Minims Lidocaine HCl/Fluorescein Sodium (Lidocaine Hydrochloride Monohydrate And Fluorescein Sodium)
Complete patient guide for uses, dosage, side effects, and safety information
Prescription RequiredQuick Facts
What Is Minims Lidocaine HCl/Fluorescein Sodium Used For?
Minims Lidocaine & Fluorescein is a specialized eye drop solution used by doctors to temporarily numb and color your eye for medical examinations.
Primary Uses
This medication is used to numb and stain the surface of your eye for a short time to allow your doctor to examine your eye. It’s most commonly used to measure the pressure inside your eyes during eye examinations.
How It Works
Lidocaine belongs to a group of medicines called local anaesthetics, which temporarily numbs the surface of the eye. Fluorescein temporarily colors your eye orange or green and helps your doctor examine them more clearly.
Good to know: This medicine is developed specifically for eye use only and should not be swallowed or injected.
How to Take Minims Lidocaine HCl/Fluorescein Sodium
This medication will only be given to you by your doctor or healthcare professional. You will not receive a prescription for home use.
Dosage Instructions
Your doctor will put the correct number of drops into your eye(s) before starting the procedure. The usual dose is one or more drops into your eye(s) as required. The number of times drops are applied depends on the type and length of the procedure being performed. If you wear contact lenses, you’ll need to remove them before the drops are applied and can put them back after the numbness wears off or when your doctor tells you to.
What If You Miss a Dose?
This does not apply as the medication is only administered by healthcare professionals during medical procedures.
Important: This medication is not intended for long-term use. Frequent use of local anaesthetic in the eye over long periods may affect your eyesight.
Available Tablet Strengths
Side Effects
Like all medications, this medicine can cause side effects. Most are mild and temporary, but some require medical attention.
Common Side Effects
These side effects occur relatively frequently and usually don’t require emergency care:
- Eye irritation
- Feeling of having something in the eye
Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:
- Shortness of breath
- Wheezing or difficulty breathing
- Swelling of the face, lips, tongue or other parts of the body
- Rash, itching or hives on the skin
Important Warnings
There are important safety considerations before receiving this medication.
Who Should Not Take Minims Lidocaine HCl/Fluorescein Sodium
Do not use if you are allergic to lidocaine, fluorescein, any other local anaesthetic, or any of the ingredients listed. Always check the ingredients to make sure you can use this medicine.
Medical Conditions to Discuss
Tell your doctor if you have an inflamed eye, allergies to any other medicines, foods, preservatives or dyes, any other medical conditions, or take any medicines for any other condition.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
Check with your doctor if you are pregnant or intend to become pregnant. Talk to your doctor if you are breastfeeding or intend to breastfeed.
Drug Interactions
Some medicines may interfere with Minims Lidocaine & Fluorescein and affect how it works.
- Tell your doctor about all medicines you are taking
- Include vitamins or supplements bought without prescription
- Check with doctor if unsure about medicine interactions
Alcohol & Driving
Be careful with activities requiring clear vision after receiving this medication.
Alcohol
No specific alcohol warnings mentioned in the source material.
Driving and Operating Machinery
Be careful before you drive or use any machines or tools until you know how this medication affects you. It may cause blurred vision for a short time when given. Allow enough time to regain clear vision before driving or using machines.
Storage
Minims Lidocaine & Fluorescein will be stored by your doctor or nurse in a refrigerator (2-8°C). The eye drops should not be frozen or exposed to strong light. Each single dose unit and any remaining solution will be discarded immediately after use.
Overdose Information
The doctor giving you this medication will be experienced in its use, so overdose is unlikely. If too many drops are accidentally put into your eye(s), immediately rinse your eye(s) with warm water. Accidental swallowing is unlikely to cause bad side effects due to the low content of active ingredients. If swallowing occurs, immediately phone the Poisons Information Centre (Australia: 13 11 26; New Zealand: 0800 764 766), contact your doctor, or go to the Emergency Department at your nearest hospital.
Frequently Asked Questions
The medication provides temporary numbing of the eye surface for a short time only, allowing your doctor to perform the examination procedure. The exact duration isn’t specified, but effects are temporary.
Protect your eyes from dust particles which could cause infections. Do not touch or rub your eye while it’s numb as you may scratch and damage the eye surface. Your doctor may put a patch over your eye to protect it.
You’ll be asked to remove contact lenses before the eye drops are applied. You can put your contact lenses back after the numbness has worn off or when your doctor tells you to.
This medication is not intended for long-term use. Frequent use of local anaesthetic in the eye over long periods of time may affect your eyesight.
Accidental swallowing of the solution is unlikely to cause any bad side effects due to the low content of lidocaine and fluorescein. However, if swallowing occurs, contact the Poisons Information Centre or your doctor immediately.
The fluorescein in the drops temporarily colors your eye orange or green. This helps your doctor examine your eye more clearly during the procedure.
Call your doctor straight away or go to the Emergency Department if you experience symptoms of an allergic reaction such as shortness of breath, wheezing, swelling of face/lips/tongue, or rash and itching.
Important Disclaimer
This information is intended for general educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider or pharmacist before starting, stopping, or changing any medication.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or emergency services immediately.