Lignocaine Hydrochloride Gel – Zencus Pharma

Here’s a detailed article on Lignocaine Hydrochloride Gel IP (also known as Lidocaine gel), its uses, mechanism, dosage, precautions etc., plus what is known about Zencus Pharma in relation to this drug. Let me know if you want a shorter summary.

 

What is Lignocaine (Lidocaine) Gel IP

• Active ingredient: Lignocaine Hydrochloride (also spelled Lidocaine), a local (topical) anaesthetic of the amide type.
• Formulation: Gel (or jelly), often in strengths such as 2% in India and elsewhere. “IP” indicates Indian Pharmacopoeia standard. 
• Route of administration: Topical — applied to mucous membranes, skin, or other external surfaces. Not for systemic use (i.e. not for injection in the bloodstream unless specifically formulated and prescribed).

Pharmacological Mechanism

• Lignocaine works by blocking voltage-gated sodium channels in the neuronal cell membrane. By doing so, it prevents the initiation and propagation of nerve impulses (pain signals) from the area of application. This results in temporary numbness or loss of sensation in the applied area.
• Onset: Usually acts within a few minutes after application. Duration varies with concentration, amount applied, site of application and whether mucous membrane or skin.

Indications / Uses

Lignocaine gel is used in many situations where temporary numbness is required or pain/itch/sensation needs suppression. Some of these are:

Relief of pain, burning, itching from skin conditions:

• Insect bites, minor cuts, scrapes, rashes.

• Burns (superficial) and mild dermatologic irritations.

Mucosal pain and irritation:

• Mouth ulcers, sore gums, denture irritation etc.

• Oropharyngeal discomfort (e.g. before ENT procedures)

Procedural/local anaesthesia:

• Before minor surgical or diagnostic procedures involving skin or mucous membranes (e.g. insertion of catheters, endoscope, biopsy).

• Laser treatments, certain eye procedures (e.g. outpatient laser in inflamed eyes) using 2% gel.

Anal / rectal conditions:

• • Haemorrhoids (“piles”), itching around anus, anal fissures etc where pain and irritation are present.

Urology / catheterisation:

• • To numb mucous membranes prior to insertion of catheters etc.

Dosage & How to Use

• • Use only as directed by a healthcare provider. For many over-the-counter 2% gel products, instructions will be given on the tube.
  • Clean and dry the affected area before application. Apply a thin layer of gel. If mucosal (mouth, throat etc), avoid swallowing.
  • Wash hands before and after use (unless hands are the area being treated). Avoid contact with eyes, nose etc. If accidental, rinse thoroughly with water.
  • Frequency: depends on indication; may be “as needed” or several times a day. For anal conditions like haemorrhoids, usually first thing in morning, last thing at night and after bowel movements.
  • Duration: also variable. Should not be used longer than prescribed. If condition persists or worsens, seek medical advice.

Side Effects

Most side-effects are local and transient. Some possible ones include:

• Burning, stinging, tingling, itching, redness at application site.

• Allergic reactions (rash, swelling) in sensitive individuals.

• Metallic taste (if used orally).

• Rare systemic effects if large amounts are used or absorbed, especially over large areas or broken skin: e.g., dizziness, numbness in other areas, rare cardiac or CNS effects. (More likely with high-strength or misuse.)

Precautions / Contraindications

• Do not use if allergic to lignocaine or other local anaesthetics of the amide class.

• Use with caution in pregnant or breastfeeding women; only if clearly needed and under medical advice.

• Avoid in children unless recommended by physician; dosing and safety not always well established.

• Avoid applying over large areas, broken skin, deep wounds or severely inflamed skin unless directed. This increases risk of absorption and systemic side-effects.

• Avoid contact with eyes etc. If it gets into eyes, rinse thoroughly.

• Be aware of any other medications that might interact, or medical conditions (liver disease, heart disease etc) that may worsen risks.

Evidence & Clinical Studies

• A study on 2% lignocaine gel in outpatient laser treatment of inflamed eyes showed that most patients (95%) experienced no or only mild discomfort; minimal adverse reactions.

• Another study for colposcopic assessment (gynaecology) found that lignocaine gel did not significantly reduce pain from cervical punch biopsy versus control (KY jelly), though may help in some subgroups.

So, effectiveness depends on the type of procedure, area of application, and patient sensitivity.

Regulatory & IP Standard

• IP (Indian Pharmacopoeia) standard ensures certain quality, purity, strength etc as per Indian drug regulatory norms.

• Generic formulations are common; brand name gels follow that standard.

Zencus Pharma and Lignocaine Products

• Zencus Pharma is a pharmaceutical company based in Chandigarh, India. They produce/supply various pharmaceutical products including derma products, analgesic formulations etc.

• Their product range includes “Choline Salicylate & Lignocaine Hydrochloride Gel among others.

  • “Zenkool”: Zencus Pharma lists this in their catalogue as a product combining Choline Salicylate & Lignocaine Hydrochloride Gel.

  • The combination suggests usage in conditions requiring both analgesic/numbing effect (from Lignocaine) and possibly anti-inflammatory or salicylate effect. Choline salicylate is a topical nonsteroid anti-inflammatory/analgesic agent.

• They also produce related creams/ointments with combinations including Lignocaine (for example, Sucralfate-Lignocaine-Metronidazole cream for anal fissure/piles etc).

Advantages & Limitations

Advantages:

• Onset is rapid; numbing effect starts in minutes.

• Useful for many minor procedures or discomforts without needing injection.

• Can be used by patients themselves (topical) — relatively easy application.

• Combos (like Zenkool etc.) may provide multi-modal relief (pain + inflammation) in certain conditions.

Limitations:

• Only local effect; doesn’t treat underlying cause (e.g. infection, severe tissue damage etc).

• Requires correct usage; overuse or misuse can lead to side effects.

• Some procedures (deep, invasive) require stronger anaesthesia than topical gel.

• Some people may be allergic or sensitive.

In Practice: Example Uses

• A hemorrhoid patient using a lignocaine gel to relieve pain and itching around anus multiple times per day.

• Dentists using it to numb gums before scaling or minor procedures.

• Ophthalmologists using 2% gel for eye laser treatments.

• Urologists using for numbing mucous membranes before catheterization.

• People with mouth ulcers applying small amount topically to reduce discomfort.

Summary

Lignocaine Hydrochloride Gel IP is a well-established topical anaesthetic/analgesic used in a variety of situations where temporary loss of sensation is helpful: skin irritations, mucosal pain, minor operations, etc. Its safety profile is good when used as instructed, but care must be taken in sensitive populations, with appropriate dosing and awareness of potential side effects.

Zencus Pharma is one of the manufacturers / suppliers in India that offers lignocaine-containing topical products, such as their “Zenkool” (Choline Salicylate & Lignocaine gel) as well as combinations with other agents for conditions like anal fissures etc.