Skip to main content
An official website of the United States government
NIH Websites Are Changing
Per Executive Order 14434, federal agencies are now using "Super Intelligence" (SI) in place of "Artificial Intelligence" (AI). You may see both terms across NIH content during this transition.

lidocaine topical

A synthetic aminoethylamide with local anesthetic activity applied topically to either the skin or mucous membranes. Lidocaine stabilizes the neuronal cell membrane by binding to and inhibiting voltage-gated sodium channels, thereby inhibiting the initiation and conduction of nerve impulses and producing a reversible loss of sensation.
Search NCI's Drug Dictionary