Lidocaine (Lignocaine)
It is local anaesthetic & a popular antiarrhythmic in intensive care units. The most prominent cardiac action is suppression of automaticity in ectopic foci.Ventricular tachyarrhythmias.
1 mg/kg body wt by slow i.v. bolus over a period of 5-10 mts with same or reduced dosage. (if risk of conduction disturb). Bolus may be followed with 1 g in 500 ml of infusion soln. by i.v. drip at rate of 20-40 drops/min (2-4 mg/min).
Hypersensitivity to amide group of local anaesthetics. A.V.block, cardiac decompensation, serious conduction disturbances, bradycardia.
Renal or hepatic impair- ment. Hypotension, ECG monitoring must during therapy. Paediatrics: Use cautiously. Pregnancy: Safe. Lactation: Use with caution. Elderly: Safe.
Drowsiness, nausea, paresthesias, blurred vision, disorientation, twitchings and fits.
Cimetidine increases plasma concentration and toxicity. Propranolol reduces clearance. Absorption reduced by adrenaline.
