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What Is Lidocaine?

Lidocaine is an amide local anesthetic available in several prescription forms. This page focuses on lidocaine hydrochloride injection used for infiltration and nerve blocks. Current U.S. labeling includes local or regional anesthesia or analgesia for surgery, dental procedures, diagnostic and therapeutic procedures, and obstetrical procedures in adults and pediatric patients.

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What Is Lidocaine?

Lidocaine is an amide local anesthetic available in several prescription forms. This page focuses on lidocaine hydrochloride injection used for infiltration and nerve blocks. Current U.S. labeling includes local or regional anesthesia or analgesia for surgery, dental procedures, diagnostic and therapeutic procedures, and obstetrical procedures in adults and pediatric patients.

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How Does Lidocaine Work?

Lidocaine blocks voltage-gated sodium channels in nerve membranes. This prevents initiation and conduction of nerve impulses and produces reversible loss of sensation in the treated region.

Who Receives Lidocaine Injection?

Lidocaine hydrochloride injection is administered by trained clinicians for local infiltration, peripheral nerve block, epidural or caudal techniques with suitable formulations, and other labeled regional anesthesia procedures. The selected concentration and dose depend on the procedure, treatment area, patient condition, and required depth of anesthesia.

How Is Lidocaine Injection Dosed?

Dosing varies by procedure. For adults receiving lidocaine without epinephrine, the maximum individual dose is 4.5 mg per kg, and the total dose does not exceed 300 mg in most situations. Lower doses are used in older, debilitated, acutely ill, hepatic-impaired, or cardiovascular-impaired patients when clinically indicated.

What Serious Risks Are Linked to Lidocaine Injection?

Excessive blood concentrations or unintended intravascular or intrathecal injection can cause seizures, respiratory depression, coma, low blood pressure, slow heart rate, arrhythmias, cardiovascular collapse, or cardiac arrest. Methemoglobinemia and severe hypersensitivity can also occur. Continuous intra-articular infusion after surgery is an unapproved use associated with chondrolysis.

Frequently Asked Questions About Lidocaine

What is injectable lidocaine used for?

Current labeling includes local or regional anesthesia or analgesia for surgical, dental, diagnostic, therapeutic, and obstetrical procedures.

What is the usual adult maximum dose without epinephrine?

The maximum individual dose is 4.5 mg per kg, with a general total-dose limit of 300 mg.

Can lidocaine injection cause methemoglobinemia?

Yes. Local anesthetics including lidocaine have been associated with methemoglobinemia.

Can lidocaine injection affect breathing or heart function?

Yes. Systemic toxicity can cause respiratory depression, low blood pressure, arrhythmias, cardiovascular collapse, and cardiac arrest.

References

DailyMed - LIDOCAINE HYDROCHLORIDE injection, solution. https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=9c18eaf1-4a0b-4916-70b2-88a827494711. Date Accessed October 13, 2026.

Lidocaine. PubChem. https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/lidocaine. Date Accessed October 13, 2026.

Lidocaine. StatPearls. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK539881/. Date Accessed October 13, 2026.

Lidocaine Hydrochloride. PubChem. https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/lidocaine-hydrochloride. Date Accessed October 13, 2026.

Lidocaine Injection (local anesthetic). MedlinePlus. https://www.medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a625061.html. Date Accessed October 13, 2026.