Side Effects of Lidocaine

[Awf Bin Malik Ashja'ee]

Dr. Abdullah, Assalam O Alaikum,

 

Thanks for the details below which have highlighted the side effects of Lidocaine.

 

You wrote that "Lidocaine inhibits the conduction of neuron impulses, and prevents pain signals from going to the brain", my question is that will Lidocaine contract the capillaries which may result in lesser drainage of Hijamah blood; which comes from underneath the skin & the Sub-Cutaneous tissue (Hypodermis) ?

 

Waiting to hear from you.

---

----- Original Message -----

From: Dr abdullah Bin hafeez

To: Baraa' Bin Aazib

Sent: Sunday, May 08, 2011 6:32 AM

Subject: Anesthetic sprays

Waalaikum Assalam,

Dear Dr. Shami,

I haven't got your email, before. Regarding Anesthetic sprays,   Local anesthesia is used to block pain in a specific part of your body, allowing you to remain fully alert. The area that is anesthetized is usually small and superficial. It is used for dental work, skin biopsies or stitching up a cut. Sometimes a local anesthetic is more extensive used by the people for whom general or regional anesthesia is not advisable.

Means some times it is not advisable to use anesthetics, it depends upon condition, nature and response of patient. Because, complications of local anesthetic agents can manifest as a localized reaction or systemic adverse effects. Cardiovascular disease, hepatic and renal dysfunction, acid-base abnormalities, and hypoxia can amplify the possibility of anesthetic toxicity.

In addition, the very old, very young, and gravid females may respond aberrantly to these agents. Localized untoward effects include prolonged or permanent paresthesias, anesthesia, and motor weakness. In addition, local vasoconstriction has been reported with resultant necrosis. Systemic adverse effects can result in angina pectoris, shortness of breath, dysrhythmias, and cardiovascular collapse. Bupivacaine in particular has been associated with decreased cardiac output and hypotension. Disorientation, auditory and visual hallucinations, and decreased responsiveness, including coma, are possible effects of central nervous system toxicity. Respiratory and cardiovascular collapse and seizures also may emanate from central nervous system induced toxicity.

 

Regarding Lidocaine, it is actually an anesthetic medication that can be injected or used topically. Lidocaine inhibits the conduction of neuron impulses, and prevents pain signals from going to the brain. But, in real the pain actually exists.  Lidocaine works immediately and lasts about 60 to 90 minutes. Most patients tolerate lidocaine well; however, certain patient may experience significant side effects. A patient who may be exposed to lidocaine should be aware of these possible side effects.

Cardiac side effects are an infrequent complication of lidocaine therapy which is generally well tolerated even by patients with significant underlying heart disease. The primary cardiovascular side effects include sinus slowing, asystole, hypotension, and shock. These problems are most commonly related with high dosing or with the overly rapid administration of lidocaine and those who are with preexisting cardio diseases are at high risk.

Lidocaine causes drowsiness. This occurs because lidocaine can travel through the bloodstream to the brain. In the brain, lidocaine may alter the conduction of neural impulses and cause a patient to become drowsy. This browsiness may merge into unconsciousness and respiratory arrest. Therefore, a patient experiencing drowsiness should immediately let his doctor know. His doctor will then monitor the patient to make sure he does not lose consciousness or stop breathing.

lidocaine may cause an irregular heartbeat. Specifically, lidocaine may cause the heart to slow down, which may lead to cardiac arrest. This occurs because lidocaine can travel in the bloodstream to the heart muscles and alter heart rate and contraction strength. This serious side effect requires prompt medical attention. If a patient begins to notice an uncharacteristic slowing of the heart, he should seek immediate medical treatment to prevent further cardiovascular complications.

Lidocaine may cause nervousness, In this case, lidocaine may cause nerve excitement, which will manifest as nervousness or anxiety in a patient. Nervousness is a serious side effect that also requires immediate medical treatment. A patient should not ignore of self-treat this side effect. Instead, he should call his doctor. His doctor may discontinue a lidocaine patch, or may keep the patient to closely monitor for other serious side effects.

I think I have given enough information about Anesthetics, I think it will be helpful to you.

Regarding blood stream I will reply you later,

Regards,

Dr, AbdULLAH bin Hafeez
Child specialist