Lidocaine Laboratoire Aguettant (Lidocaine Hydrochloride)

Lidocaine acts on peripheral nerves and cardiac tissue to produce anesthesia or antiarrhythmic effects.

• Minor surgical procedures: provides local anesthesia to numb the targeted area.
• Infiltration anesthesia: creates a field block for soft‑tissue interventions.
• Intradermal anesthesia: numbs superficial skin layers for diagnostic or therapeutic procedures.
• Intravenous antiarrhythmic therapy: stabilises cardiac membranes to treat ventricular arrhythmias.

• Lidocaine blocks voltage‑gated sodium channels on neuronal and cardiac membranes, preventing the rapid influx of sodium ions required for depolarisation. This inhibition halts the propagation of nerve impulses and stabilises cardiac myocytes, reducing ectopic electrical activity and producing local anaesthesia as well as antiarrhythmic effects.

Lidocaine may cause a range of adverse reactions, most of which are mild and transient.

Common Side Effects

• Burning or stinging at the injection site
• Tingling or numbness in the treated area
• Light‑headedness or dizziness
• Nausea or mild vomiting
• Transient hypotension
• Local swelling or erythema

Serious or Rare Side Effects

• Allergic reactions such as rash, urticaria or anaphylaxis
• Severe hypotension or cardiovascular collapse
• Cardiac arrhythmias including ventricular tachycardia
• Central nervous system toxicity (seizures, confusion)
• Methemoglobinemia
• Respiratory depression

Lidocaine should be used with careful clinical assessment and monitoring.

• Hypersensitivity: avoid in patients with known lidocaine allergy.
• Cardiac conduction disorders: use cautiously in patients with heart block or severe ventricular dysfunction.
• Hepatic impairment: dose may need adjustment as lidocaine is metabolised in the liver.
• Renal disease: monitor plasma levels in severe renal failure.
• Pregnancy and lactation: safety not established; weigh benefits against potential risks.
• Store below 25°C: keep in original container, protect from light and moisture.

Lidocaine can interact with several drug classes, altering its safety profile.

Major Interactions (Avoid)

• Class I antiarrhythmics (e.g., quinidine, procainamide): may increase lidocaine toxicity.
• Central nervous system depressants (e.g., barbiturates, opioids): additive CNS depression.
• Beta‑adrenergic blockers (e.g., propranolol): may enhance cardiac effects.

Moderate Interactions (Monitor Closely)

• CYP3A4 inhibitors (e.g., erythromycin, clarithromycin): may raise plasma lidocaine levels.
• Diuretics (e.g., furosemide): can reduce plasma protein binding, increasing free drug.
• Concurrent local anesthetics: risk of cumulative systemic toxicity.