Lidocaine
Also known as: Xylocaine, Xylocaine MPF, EMLA, Intubeaze, Lignadrin, Lignol, Locaine, Locovetic, Lidoderm
Lidocaine is a potent medication used primarily in the hospital setting by veterinary professionals. * **Purpose:** It is used to correct life-threatening abnormal heart rhythms (arrhythmias) or to provide continuous pain relief (often mixed with other pain medications) after major surgery or trauma. * **Monitoring:** Because the drug is given directly into the bloodstream, your pet will be closely monitored (usually with an ECG and blood pressure checks) to ensure the dose is safe and effective. * **Side Effects:** If side effects occur, they are usually mild and resolve quickly once the medication rate is adjusted. Signs to watch for (if your pet is awake) include sleepiness, muscle tremors, or nausea.
Dosage must be set by your veterinarian for your specific pet. Never give human medication or another pet’s prescription without veterinary guidance.
What it is used for
- Antiarrhythmic
- Antiarrhythmic
- Epidural
- Ventricular tachyarrhythmias
- Ventricular tachyarrhythmias
- Postoperative ileus
- Colic patients
- Immediate treatment of ventricular tachycardia
- Rapid conversion of life-threatening, incessant, unstable ventricular tachycardia
- Ventricular arrhythmias
- Analgesic agent (CRI)
- Analgesic agent (MLK mixture)
- Analgesic agent
- Analgesic agent
How it is given
Possible side effects
- CNS toxicity (dose-related): drowsiness, depression, ataxia, nystagmus, muscle tremors, seizures
- Gastrointestinal: nausea and vomiting (usually transient)
- Cardiovascular: hypotension (especially with rapid IV bolus), bradycardia, PR and QRS interval prolongation, circulatory collapse at toxic doses
- Cats: heightened risk of severe cardiodepression and CNS signs
- Depression
- Seizures
- Muscle fasciculations
- Vomiting
- Bradycardia
- Hypotension
- Laryngeal oedema (in cats, associated with CFC propellants in unlicensed aerosols)
Cautions & contraindications
- Known hypersensitivity to amide-class local anesthetics
- Severe SA, AV, or intraventricular heart block (unless artificially paced)
- Adams-Stokes syndrome
- Intravenous use of lidocaine products containing epinephrine
- Continuous rate infusion (CRI) in cats during the perioperative period (due to negative haemodynamic effects)
- Intravenous administration of lidocaine solutions containing adrenaline
- Use of adrenaline-containing solutions for complete ring block of an extremity (danger of ischaemic necrosis)
- Use with extreme caution in cats due to heightened sensitivity to CNS and cardiodepressant effects. Use cautiously in patients with liver disease, congestive heart failure, shock, hypovolemia, severe respiratory depression, or marked hypoxia. Patients susceptible to malignant hyperthermia require intensified monitoring. NEVER administer lidocaine containing epinephrine intravenously.
Drug interactions
- Gas Anesthetics (Isoflurane, Sevoflurane): Lidocaine infusions reduce MAC requirements. Additive cardiodepression may occur, especially in cats.
- Other Antiarrhythmics (Procainamide, Quinidine, Propranolol): May cause additive or antagonistic cardiac effects; enhanced risk of toxicity.
- Cimetidine: May decrease lidocaine clearance, increasing lidocaine levels and effects.
- Furosemide: Diuretic-induced hypokalemia may reduce the antiarrhythmic efficacy of lidocaine.
- Phenobarbital / Phenytoin: May induce hepatic enzymes, increasing lidocaine metabolism and decreasing its serum levels.
- Propranolol: May decrease hepatic blood flow and lidocaine clearance, increasing lidocaine levels.
- Succinylcholine: Large doses of lidocaine may prolong succinylcholine-induced apnea.
- Other antiarrhythmics: May cause increased myocardial depression
Frequently asked questions
What is Lidocaine used for in pets?
Lidocaine is a potent medication used primarily in the hospital setting by veterinary professionals. * **Purpose:** It is used to correct life-threatening abnormal heart rhythms (arrhythmias) or to provide continuous pain relief (often mixed with other pain medications) after major surgery or trauma. * **Monitoring:** Because the drug is given directly into the bloodstream, your pet will be closely monitored (usually with an ECG and blood pressure checks) to ensure the dose is safe and effective. * **Side Effects:** If side effects occur, they are usually mild and resolve quickly once the medication rate is adjusted. Signs to watch for (if your pet is awake) include sleepiness, muscle tremors, or nausea.
Is Lidocaine safe for my pet?
Dosage must be set by your veterinarian for your specific pet. Never give human medication or another pet’s prescription without veterinary guidance.
This article is for general education and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice. If your pet is unwell, please consult a veterinarian.
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