Lidocaine

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Lidocaine
Drug class	Amino amide local anaesthetic
Maximum dose	4.5 mg/kg with plain lidocaine 7 mg/kg with adrenaline Note: Intercostal block safe dose is 10 times less.
Onset of action	2-5 minutes.
Duration of action	Tissue infiltration: 75-90 mins, or 120-180 mins with adrenaline Nerve blocks: 2-3 hours, or 3-5 hours with adrenaline.

Lidocaine was the first clinically used amide local anesthetic in 1948. It is widely used because of its potency; rapid onset; tissue penetration; and effectiveness in infiltration, peripheral nerve block, and both epidural and spinal blocks. In peripheral nerve blockage 1-1.5% is sufficient to produce a motor blockade, while for epidural and spinal blocks higher strengths are used.

Chemical Structure

Lidocaine Cream

Lidocaine cream is not readily available in New Zealand and is not subsidised. It has to be ordered over the internet.

• Haim International for 10.56% lidocaine cream, apply twice daily
• 4% Lidocaine patches can be purchased from ebay, brand name is Salonpas. They last for 8 hours.

See Also

Buffered Local Anaesthetic