Before administering lidocaine numbing cream read the patient information leaflet for further information. For safety and effective administration, shake the bottle well before use. Make sure to use the correct measuring device. Do not use household spoons as these may not accurately measure the correct dose. Do not mix lidocaine with other liquids or foods. It is important to follow all instructions provided by the pharmacist. The dosage should be monitored closely.
Efficacy of i.v. lidocaine in postoperative pain:
A consensus statement from the society of anesthesiologists describes the use of intravenous lidocaine for the prevention and treatment of postoperative pain. The drug, originally lignocaine and Xylocaine(r) was approved for human use in 1948. In 1958, doctors began using lidocaine intravenously for postoperative analgesia. Subsequent studies confirmed its effectiveness.
Adverse reactions:
There are several potential adverse reactions to lidocaine and prilocaine. These include cardiac arrhythmias, increased serum lidocaine levels, and debilitating liver disease. In addition, patients taking antipsychotics or other class I antiarrhythmic should use lidocaine cautiously. Furthermore, repeated administration of lidocaine and prilocaine may lead to increased blood concentrations of the drugs.
Precautions:
Before giving lidocaine, you should discuss any other medications you are taking with your doctor. Lidocaine is known to interact with some other medications, so it is important to discuss any drug interactions with your doctor. This medication should be used with caution if you are allergic to it or have a medical condition that may require special care.
Dosage:
Several factors must be considered when choosing the correct dosage of lidocaine. For infants and young children, the maximum dosage is 4 mg/kg. Dose intervals between doses should be three hours, and no child should receive more than four doses in one day. The dosage should not be given for treating teething pain, as it may lead to a greater risk of side effects.
When choosing the proper dosage, it is essential to be familiar with the adverse effects and interactions of drugs that may interact with lidocaine. The drug is metabolized in the liver, so use with caution in patients with sepsis or mucosa trauma. In addition, lidocaine undergoes first-pass hepatic metabolism in unparalyzed patients, which can result in higher plasma concentrations.
