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Lidocaine Side Effects

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Sep 4, 2023.

Applies to lidocaine: injection solution. Other dosage forms:

Serious side effects of Lidocaine

Along with its needed effects, lidocaine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor or nurse immediately if any of the following side effects occur while taking lidocaine:

Incidence not known

Other side effects of Lidocaine

Some side effects of lidocaine may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects.

Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

Incidence not known

For Healthcare Professionals

Applies to lidocaine: compounding powder, injectable solution, intravenous solution.

General

Adverse reactions following administration of this drug are similar in nature to those observed with other amide local anesthetic agents. The most serious adverse reactions tend to be systemic in nature. In general, these adverse reactions are dose-related and may result from high plasma levels caused by excessive dosage, rapid absorption, or inadvertent intravascular injection, or may result from a hypersensitivity, idiosyncrasy, or diminished tolerance on the part of the patient.[Ref]

Cardiovascular

Frequency not reported: Bradycardia, hypotension, cardiovascular collapse, cardiac arrest, circulatory collapse, hypertension, arrhythmia, maternal hypotension, shock, tachycardia, ventricular fibrillation, heart block, myocardial depression, peripheral vasodilation[Ref]

Nervous system

Frequency not reported: Lightheadedness, headache, dizziness, drowsiness, cold/numbness, tremor, convulsions, unconsciousness, positional headache, peripheral nerve symptoms, spinal cord deficit, paresthesia, speech slurred, arachnoiditis, peripheral nerve injury, coma, paralysis of the lower extremities, cauda equina syndrome, Horner's syndrome, hemiparesis, circumoral paresthesia, nystagmus[Ref]

Gastrointestinal

Frequency not reported: Vomiting, nausea, bowel control loss, swallowing difficult, numbness of tongue[Ref]

Psychiatric

Frequency not reported: Nervousness, apprehension, euphoria, confusion, agitation, disorientation, psychosis, restlessness, excitement[Ref]

Hematologic

Frequency not reported: Methemoglobinemia[Ref]

Dermatologic

Frequency not reported: Urticaria, cutaneous lesion, dermatitis, rash, angioedema, face edema[Ref]

Genitourinary

Frequency not reported: Bladder control loss, sexual function loss, perineal sensation loss, urinary retention[Ref]

Immunologic

Frequency not reported: Allergic reaction, anaphylaxis/anaphylactoid reaction[Ref]

Local

Frequency not reported: Persistent anesthesia[Ref]

Metabolic

Frequency not reported: Hypoglycemia[Ref]

Musculoskeletal

Frequency not reported: Twitching, backache, leg pain, buttock pain[Ref]

Ocular

Frequency not reported: Blurred/doubled vision, diplopia, transient amaurosis, bilateral amaurosis[Ref]

Other

Frequency not reported: Tinnitus, feeling hot, edema, shiver, total spinal block, hyperacusis, weakness, sphincter control loss[Ref]

Respiratory

Frequency not reported: Respiratory depression, respiratory arrest, dyspnea, bronchospasm, hypoventilation, apnea, respiratory inadequacy, respiratory failure, yawning[Ref]

References

1. Product Information. Xylocaine (lidocaine). Astra-Zeneca Pharmaceuticals. 2002;PROD.

2. Cerner Multum, Inc. UK Summary of Product Characteristics.

3. Cerner Multum, Inc. Australian Product Information.

4. MHRA. Medicines and Health Regulatory Agency. MHRA Drug Safety Update. http://www.mhra.gov.uk/Safetyinformation/DrugSafetyUpdate 2013.

5. Product Information. Lidocaine Hydrochloride, Injectable (lidocaine). Hospira Inc. 2017.

Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Some side effects may not be reported. You may report them to the FDA.