LIGNOCAINE (LIDOCAINE)
Dosage form Vials, 2% -20 mI

Uses Lignocaine injection is a local anaesthetic solution for use in infiltration anaesthesia, intravenous regional anaesthesia and nerve blocks.

Administration The dosage is adjusted according to the response of the patient and site of administration. The lowest concentration and smallest dose producing the required effect should be given. The maximum dose for healthy adults should not exceed 200 mg.
Children and elderly or debilitated patients require smaller doses, commensurate with age and physical status.

Observe
Side-effects: In common with other local anaesthetics, adverse reactions to Lignocaine injection HP are rare and are usually the result of excessively high blood concentrations due to inadvertent intravascular injection, excessive dosage, rapid absorption or occasionally to hypersensitivity, idiosyncrasy or diminished tolerance to the part of the patient. In such circumstances systemic effects occur involving the central nervous system and/or the cardiovascular system.
CNS reactions are excitatory and/or depressant, and may be characterized by nervousness, dizziness, blurred vision and tremors, followed by drowsiness, convulsions, unconsciousness and possibly respiratory arrest. The excitatory reactions may be very brief or may not occur at all, in which case the first manifestation of toxicity may be drowsiness, merging into unconsciousness and respiratory arrest. Cardiovascular reactions are depressant, and may be characterized by hypotension, myocardial depression, bradycardia and possible cardiac arrest.
Allergic reactions are extremely rare. They may be characterized by cutaneous lesions, urticaria, oedema or anaphylactoid reactions. Detection of sensitivity by skin testing is of doubtful value. Hypotension may occur as a physiological response to central nerve blocks.
Contra-indications: Known hypersensitivity to anaesthetics of the amide type. Interactions: Cimetidine can impair the metabolism of Lignocaine absorbed into the circulation. Elimination will be delayed and the risk of adverse reactions increased.

Use in pregnancy: Although there is no evidence from animal studies of harm to the fetus, as with all drugs, Lignocaine injection HP should not be given during early pregnancy unless the benefits are considered to outweigh the risks.
Precautions: In common with other .local anaesthetics, Lignocaine injection HP should be used cautiously in patients with epilepsy, impaired cardiac conduction, bradycardia, impaired respiratory function and in patients with impaired hepatic functions, if the dose or site of administration is likely to result in high blood levels. Facilities for resuscitation should be available when local anaesthetics are administered.
The effect of local anaesthetics may be reduced if an injection is made into an inflamed or infected area.

Storage Store at room temperature. Protect from light. Keep out of reach of children.