lidocaine-injection, Xylocaine

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GENERIC NAME: LIDOCAINE - INJECTION (LIE-doh-cane)

BRAND NAME(S): Xylocaine

Medication Uses | Other Uses | How To Use | Side Effects | Precautions | Drug Interactions | Overdose | Notes | Missed Dose | Storage

USES: This medication is used to treat irregular heartbeats (arrhythmias).

OTHER USES: This drug may also be used for resistant seizure treatment.

HOW TO USE: This medication is generally given by vein (IV). It may also be given in a large muscle (IM - in the shoulder usually) for one or two doses if necessary. Generally 50-100mg is given first IV, then repeated if necessary. This dosing is followed by continuous IV therapy (1-4 mg per minute typically). Doses may need to be reduced in people with heart failure or liver problems.

SIDE EFFECTS: Pain at the site of injection might occur. If this persists or worsens, notify your doctor. Unlikely but report promptly: drowsiness, dizziness, confusion, shakiness, mental changes, ringing in the ears, visual changes, nausea, tingling or numbness, slurred speech, muscle twitching, unusually slow heartbeat, seizures. Notify your doctor immediately if an allergic reaction occurs. Symptoms include: difficulty breathing, skin rash, itching, swelling. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088. Need help identifying pills and medications? Use the pill identifier tool on RxList.