Xylocaine Spray 10% 50ml [TC]

Xylocaine spray is a metered-dose topical anaesthetic used to reduce sensation at the surface of a treatment area. Each activation of the pump delivers 10mg of lidocaine base, and a 50ml bottle provides around 500 doses, so one bottle covers a high volume of appointments. You may see the same product known as lidocaine 10% spray, lidocaine spray 10% or Xylocaine 10mg spray.

The solution is non-sterile and is supplied with single-use nozzles, one per patient. There is no need to dry the site before application, which makes it practical between other steps in a treatment plan.

Xylocaine 10% spray produces surface anaesthesia only. Lidocaine crosses mucous membranes readily, reducing surface sensation rather than anaesthetising tissue at depth.

In practice, Xylocaine 10% spray has three roles:

• Before infiltration: A short application at the injection area before a digital or ankle block, used to reduce the sting of needle entry.

• Superficial work: Procedures where sensitivity sits at the surface and a block would be disproportionate.

• Anxious and needle-averse patients: A visible, quick step that lowers anticipation before the syringe appears.

It is not a replacement for injected local anaesthetic. Nail surgery, matricectomy and deeper procedures still require a block with a product such as Lidocaine Amp 1% 20ml or Scandonest 3% Plain.

Xylocaine 10mg spray is a pharmacy (P) medicine in the UK, not a prescription-only medicine. 

Every HCPC registered chiropodist or podiatrist may sell and supply GSL and P medicines in the course of professional practice. Our guide to prescription only medicines in podiatry covers annotations, patient group directions and record keeping in more detail.

Canonbury is a trade-only supplier. Registered practitioners can buy Xylocaine spray online once a professional account is verified, alongside the rest of the anaesthetic and needles range.

Can a podiatrist use lidocaine 10% spray without a POM-A annotation?

Yes. All HCPC registered podiatrists and chiropodists may sell, supply and use GSL and P medicines within their scope of practice. The POM-A annotation applies to the administration of listed prescription only medicines, which includes injectable lidocaine, mepivacaine, prilocaine and bupivacaine, not this topical spray.

How many doses are in a 50ml bottle, and what is the maximum per patient?

A 50ml bottle gives approximately 500 doses. Each dose delivers 10mg of lidocaine base. The SPC sets a maximum of 20 sprays, or 200mg, for any adult in a single procedure, with lower doses for elderly.

How quickly does lidocaine spray work, and how long does it last?

There is no fixed onset or duration. Surface anaesthesia from topical lidocaine develops within a few minutes on mucous membranes and is short-lived, so apply it immediately before the procedure.