Pharmacy Guide

Patient leaflets and SmPCs, drug interaction checker, official dosages and NHS pharmacy opening hours — all in one place.

Pharmacy Guide

Patient leaflets and SmPCs, drug interaction checker, official dosages and NHS pharmacy opening hours — all in one place.

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Minims Lidocaine & Fluorescein

⚠ This medicine appears to have been discontinued

The electronic medicines compendium (emc) no longer publishes a Summary of Product Characteristics for this product, which usually means it is no longer marketed in the UK. The patient leaflet below is kept for reference, but the product may not be available.

If you were prescribed this medicine, other products containing Fluorescein sodium, Lidocaine hydrochloride may still be available. Do not stop your treatment — ask your pharmacist or GP what to use instead.

Active substance: Fluorescein sodium, Lidocaine hydrochloride
Source: electronic medicines compendium (emc)
Official leaflet: Read the PIL on emc

What it is and what it is used for

for Minims® Lidocaine Hydrochloride and Fluorescein Sodium contains a local anaesthetic (lidocaine) and a diagnostic agent (fluorescein). Lidocaine Hydrochloride is a local anaesthetic which temporarily numbs the surface of the eye. Fluorescein sodium is a temporary dye which helps the doctor or eye specialist to examine your eye. Your eye drops are used to: numb and stain the surface of the eye, for a short time only, to help the doctor or eye specialist to examine your eye . help your doctor or eye specialist to measure the pressure inside your eye by a test called tonometry. Scratches on the conjunctiva (the lining of the inside of the eyelids and part of the eye) are stained yellow or orange by fluorescein. Damage to the cornea (the transparent membrane covering the surface of the eye) is stained green. Any foreign bodies which are stuck in your eye are surrounded by a green ring. This medicine is indicated for children, adults and the elderly. 2. Before you use your eye drops Do not use these drops if you are allergic to one of the active substances (lidocaine or fluorescein) or any of the other ingredients (refer to the end of this leaflet). you are allergic to other similar types of local anaesthetic. Take special care You should tell your doctor if: your eyes are red or inflamed Your eye drops are not intended for long term use. Frequent use of local anaesthetic in the eye over long periods of time may severely affect your eyesight. If you are pregnant, may be pregnant, or are breastfeeding Tell your doctor or eye specialist, he/she may decide to use these drops or to prescribe you an alternative. Contact lenses The doctor will ask you to remove your contact lenses prior to the administration of the drops. There is no information on the effect of this product on contact lenses. Therefore, do not wear your contact lenses until the effects of the drops have completely worn off.

Driving and using machines As with all eye drops, your vision may be blurred after putting the drops in. Wait until your vision is clear before driving or using machines.

How to take it

your eye drops A doctor or eye specialist will use these eye drops to examine your eye. The drops are for single use only and provided in single use Minims units, to examine both eyes if necessary. Once opened, use immediately. Discard any unused portion. Dosage The normal adult dose is 1 or more drops in one or both eyes. The dose for children will be decided by the doctor or eye specialist. Method of administration The doctor or eye specialist will put the drops in your eye for you. A sterile eyewash may be used to wash away any excess solution. Your eye will remain numb for up to 30 minutes. Avoid touching the eye until the anaesthetic has worn off. Your doctor or eye specialist will make sure that your eye is properly protected. If you use more Minims® Lidocaine Hydrochloride and Fluorescein Sodium than you should, an overdose is very unlikely to occur. If you suddenly feel unwell after receiving the drops, tell your doctor or eye specialist or contact your nearest emergency department immediately.

Possible side effects

The following side-effects have been reported very rarely (can occur in less than 1 in 10.000 patients treated): allergic reactions with redness and irritation of the eye, swelling around the eye, severe allergic reaction with difficulty in breathing and symptoms of shock, itchy skin rash with raised red blotches. If you do experience any effects after using these drops, which appear to be an allergic reaction, seek immediate medical attention. If any of the side effects gets serious, please seek immediate medical attention. If you notice any side effects not listed in this leaflet, please tell your doctor or pharmacist. Reporting of side effects If you get any side effects, talk to your doctor or pharmacist. This includes any side effects not listed in this leaflet. You can also report side effects directly via: Yellow Card Scheme at: www.mhra.gov.uk/yellowcard or search for MHRA Yellow Card in the Google Play or Apple App Store.

How to store it

your eye drops Keep out of the reach and sight of children. Do not use the eye drops after the expiry date which is stated on the overwrap of each unit and on the carton after the letters "EXP". The expiry date refers to the last day of that month. Do not store above 25°C. Do not freeze. Store in the original package in order to protect from light. The drops are for single use only and provided in single use Minims units, to examine both eyes if necessary. Once opened, use immediately. Discard any unused portion. Medicines should not be disposed of via wastewater or household waste. Ask your pharmacist how to dispose of medicines no longer required. These measures will help to protect the environment. 6. Further information What do your eye drops contain The active ingredients are lidocaine hydrochloride and fluorescein sodium. Each unit contains approximately 0.5 ml eye drops solution of lidocaine hydrochloride 4% w/v (20 mg) and fluorescein sodium 0.25% w/v (1.25 mg). The other ingredients are povidone, hydrochloric acid (for pH adjustment) and purified water.

This medicine does not contain a preservative as it is a sterile single use unit. Contents of the pack Each carton contains 20 units. Marketing Authorisation Holder: Bausch & Lomb UK Ltd. 106 London Road – Kingston-upon-Thames – KT2 6TN – UK Manufacturer: Laboratoire Chauvin Zone Industrielle de Ripotier 50 Avenue Jean Monnet 07200 Aubenas France DATE OF PREPARATION: November 2023

Frequently asked questions about Minims Lidocaine & Fluorescein

What is the active substance in Minims Lidocaine & Fluorescein?

The active substance in Minims Lidocaine & Fluorescein is fluorescein sodium, lidocaine hydrochloride.

Where does this information come from?

This leaflet reproduces the patient information leaflet approved for Minims Lidocaine & Fluorescein, as published on the electronic medicines compendium (emc). The version printed inside your medicine’s packaging is the one that applies to you.

Can I get Minims Lidocaine & Fluorescein without a prescription?

Whether a medicine is available over the counter or on prescription only depends on its licence. Check the leaflet, or ask your pharmacist — they can tell you straight away.

About this leaflet

The text above reproduces the patient information leaflet approved for this medicine, restructured for easier reading.

Medical disclaimer: This page is for information only and does not replace advice from your doctor or pharmacist. Always read the leaflet supplied with your medicine. If you are unwell, call NHS 111; in an emergency, call 999.

Medicines with the same active substance: Fluorescein sodium (5 medicines), Fluorescein sodium, lidocaine hydrochloride (1 medicine), Lidocaine hydrochloride (33 medicines)
See every medicine containing this substance, or browse the full A–Z of active substances.
⚕For healthcare professionals — Summary of Product Characteristics (SmPC)Full SmPC: dosage, interactions, contraindications, warnings+
Technical information intended for healthcare professionals (doctors and pharmacists). The Summary of Product Characteristics (SmPC) is the official document approved by the MHRA/EMA. It does not replace the patient leaflet or a doctor’s advice.

4.1. Therapeutic indications

As a diagnostic stain and topical anaesthetic combined Minims Lidocaine & Fluorescein can be used in the measurement of intraocular pressure by Goldmann tonometry.

4.2. Posology and method of administration

Adults (including the elderly):

One or more drops, as required.

Children:

As directed by the physician.

4.3. Contraindications

Do not use in patients with a known hypersensitivity to fluorescein or lidocaine and other amide-type local anaesthetics.

4.4. Special warnings and precautions for use

The anaesthetised eye should be protected from foreign body contamination, particularly in elderly patients in whom the duration of anaesthesia may exceed 30 minutes.

Use with caution in an inflamed eye as hyperaemia greatly increases the rate of systemic absorption through the conjunctiva.

Systemic absorption may be reduced by compressing the lacrimal sac at the medial canthus for a minute during and following the instillation of the drops. (This blocks the passage of the drops via the naso-lacrimal duct to the wide absorptive area of the nasal and pharyngeal mucosa. It is especially advisable in children.)

4.5. Interaction with other medicinal products and other forms of interaction

None known.

4.6. Pregnancy and lactation

This combination has been used for a number of years without apparent ill-consequence.

4.7. Effects on ability to drive and use machines

None known.

4.8. Undesirable effects

ADRs are very rare(<1/10,000),including isolated reports.

Symptoms of allergic-type reactions and anaphylaxis have been reported following topical ophthalmic administration of Fluorescein sodium and may manifest as:

Eye disorders: allergic conjunctivitis, peri-orbital oedema

Immune system disorders: anaphylactic reaction

Skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders: urticaria, rash

4.9. Overdose

Overdose is not expected to cause any adverse effects, however, overuse of local anaesthetics can cause keratitis, with loss of corneal epithelium and stromal opacity.

🇷🇴 Known in Romania as

Medicines sold in Romania with the same active substance: Cunoscut în România ca

⚠ Not the same combination. This medicine contains Fluorescein sodium, Lidocaine hydrochloride. The products below do not contain exactly the same set of active substances — they are not direct substitutes.

⚠ Same active substance, but a different pharmaceutical form (for example a gel instead of a tablet). Not interchangeable — ask a pharmacist.

  • LIDOCAINA NORIDEM 10 mg/ml prescription partial — not the same combinationLIDOCAINUM · injection / infusion
  • LIDOCAINA NORIDEM 20 mg/ml (vezi N01BB02) prescription partial — not the same combinationLIDOCAINUM · injection / infusion
  • LIDOCAINA KABI 10 mg/ml prescription partial — not the same combinationLIDOCAINUM · injection / infusion
  • LIVOHEP 20 mg/ml prescription partial — not the same combinationLIDOCAINUM · injection / infusion
  • LIVOHEP 10 mg/ml prescription partial — not the same combinationLIDOCAINUM · injection / infusion
  • VERSATIS 700 mg prescription partial — not the same combinationLIDOCAINUM · skin / topical

Some of these do not contain exactly the same active substances — check each one. The strength, the form and whether you need a prescription can differ. Always ask a pharmacist before you switch. Romanian medicines in the UK →

🇵🇱 Known in Poland as

Medicines sold in Poland with the same active substance: W Polsce znany jako

⚠ Not the same combination. This medicine contains Fluorescein sodium, Lidocaine hydrochloride. The products below do not contain exactly the same set of active substances — they are not direct substitutes.

⚠ Same active substance, but a different pharmaceutical form (for example a gel instead of a tablet). Not interchangeable — ask a pharmacist.

  • Fluoresceine Serb partial — not the same combinationFluoresceinum · injection / infusion
  • Fluorescite 100 mg/ml roztwór do wstrzykiwań partial — not the same combinationFluoresceinum · injection / infusion
  • Lignocain 2% partial — not the same combinationLidocaini hydrochloridum · injection / infusion
  • Lignocainum Jelfa partial — not the same combinationLidocaini hydrochloridum
  • Xylocaine 2% partial — not the same combinationLidocaini hydrochloridum · injection / infusion
  • Xylodont 2% partial — not the same combinationLidocaini hydrochloridum · injection / infusion

Some of these do not contain exactly the same active substances — check each one. The strength, the form and whether you need a prescription can differ. Always ask a pharmacist before you switch. Polish medicines in the UK →

💬 Ask about this leaflet

Ask anything about Minims Lidocaine & Fluorescein. The assistant answers only from this leaflet — if the leaflet does not cover it, it will say so. It does not give medical advice.

Answers come from the patient leaflet published on the electronic medicines compendium (emc). They are not medical advice. Ask a pharmacist or your GP if you are unsure. For urgent help call NHS 111, or 999 in an emergency.

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