lidocaine injection

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.

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.

Other important side effects which may be serious include:

• seizures,
• abnormal heart beats,
• slow heart beat,
• heart block,
• severe allergic reactions,
• respiratory arrest, and
• coma.

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

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

• Administering lidocaine solutions containing epinephrine or norepinephrine (which are added to prolong the action of the lidocaine) to patients receiving monoamine oxidase inhibitors or tricyclic antidepressants may produce severe and prolonged high blood pressure. Such combinations should be avoided. A similar reaction may occur with drugs used to increase blood pressure (vasopressors).

• 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 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.