lidocaine injection

Medically Reviewed on 3/3/2023

Generic Name: lidocaine injection 

Brand Names: Xylocaine, Xylocaine MPF

Drug class: Local Anesthetics, Dental

What is lidocaine injection (local), and what is it used for?

Lidocaine injection is a local anesthetic. This means that it reduces sensation or pain in the area of the body where it is injected and does not affect other areas.

It is similar to bupivacaine (Marcaine), articaine (Zorcaine), and Mepivacaine (Carbocaine). These drugs reduce sensation or pain by blocking nerve impulses that send pain sensations to the brain. Lidocaine starts working within 90 seconds and the effects last about 20 minutes.

The FDA approved lidocaine in November 1948.

What are the side effects of lidocaine injection?

Common side effects of lidocaine are:

Other important side effects which may be serious include:

People allergic to anesthetics similar to lidocaine should not use lidocaine.

What is the dosage for lidocaine injection?

Dosing varies considerably depending on the use. Total recommended doses range from 20 mg to 300 mg.

Which drugs interact with lidocaine injection?

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

  • Lidocaine has not been adequately studied in pregnant women. Studies in animals have not shown evidence of harm to the fetus.
  • It is not known whether lidocaine is excreted in breast milk.

What else should I know about lidocaine injection?

What preparations of lidocaine injection (local) are available?
  • Injectable Solution: 0.5%, 1%, 1.5%, 2%, 4%, and 5%; 200, 400 and 800 mg/100 mL
How should I keep lidocaine injection (local) stored?
  • All solutions should be stored at room temperature, 25 C (77 F) and protected from light.

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Summary

Lidocaine HCl injection is a medication used for local or regional anesthesia to perform certain surgeries and procedures. Common side effects of lidocaine are injection site pain, feeling lightheaded, euphoria, shaking, low blood pressure, drowsiness, confusion, weakness, blurry or double vision, and dizziness. Consult your doctor if pregnant or breastfeeding.

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Medically Reviewed on 3/3/2023
References
Medically reviewed by John P. Cunha, DO, FACOEP; Board Certified Emergency Medicine

REFERENCE:

FDA prescribing information.