Hazards of Lidocaine
Although side effects are not common, there have been various side effects reported due to the use of lidocaine. These results may be generated by over dosage, rapid absorption into the blood stream, unintentional injection into the blood stream, a hypersensitivity to the drug, or an idiosyncrasy or lower tolerance of lidocaine. The following side effects are those that are in most cases the most commonly reported.
Side effects that affect the central nervous system can be characterized by:
These side effects may be very brief or may not occur at all, in which case the first sign of toxicity may be drowsiness, which then merges into unconsciousness and respiratory arrest.
Cardiovascular side effects are usually sedative and are characterized by:
Allergic reactions can include hives, swelling or fainting. These reactions may occur as a result of susceptibility either to local anesthetic agents or to the methylparaben used as a preservative in the containers of lidocaine HCL. Allergic reactions as result of susceptibility to lidocaine are rare and, if they occur, can be managed by normal means.
Hazardous in case of eye contact or ingestion. Slightly hazardous in case of skin contact or irritant of inhalation.
Side effects that affect the central nervous system can be characterized by:
- lightheadedness
- nervousness
- apprehension
- euphoria
- confusion
- dizziness
- drowsiness
- ringing in the ears
- blurred or double vision
- vomiting
- sensations of heat, cold, or numbness
- twitching
- tremors
- convulsions
- unconsciousness
- respiratory depression
- trouble breathing
These side effects may be very brief or may not occur at all, in which case the first sign of toxicity may be drowsiness, which then merges into unconsciousness and respiratory arrest.
Cardiovascular side effects are usually sedative and are characterized by:
- irregular heartbeat
- abnormally low blood pressure
- cardiovascular collapse (which may lead to cardiac arrest)
Allergic reactions can include hives, swelling or fainting. These reactions may occur as a result of susceptibility either to local anesthetic agents or to the methylparaben used as a preservative in the containers of lidocaine HCL. Allergic reactions as result of susceptibility to lidocaine are rare and, if they occur, can be managed by normal means.
Hazardous in case of eye contact or ingestion. Slightly hazardous in case of skin contact or irritant of inhalation.