Definition

An ophthalmic gel formulation containing the synthetic amide-type anesthetic lidocaine, with potential analgesic activity. Upon ophthalmic application, the active ingredient lidocaine binds to and blocks voltage-gated sodium channels in neuronal cell membranes. Lidocaine-mediated stabilization of neuronal membranes inhibits the initiation and conduction of nerve impulses, which numbs the nerves, prevents the trigemino-cardiac reflex and produces a reversible local anesthesia.