Product Description

Lidocaine, also known as lignocaine, is a medication used to numb tissue in a specific area (local anesthetic).[4] It is also used to treat ventricular tachycardia and to perform nerve blocks.[3][4] Lidocaine mixed with a small amount of adrenaline (epinephrine) is available to allow larger doses for numbing, to decrease bleeding, and to make the numbing effect last longer.[4] When used as an injectable, lidocaine typically begins working within four minutes and lasts for half an hour to three hours.[4][5] Lidocaine mixtures may also be applied directly to the skin or mucous membranes to numb the area.[4]

Common side effects with intravenous use include sleepiness, muscle twitching, confusion, changes in vision, numbness, tingling, and vomiting.[3] It can cause low blood pressure and an irregular heart rate.[3] There are concerns that injecting it into a joint can cause problems with the cartilage.[4] It appears to be generally safe for use in pregnancy.[3] A lower dose may be required in those with liver problems.[3] It is generally safe to use in those allergic to tetracaine or benzocaine.[4] Lidocaine is an antiarrhythmic medication of the class Ib type.[3] This means it works by blocking sodium channels and thus decreasing the rate of contractions of the heart.[3] When it is used locally as a numbing agent, local neurons cannot signal the brain.[4]

Lidocaine was discovered in 1946 and went on sale in 1948.[6] It is on the World Health Organization's List of Essential Medicines, the safest and most effective medicines needed in a health system.[7] It is available as a generic medication and is not very expensive.