Get to know INSTILLAGEL®
About INSTILLAGEL®
INSTILLAGEL® is used in adults and children 2 years of age and older when putting a tube or instrument into their urethra (the canal leading to the bladder). INSTILLAGEL® is used:
- During insertion of a medical instrument into the urethra (cystoscopy)
- During insertion of a catheter
- During exploration by sound and other operations in the urethra
INSTILLAGEL® contains a local anaesthetic (lidocaine) to prevent pain and an antiseptic (chlorhexidine) to reduce the risk of infection getting in, while lubricating to make the process smooth.
Who should not use INSTILLAGEL®?
The gel should not be used if you:
- Are below 2 years of age
- Know that you are allergic or hypersensitive to these or any of the other ingredients, or to any other “-caine” type anaesthetic. Please inform the healthcare professional who is going to use the gel if this applies to you.
Speak to your doctor to find out if INSTILLAGEL® is right for you.
How to use INSTILLAGEL®
The gel is available in two package sizes: 6 mL and 11 mL. Usually, the complete contents of the size suitable for the procedure will be used.
Adults: Do not use more INSTILLAGEL® than your doctor has recommended. A usual adult dose is one syringe of 11 mL, with possibly an additional syringe of 6 or 11 mL (for men) or one syringe of 6 mL (for women). Do not use more than 4 doses in a period of 24 hours.
Children (2 years of age and older): Your doctor will instruct you on how much to give your child. The amount will vary depending on age and weight.
Step-by-step instructions for INSTILLAGEL® administration
Follow these directions carefully
Step 1
Wash your hands thoroughly with warm soapy water for at least 20 seconds.
Step 2
Prepare the materials you will need and ensure they are within arm’s reach.
Step 3
Position yourself either standing or seated on a toilet.
Step 4
Clean the urethral area before using INSTILLAGEL®.
Step 5
The syringe is removed from its sterile package by tearing off the backing paper.
Before removing the cap from the end of the syringe, free the plunger by gently pressing it and then remove the cap.
Step 6
Adult females
- Insert the tip into the opening of the urethra and press the plunger slowly to push out the gel
- Allow 5–10 minutes for the onset of the anaesthetic and antiseptic to set in
Adult males
- Insert the tip into the opening of the urethra and press the plunger slowly to push out the gel
- Keep the glans compressed until the anaesthetic and antiseptic action has set in (5–10 minutes)
The product should start to work within 5–10 minutes of applying it.
The syringe is for single use only.
If the complete contents are not used, the syringe and remaining gel must be thrown away.
This medicine has been prescribed for you or your child for your/their current medical condition only.
Do not give it to other people.
Frequently asked questions
What are the ingredients in INSTILLAGEL®?
Medicinal: Lidocaine hydrochloride and chlorhexidine gluconate.
Non-medicinal: Methylparaben, propylparaben, hydroxyethylcellulose, sodium hydroxide, propylene glycol, and purified water.
Talk to your doctor to know if INSTILLAGEL® is right for you.
What dosage form does it come in?
The gel is available as a sterile syringe in two package sizes: 6 mL and 11 mL.
How do I use INSTILLAGEL®?
See our step-by-step instructions on how to use INSTILLAGEL® above.
What side effects should I look out for and what do I do about them?
Like all medicines, INSTILLAGEL® may have, in addition to its beneficial effects, some unwanted effects. You might feel a slight stinging just after the gel is used, but this stops as soon as the anaesthetic starts to work. Most people find that there are no problems after the gel has been used, but of course there may be some soreness when the effect of the local anaesthetic has worn off.
If you experience an allergic reaction (rare) or an overdose (very rare), stop taking INSTILLAGEL® and get immediate medical help.
Signs of an allergic reaction may include shortness of breath, feeling faint, chest pain, or a faster-than-usual heartbeat that was not present before using this medicine.
Signs of an overdose may include drowsiness, tongue numbness, light-headedness, ringing in your ears, blurred vision, vomiting, dizziness, unusually slow heartbeat, fainting, nervousness, unusual sweating, trembling, or seizures.
Other side effects not listed above may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, tell your healthcare professional immediately. If you feel that you or your child have had any reaction to the gel, please tell your healthcare professional as soon as possible.
What should I tell my doctor before I use INSTILLAGEL®?
Tell your healthcare professional if:
- you have heart problems
- you have liver problems
- you have kidney problems
- you are epileptic
- you have ever had an unusual or allergic reaction to INSTILLAGEL®, to another lidocaine or other medicine ending in “caine”, or to chlorhexidine or chlorhexidine-containing medicines or chlorhexidine-coated catheters
- there is an infection, cut, or rash at or near the area where you wish to apply INSTILLAGEL®
- you are in severe shock
- you have malignant hyperthermia (a hereditary condition)
- if you are pregnant or breastfeeding
The gel should not be used if it is going to be in contact with damaged membranes (surfaces).
What should I do if I use too much INSTILLAGEL® or suspect an overdose?
If you think you, or a person you are caring for, have taken too much INSTILLAGEL®, contact a healthcare professional, hospital emergency department, or regional poison control centre immediately, even if there are no symptoms.
Avoid contact with your eyes or ears. Numbness in the eyes may prevent you from noticing if you get something in the eye.
Can INSTILLAGEL® be injected?
No. INSTILLAGEL® is for urethral use only and is not to be injected.
Can INSTILLAGEL® interact with other medications that I am taking?
Yes. Drugs that may interact with INSTILLAGEL® include:
- Some other local anaesthetics
- Medicine used for treating irregular heartbeats
- Medicine used for heart problems
- An antibiotic
- Medicine used for depression or obsessive-compulsive disorder
These medicines are:
- Amiodarone
- Erythromycin
- Fluvoxamine
- Mexiletine
- Propranolol
If you have any questions about the medications you are taking, talk to your doctor or pharmacist.
How do I store INSTILLAGEL®?
If you are asked to keep a package of INSTILLAGEL® for use at another time, store it between 15°C–25°C. Keep out of reach and sight of children.
INSTILLAGEL® should not be used after the expiry date shown on the package.
How do I report INSTILLAGEL® side effects?
You can report any suspected side effects associated with the use of health products to Health Canada by:
- Visiting the Web page on Adverse Reaction Reporting (canada.ca/drug-device-reporting) for information on how to report online, by mail, or by fax; or
- Calling toll-free at 1-866-234-2345.
NOTE: Contact your health professional if you need information about how to manage your side effects. The Canada Vigilance Program does not provide medical advice.
Medication information
Consult the INSTILLAGEL® information leaflet