Mechanism of action
- Antiarrhythmic (Class Ib); Amide-type local anaesthetic
- As an antiarrhythmic: suppresses diastolic depolarization and spontaneous creation of current in the ventricles while having no effect on the AV node and atria.
- As an anaesthetic: blocks sodium channels on nerve cells which stabilizes its membranes and prevents depolarization, which means that action potential is not transmitted.
Indications and dose
Pharmacokinetics
Onset of action: 45-90 seconds
Half-life of elimination: 1.5–2 hours
Metabolism: Hepatic
Elimination: Kidneys
Directions for administration
It’s recommended to lower the dose by 40 % in patients with heart failure or hepatic impairment.
Potassium levels should be checked before administration because hypokalaemia reduces the effect of lidocaine.
Medicinal forms
Solution of injection/infusion (5 mg/ml, 10 mg/ml, 20 mg/ml)
- 1 vial = 2 ml (10 mg, 20 mg, 40 mg)
Side-effects
Malignant hyperthermia
Bradycardia
Arrhythmias
Heart conduction disorders
Nausea, vomiting
Confusion
References
