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Lidocaine for Cluster Headaches - Topic Overview

Lidocaine is an anesthetic medicine that is most often used to numb an area of the body before a minor surgical procedure. Sometimes, a 4% lidocaine solution is used as nose drops to stop cluster headaches.

Lidocaine has a small effect on pain for most people with cluster headaches. But it rarely stops the pain completely.¹

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The medicine is placed into the nostril on the same side as the headache. It can be repeated 15 minutes later, if needed. Side effects can include a burning sensation or numbness in the nose.

This medicine is available only by prescription. This medicine may be used to treat cluster headaches when other medicines have not helped.

WebMD Medical Reference from Healthwise

Last Updated: April 09, 2010

This information is not intended to replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information.