Can lidocaine be taken orally

Lidocaine is primarily used as a local anesthetic and is typically administered via injection, topical application, or as a patch. While it can be formulated in oral dosage forms for specific medical conditions, such as mouth sores or throat pain, it is not commonly taken orally in general practice. Oral use should only be under medical supervision due to potential systemic side effects and toxicity. Always consult a healthcare professional before using lidocaine for any purpose.