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.

Uses

Indications

• Drug of choice for treating acute ventricular dysrhythmias.
• Used predominantly as a local anesthetic   Anesthesia: overview  .

Administration

Pharmacokinetics

Precautions

Interactions

with other drugs

• 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   Hypokalemia   with the above drugs   Furosemide  .

Suxamethonium

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

Adverse Reactions

Further Reading

Publications

Refereed papers

• Recent references from PubMed and VetMedResource.

Other sources of information

• Ramsey I (2014) BSAVA Small Animal Formulary. 8th edn. BSAVA. ISBN: 9781905319657.
• Veterinary Medicines Directorate (2013) Veterinary Medicines Guidance Notes. Website:www.gov.uk/government/collections/veterinary-medicines-guidance-notes-vmgns.
• 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/Compendium/Overview/-21789.html .