Lidocaine is a local anaesthetic medication developed by the U.S. Food And Drug Administration. It was initially approved on December 1, 1948, for its use as a local anesthetic.

Lidocaine is a medication commonly used as a local anesthetic to numb a specific body area before minor surgical procedures, dental work, or diagnostic tests. It is administered as an injection, spray, or topical application to relieve pain and reduce discomfort during these procedures. It is also administered epidurally (into the epidural space of the spinal cord) to provide anesthesia and act as a pain reliever during childbirth. This drug is commonly used in emergencies to treat ventricular arrhythmias, particularly ventricular fibrillation.

Lidocaine will be administered to you by a healthcare professional in a hospital setting. It is usually administered orally, intravenously, patches, or as a nasal spray. Your doctor will decide the dose, route of administration, and frequency based on your disease condition and other factors.

The side effects known to occur commonly during the treatment with Lidocaine are numbness or tingling/paralysis of the legs, irregular bowel movements, tinnitus, loss of balance, dizziness, blurred vision, nausea, fear and anxiety. Some serious side effects also include severe allergic reactions, bluish discoloration of the skin, wheezing, itching, breathlessness, swelling of face, eyelids, and mouth, changes in heart rate and low blood pressure.

Avoiding this product if you have a known allergy to this drug or any other local anesthetics is important. This drug should not be given if you have an abnormality of impulse propagation in the heart that causes decreased blood pressure and slow heart rate, such as complete heart block, because it can affect the electrical conduction in the heart and may exacerbate these conditions. Lidocaine should not be administered if you have a condition of decreased blood volume called hypovolaemia. This condition can interfere with the distribution and effectiveness of the medication.

When Lidocaine is combined with adrenaline (epinephrine), it should not be administered into a vein or used in areas with limited blood supply, such as fingers, toes, ears, nose, or penis, because it can lead to vasoconstriction throughout the body by causing inadequate blood flow to the organs. Inform your doctor about any pre-existing medical conditions, especially those related to the heart, liver, or kidneys. This medicine may require dose adjustments or close monitoring in individuals with certain medical conditions. If you are using cream or ointment, it is advisable to avoid applying it directly to the breast area to prevent accidental ingestion by the infant.

It is highly advised to use this drug as directed and avoid exceeding the recommended dosage. When this drug is used in excessive amounts or if it enters the bloodstream, it can cause systemic effects such as dizziness, confusion, nervousness, tremors, and in severe cases, seizures or cardiac abnormalities. Always refer to the product packaging, and ask your physician for clarification if you have any doubts about the medicine. Keep Lidocaine away from excessive moisture and heat, as they can degrade the medication. Store them in a cool, dry place.

1. Mercury Pharmaceuticals Ltd, Electronic medicines compendium (EMC), [ Revised on May 2021] [ Accessed on 31st May 2023], https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/files/pil.4781.pdf/
2. Scilex Pharmaceuticals Inc, US Food and Drug Administration, [ Revised on Nov 2018] [Accessed on 31st May 2023], https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2018/207962s001lbl.pdf
3. Mercury Pharmaceuticals (Ireland) Ltd, [Revised on Apr 2016] [Accessed on 31st May 2023], https://www.hpra.ie/img/uploaded/swedocuments/2143491.PA0073_112_002.16cdbc15-75aa-42f5-b8ae-06ec698f0bd0.000001Lidocaine Injection%20Hydrochloride%201%20PIL.170524.pdf
4. Kenneth Drasner, Local Anesthetics, Lange’s Basic and Clinical Pharmacology, 14th Edition, 2018, 459-473.
5. KD Tripathi, Local Anaesthetics, Essentials of Medical Pharmacology, 8th Edition, 2019, 386-398.

The drug information on this page is not a substitute for medical advice; it is meant for educational purposes only. For further details, consult your doctor about your medical condition to know if you are eligible to receive this treatment.