General
Diclona™ should be used with caution in patients with active gastrointestinal ulceration or bleeding and severe renal or hepatic impairments. Diclona Gel should not be applied to open skin wounds, infections, or exfoliative dermatitis.
Hepatic Disease
Patients with severe hepatic disease are at greater risk of developing toxic blood concentrations of lidocaine, because of their inability to metabolize lidocaine normally.
Allergic Reactions
Patients allergic to para-aminobenzoic acid derivatives (procaine, tetracaine, benzocaine, etc.) have not shown cross sensitivity to lidocaine. However, Diclona Gel should be used with caution in patients with a history of drug sensitivities, especially if the etiologic agent is uncertain.
Non-intact Skin
Application to broken or inflamed skin, although not tested, may result in higher blood concentrations of lidocaine from increased absorption. Diclona Gel is only recommended for use on intact skin.
External Heat Sources
Placement of external heat sources, such as heating pads or electric blankets, over Diclona Gel is not recommended as this has not been evaluated and may increase plasma lidocaine levels.
Eye Exposure
The contact of Diclona Gel with eyes, although not studied, should be avoided based on the findings of severe eye irritation with the use of similar products in animals. If eye contact occurs, immediately wash out the eye with water or saline and protect the eye until sensation returns.
Information for Patients Methemoglobinemia
Inform patients that use of local anesthetics may cause methemoglobinemia, a serious condition that must be treated promptly. Advise patients or caregivers to stop use and seek immediate medical attention if they or someone in their care experience the following signs or symptoms: pale, gray, or blue colored skin (cyanosis); headache; rapid heart rate; shortness of breath; lightheadedness; or fatigue.
Drug Interactions
Specific interaction studies between Diclona Gel and other topical or oral agents were not performed.
Oral Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs
Although low, there is systemic exposure to diclofenac sodium following labeled use of Diclona Gel. Therefore, concomitant administration of Diclona Gel with oral NSAIDs or aspirin may result in increased NSAID adverse effects.
Antiarrhythmic Drugs
Diclona Gel should be used with caution in patients receiving Class I antiarrhythmic drugs (such as tocainide and mexiletine) since the toxic effects are additive and potentially synergistic.
Local Anesthetics
When Diclona Gel is used concomitantly with other products containing local anesthetic agents, the amount absorbed from all formulations must be considered.
Drugs That May Cause Methemoglobinemia When Used with Diclona Gel
Patients who are administered local anesthetics are at increased risk of developing methemoglobinemia when concurrently exposed to the following drugs, which could include other local anesthetics:
Examples of Drugs Associated with Methemoglobinemia:
Class Examples
Nitrates/Nitrites nitric oxide, nitroglycerin, nitroprusside, nitrous oxide Local anesthetics
articaine, benzocaine, bupivacaine, lidocaine, mepivacaine, prilocaine, procaine, ropivacaine, tetracaine
Antineoplastic agents cyclophosphamide, flutamide, hydroxyurea, ifosfamide, rasburicase, antibiotics dapsone, nitrofurantoin, para-aminosalicylic acid, sulfonamides, antimalarials chloroquine, primaquine anticonvulsants, phenobarbital, phenytoin, sodium valproate, opher drugs acetaminophen, metoclopramide, quinine, sulfasalazine carcinogenesis, mutagenesis.
Impairment of Fertility
The effect of Diclona Gel on fertility has not been studied.
Pregnancy
Teratogenic Effects
Pregnancy Category B.
Diclona Gel has not been studied in pregnancy.
Labor and Delivery
Diclona Gel has not been studied in labor and delivery.
Nursing Mothers
Diclona Gel has not been studied in nursing mothers.
Pediatric Use
Safety and effectiveness in pediatric patients have not been established.
Geriatric Use
Reported clinical experience has not identified differences in responses between the elderly and younger patients, but greater sensitivity of some older individuals cannot be ruled out.