Lidocaine: functions, dosage, side effects, how to use it

What Drug Lidocaine?

What is Lidocaine for?

Lidocaine is a drug with a function to stop itching and pain from certain skin conditions (for example, scratches, minor burns, eczema, insect bites) and to treat discomfort and itching caused by hemorrhoids and certain problems in the genital / anal area. (for example, anal fissures, itching around the vagina / rectum). Some of these forms of treatment are also used to reduce discomfort or pain during certain medical procedures (for example, sigmoidoscopy, cystoscopy). Lidocaine is a local anesthetic that works by causing temporary numbness / loss of feeling of the skin and mucous membranes.

The lidocaine dosage and side effects of lidocaine are detailed below.

How to use Lidocaine?

Follow the rules given by your doctor or pharmacist before starting treatment. If you have any questions, consult your doctor or pharmacist.

Lidocaine injection is injected into a vein via an IV. When used as an anesthetic, lidocaine is injected through the skin directly into the area of ​​the body to be anesthetized.

Your breath, blood pressure, oxygen levels and other vital signs will be closely monitored while you are under the influence of the lidocaine injection in the hospital.

How is Lidocaine stored?

This medication is best stored at room temperature, away from direct light and damp places. Don't keep it in the bathroom. Don't freeze it. Other brands of this drug may have different storage rules. Observe the storage instructions on the product package or ask your pharmacist. Keep all medicines away from children and pets.

Do not flush medicines down the toilet or down the drain unless instructed to do so. Discard this product when it has expired or when it is no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company about how to safely dispose of your product.

Lidocaine dosage

The information provided is not a substitute for medical advice. ALWAYS consult your doctor or pharmacist before starting treatment.

What is the dose of Lidocaine for adults?

Standard adult dosage for Arrhythmias :

Initial dose: 1 to 1.5 mg / kg / intravenous (IV) dose given after 2 to 3 minutes.

Can be re-administered 0.5 to 0.75 mg / kg / dose IV given over 2 to 3 minutes over a period of 5 to 10 minutes for a total of 3 mg / kg.

Continued IV infusion: 1 to 4 mg / minute.

Standard adult dosage for Ventricular Fibrillation :

Ventricular fibrillation (VF) or pulseless ventricular tachycardia (VT) (after defibrillation and epinephrine or vasopressin):

Initial dose: 1 to 1.5 mg / kg / intravenous (IV) dose.

Can be repeated 0.5 to 0.75 mg / kg / dose at intervals of 5 to 10 minutes; the maximum total dose is 3 mg / kg.

Followed by IV infusion after perfusion; continued IV infusion: 1 to 4 mg / minute.

Standard adult dosage for ventricular tachycardia

Ventricular fibrillation (VF) or pulseless ventricular tachycardia (VT) (after defibrillation and epinephrine or vasopressin):

Initial dose: 1 to 1.5 mg / kg / intravenous (IV) dose.

Can be repeated 0.5 to 0.75 mg / kg / dose at intervals of 5 to 10 minutes; maximum total dose: 3 mg / kg.

Followed by continued IV infusion after perfusion; continued IV infusion: 1 to 4 mg / minute.

Standard adult dosage for anesthesia :

Anesthesia, local injection: dosage varies according to procedure, level of anesthesia required, tissue vascularity, duration of anesthesia required, and patient's physical condition; maximum dose: 4.5 mg / kg / dose; do not repeat within 2 hours.

What is the dosage of Lidocaine for children?

Standard pediatric dosage for Ventricular Fibrillation

For use on pulseless VT or VF; given after defibrillation and epinephrine:

Loading dose: 1 mg / kg (maximum: 100 mg / dose) intravenously; can be given in a second bolus of 0.5 to 1 mg / kg if the delay between the bolus and the start of the infusion is more than 15 minutes.

Continue with a follow-up intravenous infusion: 20 to 50 mg / kg / minute.

Standard pediatric dosage for Ventricular Tachycardia

For use on pulseless VT or VF; given after defibrillation and epinephrine:

Loading dose: 1 mg / kg (maximum: 100 mg / dose) intravenously; can be given in a second bolus of 0.5 to 1 mg / kg if the delay between the bolus and the start of the infusion is more than 15 minutes.

Continue with a follow-up intravenous infusion: 20 to 50 mg / kg / minute.

Standard pediatric dosage for Anesthesia

Anesthesia, local injection: dosage varies according to procedure, level of anesthesia required, tissue vascularity, duration of anesthesia required, and patient's physical condition; maximum dose: 4.5 mg / kg / dose; do not repeat within 2 hours.

In what dosage is Lidocaine available?

Lidocaine side effects

What side effects can be experienced due to Lidocaine?

Seek medical help immediately if you experience an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Call your doctor right away if you experience serious side effects:

• Feelings of anxiety, shaking, dizziness, restlessness, or depression
• Drowsiness, vomiting, buzzing in ears, blurred vision
• Confusion, twitching, convulsions
• Fast heartbeat, rapid breathing, feeling hot or cold
• Slow or shortness of breath, slow heart rate, weak pulse; or
• Feeling about to pass out

Less serious side effects include:

• Bruising, redness, itching, or swelling at the injection site
• Lightheadedness
• Nausea
• Numbness in the injection site

Not everyone experiences the following side effects. There may be some side effects not listed above. If you have concerns about certain side effects, consult your doctor or pharmacist.

Lidocaine Drug Warnings and Cautions

What should be known before using Lidocaine?

Before using Lidocaine,

• Tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to lidocaine. other local anesthetics such as bupivacaine (Marcaine), etidocaine (Duranest), mepivacaine (Carbocaine, Prolocaine), or prilocaine (Citanest); or other drugs
• Tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription drugs, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are using. Be sure to name one of: disopyramide (Norpace), flecainide (Tambocor), a drug applied to the skin or mouth to reduce pain, mexiletine (Mexitil), moricizine (Ethmozine), procainamide (Procanabid, Pronestyl), propafenone (Rhythmol), quinidine (Quinidex), and tocainide (Tonocard). Your doctor may change the dose of your medication or monitor you for possible side effects
• Tell your doctor if you have or have a history of liver disease
• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding. If during use of lidocaine you find yourself pregnant, call your doctor immediately
• If you are having surgery, including dental surgery, tell your doctor or dentist that you are taking lidocaine
• Have a severe heart block
• Have a heart rate disorder called Stokes-Adams syndrome (a sudden slow heart rate that can cause you to pass out); or
• Have a heart rate disorder called Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome (a sudden fast heartbeat that can cause you to pass out or tire easily)

Is Lidocaine safe for pregnant and lactating women?

There are no adequate studies regarding the risks of using this drug in pregnant or breastfeeding women. Always consult your doctor to weigh the potential benefits and risks before using this medication. This drug is included in the risk of pregnancy category B according to the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The following references the pregnancy risk categories according to the FDA:

A = No risk, B = not at risk in several studies, C = May be risky, D = There is positive evidence of risk, X = Contraindicated, N = Unknown

It is not known whether lidocaine injection can be lowered through breast milk or if it could harm the baby. Tell your doctor if you are breastfeeding.

Lidocaine Drug Interactions

What medicines may interact with Lidocaine?

Drug interactions can change the performance of your medications or increase the risk of serious side effects. Not all possible drug interactions are listed in this document. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription / non-prescription drugs and herbal products) and consult your doctor or pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dose of any medication without your doctor's approval.

Can food or alcohol interact with Lidocaine?

Certain drugs should not be used with meals or when eating certain foods because drug interactions can occur. Consuming alcohol or tobacco with certain drugs can also cause interactions to occur. Discuss your use of drugs with food, alcohol, or tobacco with your health care provider.

What health conditions may interact with Lidocaine?

The presence of other health problems in your body may affect the use of this drug. Tell your doctor if you have other health problems, in particular:

• Liver disease
• Kidney illness
• Heart disease (unless you're on lidocaine injection treatment for a heart condition)
• Coronary artery disease, circulation problems
• History of malignant hyperthemia; or
• If you are taking propranolol (inderal, InnoPran)

Lidocaine overdose

What should I do in an emergency or overdose?

In case of an emergency or overdose, contact the local emergency services provider (112) or immediately to the nearest hospital emergency department.

Overdose symptoms include:

• Dizziness
• Nervous
• Feelings of happiness that are out of place
• Confusion
• Dizzy
• Sleepy
• Ringing in the ears
• Blurred or shadowed vision
• Throws up
• Feeling hot, cold, or numb
• Convulsions
• Loss of consciousness
• Slow heart rate

What should I do if I miss a dose?

If you forget a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as possible. However, when it is nearing the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and return to the usual dosing schedule. Don't double the dose.