Final answer:
Lidocaine viscous may be used to relieve the pain of oral mucositis, a common side effect of chemotherapy. It is generally permissible to administer it before meals to help make eating less painful for the patient, but it should always be done under the supervision of a healthcare provider.
Step-by-step explanation:
Lidocaine viscous is commonly used to provide symptomatic relief of oral mucositis which can be caused by chemotherapy. The condition, known as chemotherapeutic stomatitis, results in painful inflammation and ulceration of the mucous membranes lining the mouth. Lidocaine viscous can be used topically in the mouth to numb the affected area, thereby reducing pain and discomfort.
Using lidocaine ac (before meals) is generally considered permissible and may often be recommended for patients to help alleviate oral pain and enable them to eat more comfortably. Considering that oral mucositis can significantly affect a patient's nutritional intake due to the pain associated with eating, providing such topical anesthetics can be an important aspect of supportive care in cancer patients. However, it is crucial that this treatment is used under the guidance of a healthcare provider, as the dosing and frequency of use need to be carefully managed to prevent potential side effects such as systemic toxicity, particularly in patients with compromised health due to chemotherapy.