Drug reference
lidocaine
For healthcare professionals — reference only. This page is a brief summary, not medical advice and not a substitute for official labeling or clinical judgement. Always verify before prescribing or dispensing.
Drug class
Cardiovascular (Anti Arrhythmia)
Mechanism of action
Class 1B antidysrhythmic; combines with fast Na channels and thereby inhibits recovery after repolarization, resulting in decreasing myocardial excitability and conduction velocity Local anesthetics prevent generation/conduction of nerve impulses by reducing sodium permeability and increasing action potential threshold;
Common side effects
- Systemic: Hypotension
- Bradycardia
- Systemic: Edema
- Abnormal sensation
Boxed warnings
- Topical Lidocaine Significant systemic absorption may occur with topical use Twenty-two case reports have shown evidence of serious adverse reaction when viscous lidocaine 2% is used in young children to treat mouth pain Resulting reactions include seizures, severe brain injury, and cardiovascular depression characterized by bradycardia, hypotension, and cardiovascular collapse, which may lead to cardiac arrest
Contraindications
- Hypersensitivity to lidocaine or amide-type local anesthetic Adams-Stokes syndrome, SA/AV/intraventricular heart block in the absence of artificial pacemaker CHF, cardiogenic shock, 2nd and 3rd degree heart block (if no pacemaker is present), Wolff-Parkinson-White Syndrome
Related conditions
Frequently asked questions
What drug class is lidocaine?
lidocaine belongs to: Cardiovascular.
How does lidocaine work?
Class 1B antidysrhythmic; combines with fast Na channels and thereby inhibits recovery after repolarization, resulting in decreasing myocardial excitability and conduction velocity Local anesthetics prevent generation/conduction of nerve impulses by reducing sodium permeability and increasing action potential threshold;
What are the common side effects of lidocaine?
Systemic: Hypotension, Bradycardia, Systemic: Edema, Abnormal sensation
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