Introduction

Name

• Lidocaine.

Class of drug

• Amide-linked local anesthetic.
• Class 1B antidysrhythmic.

Description

Chemical name

• 2-(diethylamino)-N-(2,6-dimethylphenyl)acetamide.

Molecular formula

• C₁₄H₂₂N₂O.

Molecular weight

• 234.34.

Physical properties

• Clear, sterile solution.

Storage requirements

• <25°C/77°F.
• Protect from light.

Uses

Indications

• Drug of choice for treating acute ventricular dysrhythmias.
• Used predominantly as a local anesthetic Local anesthesia.
• Onset of local anesthesia typically 5-10 min.
• Duration of local anesthesia usually 1-2 h.

Administration

Pharmacokinetics

Precautions

Interactions

with other drugs

Cimetidine

• May increase serum lidocaine levels or its effects if administered concurrently.

Propranolol

• May increase serum lidocaine levels or its effects if administered concurrently.

Procainamide

• May cause additive CNS effects.

Other anti-dysrhythmics

• May cause increased myocardial depression.

Acetazolamide, loop diuretics and thiazides

• The effect of lidocaine may be antagonized by hypokalemia with the above drugs Furosemide.

Suxamethonium

• Large doses of lidocaine may prolong suxamethonium-induced apnea.

Other local anesthetics

• Dose of lidocaine should be reduced when used in combination with other local anesthetics.

Adverse Reactions

Further Reading

Publications

Refereed papers

• Recent references from PubMed and VetMedResource.
• Finster M et al (1972) The placental transfer of lidocaine and its uptake by fetal tissues. Anesthesiology 36 (2), 159-163 PubMed.

Other sources of information

• Ramsey I et al (2011) Lidocaine. In: BSAVA Small Animal Formulary. 7th edn. Cheltenham, BSAVA.
• Veterinary Medicines Directorate (2013) Veterinary Medicines Guidance Notes. Website: www.gov.uk.
• Gaertner D J et al (2008) Anesthesia and Analgesia for Laboratory Rodents. In: Anesthesia and Analgesia in Laboratory Animals. 2nd edn. Elsevier. pp 239-298.
• Lichtenberger M & Ko J (2007) Anaesthesia and Analgesia for Small Mammals and Birds. Vet Clin North Am Exotic Anim Pract 10 (2), 293-315.
• Flecknell P A (1996) Laboratory Animal Anaesthesia. 2nd edn. Academic Press.

Organisation(s)

• National Office of Animal Health (NOAH) Compendium of Data Sheets for Animal Medicines. Website: www.noahcompendium.co.uk.