Can Lignocaine be swallowed for ulcers in the food pipe?

Question

Hello doctor,

My father, aged 45 years is going through chemotherapy after a major surgery in which his stomach was removed. He has Non-Hodgkin lymphoma. The medication given to him is R-CHOP. Now, it has been 9 days since his second cycle of chemotherapy and he has painful mouth ulcers, one of which is on the food pipe. Doctor has advised to use Lignocaine hydrochloride as anesthetic before eating to avoid pain. He can tolerate the pain in the mouth but when the food touches the ulcer on the food pipe, it hurts him badly. He is taking Mucaine gel for ulcer on the throat. Is there any quick solution? Can Lignocaine or Lidocaine or Xylocaine hydrochloride 2% be swallowed? Please help.

Answer 1

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

In a patient with Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma (NHL) who is post-surgery, chemotherapy can cause loss of appetite. Therefore, Mucaine gel is better, and Lignocaine hydrochloride should not be used. It has been observed that swallowing Lignocaine hydrochloride causes nausea and vomiting. It is important to discuss with your doctor if a fungal infection is present, which is causing the sores, then antifungal medicine will heal the sores.

Thank you.

Answer 2

Hi,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

The medicine Ultracet contains Acetaminophen and Tramadol which is a good pain relief combination. Please give it as recommended and it will keep your father comfortable. It is better to give soft foods and fluids to avoid pain and burning sensation during swallowing. Small amount of Lignocaine hydrochloride can be tolerated. Mucaine gel will help in reducing burning sensation in the esophagus or food pipe.