Lidocaine Hydrochloride

Lidocaine Hydrochloride is a local anesthetic; class ib antiarrhythmic medicine available in Bangladesh under many brand names. Below are its uses, dosage, side effects and precautions — and all brands with their current prices.

• Local or regional anesthesia for medical, dental, or surgical procedures.
• Topical anesthesia of skin or mucous membranes before procedures or for short-term relief of localized pain, burning, or irritation where appropriate.
• Urethral anesthesia and lubrication during catheterization or urological procedures, depending on the product form.
• Intravenous treatment of certain serious ventricular arrhythmias in monitored hospital settings, depending on the injectable product and clinical indication.

Dose and method of use depend on the dosage form, strength, site of application or injection, patient age, body weight, medical condition, and whether adrenaline/epinephrine is included. Topical preparations should be applied only to the area and frequency advised, using the smallest effective amount. Injectable lidocaine must be administered by trained healthcare professionals, with monitoring when needed. Do not exceed the prescribed amount or repeat doses without medical advice.

• Temporary burning, stinging, redness, swelling, numbness, or irritation at the application or injection site.
• Dizziness, drowsiness, blurred vision, ringing in the ears, metallic taste, nausea, or tremor may occur if significant amounts are absorbed.
• Serious toxicity can include confusion, seizures, slow or irregular heartbeat, low blood pressure, breathing difficulty, collapse, or cardiac arrest.
• Allergic reactions are uncommon but may include rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, or breathing difficulty.

Use extra care in people with heart rhythm problems, severe heart failure, liver disease, kidney impairment, epilepsy, low blood pressure, shock, inflamed or broken skin, large treatment areas, or when used in children or older adults. Avoid contact with eyes unless the product is specifically intended for ophthalmic use. Do not eat or drink until mouth or throat numbness has worn off, as choking or biting injury may occur. Use Lidocaine Hydrochloride under the guidance of a registered doctor or pharmacist.

• Other local anesthetics or medicines structurally related to lidocaine may increase the risk of additive toxicity.
• Antiarrhythmic medicines such as mexiletine, amiodarone, or beta-blockers may increase cardiac effects or toxicity risk.
• Medicines that affect liver enzymes, such as cimetidine or some antivirals, may increase lidocaine levels in some patients.
• Drugs that cause drowsiness or lower blood pressure may add to dizziness or cardiovascular effects.
• Food and drink should be avoided while the mouth or throat is numb because of aspiration and injury risk.

• Known hypersensitivity to lidocaine, other amide-type local anesthetics, or any ingredient of the product.
• Use of injectable lidocaine for arrhythmia in patients with severe heart block or certain severe conduction disorders unless appropriate pacing or specialist monitoring is available.
• Application to infected, severely damaged, or extensively broken skin unless specifically directed by a healthcare professional.
• Use in the eye, ear, or other special sites unless the formulation is specifically approved for that route.

Lidocaine has been widely used during pregnancy and breastfeeding when clinically needed, but the dose, route, and treatment area should be chosen carefully by a healthcare professional. Small amounts may pass into breast milk; clinically significant effects are unlikely with appropriate use, but breastfeeding mothers should seek medical advice before repeated, high-dose, or large-area use.

Store at room temperature away from excessive heat, direct sunlight, and moisture. Keep the container tightly closed and out of reach of children. Do not freeze unless the label allows it, and do not use after the expiry date or if the product looks discolored, contaminated, or damaged.