not apply extra to make up for it.
Interactions
- Heart rhythm medicines (amiodarone, mexiletine) and beta-blockers such as propranolol or metoprolol – the side effects of lidocaine on the heart can add up if a lot is absorbed; tell your doctor before a procedure.
- Other local anaesthetics – lidocaine injections, sprays, lozenges or EMLA/Prilox cream used at the same time increase the total dose absorbed.
- Cimetidine and some antiviral or antiarrhythmic medicines – can slow the breakdown of lidocaine in the liver.
- Medicines that can cause methaemoglobinaemia such as dapsone, nitrofurantoin or sulfa antibiotics – the risk is higher when combined; tell your doctor.
Frequently asked questions
What is Lox 2% Jelly used for?
Lox 2% Jelly contains lidocaine (lignocaine), a local anaesthetic that numbs the area it touches. It is mainly used to numb and lubricate the urethra before a urinary catheter is passed or a cystoscopy is done, and to numb the skin or back passage before minor procedures. Doctors also prescribe it for short-term relief of painful piles and anal fissures.
How long does Xylocaine 2% Jelly take to work and how long does it last?
Numbing usually starts within a few minutes of application and lasts for roughly 20 to 30 minutes. For catheterisation the jelly is left in place for a few minutes before the catheter is inserted.
Can I use lidocaine jelly for piles (haemorrhoids)?
Yes, a thin layer applied to the painful area gives short-term relief from the pain and itching of piles or an anal fissure. It only numbs the pain; it does not cure the piles. If you need it every day for more than a week, or there is bleeding, see a doctor.
Can I apply Lox 2% Jelly inside the vagina or rectum?
Lidocaine jelly is used on mucous membranes such as the urethra and back passage by doctors and nurses, and in small amounts for piles. Do not use large amounts inside the body on your own, because lidocaine is absorbed much faster through these linings than through skin and too much can cause serious side effects.
Is Xylocaine 2% Jelly safe to use during pregnancy?
Small amounts applied to the skin are considered low risk, and lidocaine is widely used around childbirth. Still tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding before using it regularly, so they can check the amount and reason.
What happens if I use too much lidocaine jelly?
Applying a large amount, using it on broken skin, or using it very often can let enough lidocaine into the blood to cause light-headedness, confusion, ringing in the ears, blurred vision, twitching, a slow heartbeat or fits. If you notice any of these, wash the jelly off and get medical help straight away.
Can lidocaine jelly be used on children?
Only when a doctor prescribes it and tells you exactly how much to use. Children absorb more lidocaine through the skin and can have serious side effects. Never use it on a baby’s gums for teething.
Lox 2% Jelly vs Prilox or EMLA cream – which is better for numbing skin?
Lox 2% Jelly is a water-based lidocaine gel for mucous membranes and quick, short-lasting numbing. Prilox and EMLA creams contain lidocaine plus prilocaine and are meant for intact skin before injections or blood tests, applied under a dressing for about an hour. Your doctor will pick based on the procedure.
Do I need a prescription to buy Lox 2% Jelly in India?
Lidocaine 2% jelly is commonly sold over the counter at Indian chemists and is also on the Jan Aushadhi list, although 1mg and some sites mark it as a prescription product. Even so, ask your doctor or pharmacist before using it regularly, especially inside the body or on children.
Can I use lidocaine jelly to delay ejaculation?
Lidocaine jelly is not approved or designed for this and should not be used on the genitals without a doctor’s advice. It can numb your partner too and, if used in large amounts, cause the side effects of absorbed lidocaine. Talk to a doctor about safe options.
Sources
- MedlinePlus – Lidocaine Viscous (19 October 2026)
- MedlinePlus – Lidocaine Topical (19 October 2026)
- NPPA Pharma Sahi Daam (ceiling prices) (19 October 2026)
- PMBI Jan Aushadhi Product & MRP List (19 October 2026)
Medyzen Editorial Team · Last updated
This page is general information, not medical advice. Do not start, stop or change a medicine without asking a doctor or pharmacist. Terms