Lidocaine Hydrochloride Mercury Pharmaceuticals (Lidocaine Hydrochloride)

Lidocaine Hydrochloride is used to achieve local anesthesia or anti‑arrhythmic effects by targeting nerve and cardiac sodium channels.

• Minor surgical procedures: provides rapid, reversible loss of sensation to facilitate painless incision and suturing.
• Diagnostic procedures: enables painless insertion of catheters, endoscopes, or monitoring devices.
• Ventricular arrhythmias: suppresses ectopic ventricular activity to stabilize cardiac rhythm during acute episodes.

• Lidocaine Hydrochloride blocks voltage‑gated sodium channels on neuronal and cardiac membranes, preventing the rapid influx of sodium ions required for depolarisation. This inhibition halts the initiation and propagation of nerve impulses, producing local anaesthesia, and reduces abnormal ventricular automaticity, restoring normal cardiac conduction during arrhythmic events.

Adverse reactions may occur following intravenous administration of lidocaine.

Common Side Effects

• Transient tingling or numbness at the injection site
• Mild hypotension
• Dizziness or light‑headedness
• Metallic taste in the mouth
• Nausea or mild gastrointestinal discomfort

Serious or Rare Side Effects

• Anaphylactic or severe allergic reaction
• Cardiac conduction disturbances such as bradycardia or heart block
• Seizures, especially with high plasma concentrations
• Methemoglobinemia leading to cyanosis
• Respiratory depression in susceptible individuals

Before using lidocaine, clinicians should consider several safety measures.

• Cardiac history assessment: avoid in patients with severe conduction disorders or recent myocardial infarction.
• Hepatic function monitoring: adjust dosing in moderate to severe hepatic impairment.
• Concomitant Class I antiarrhythmics: increased risk of cardiotoxicity, use with caution.
• Elderly patients: heightened sensitivity may require lower initial doses.
• Store at ambient temperature: keep in the original container, protect from light and moisture.

Lidocaine may interact with other medicines, altering its efficacy or safety profile.

Major Interactions (Avoid)

• Class I antiarrhythmic agents (e.g., quinidine, procainamide): additive cardiotoxicity.
• Strong CYP3A4 inhibitors (e.g., ketoconazole, erythromycin): increase lidocaine plasma levels.
• CYP1A2 inducers (e.g., rifampin, carbamazepine): reduce therapeutic effect.

Moderate Interactions (Monitor Closely)

• Beta‑blockers: may enhance bradycardia and hypotension.
• Loop diuretics (e.g., furosemide): can potentiate hypotensive response.
• General anesthetics (e.g., propofol, volatile agents): additive central nervous system depression.