Generic
Lidocaine + Epinephrine
3 brands available in the market
At a glance
Lidocaine + Epinephrine is a combination medicine used as local anesthesia. It blocks pain signals from the nerves to the brain thereby decreasing the sensation of pain.
Description
Lidocaine + Epinephrine is a combination of two medicines: Lidocaine and Epinephrine. Lidocaine is a local anesthetic which works by blocking pain signals from the nerves to the brain. Epinephrine is a vasoconstrictor which tightens the blood vessels to slow the dispersal and prolong the effect of Lidocaine.
Indications
- Local anesthesia (numb tissues in a specific area)
- Dental infiltration anesthesia and dental nerve block techniques
Therapeutic class
Local & Surface Anesthesia
Pharmacological class
Amide Local Anesthetic + Vasoconstrictor
Pharmacology
Lidocaine stabilizes the neuronal membrane and inhibits Na+ ion movements to block pain signals. Epinephrine constricts blood vessels to slow lidocaine absorption and prolong its local action.
Mechanism of action
Blocks pain signals and constricts blood vessels to prolong anesthetic effect.
Dosage
Adult Dose (Injection):
- Infiltration: 1 mL (Lidocaine 20 mg + Epinephrine 12.5 mcg per mL)
- Nerve block: 1.5-2.0 mL
- Maximum recommended dose: 500 mg lidocaine (with epinephrine)
- Children, elderly, and debilitated patients require smaller doses
Administration
- Your doctor or nurse will give this medicine; do not self-administer
- Inject slowly intramuscularly or subcutaneously
Missed dose
Not generally applicable (professionally administered); consult doctor if needed.
Side effects
Common Side Effects:
- Pale skin
- Burning sensation
- Stinging sensation
- Erythema (skin redness)
- Itching
- Pain
- Petechiae (red or purple spots)
Precautions & warnings
- Caution in patients with hypertension, cardiac disease, cerebrovascular insufficiency, and thyrotoxicosis
- Caution in epilepsy, impaired cardiac conduction, impaired respiratory function, and impaired hepatic function
- Effect may be reduced if injection is made into an inflamed or infected area
- Resuscitation facilities should be available
Contraindications
- Known hypersensitivity to amide type anesthetics
- Use of vasoconstrictor is contraindicated for anesthesia of fingers, toes, tip of nose, ears, and penis
- Should not be given intravenously
- Pregnancy and lactation (caution)
Drug interactions
- Interactions with monoamine oxidase inhibitors, tricyclic antidepressants, phenothiazines, butyrophenones, vasopressor drugs, and ergot-type drugs
Food interactions
Caution is advised when consuming alcohol with Lidocaine + Epinephrine; consult your doctor.
Use in pregnancy
Use in Pregnancy: Lidocaine + Epinephrine may be unsafe during pregnancy; animal studies have shown harmful effects on the fetus. Use only if benefits outweigh risks.
Use in lactation
Use in Lactation: Lidocaine + Epinephrine is probably unsafe during breastfeeding; caution should be exercised.
Pediatric use
Use with caution in children (smaller doses needed).
Geriatric use
Elderly and debilitated patients require smaller doses.
Renal / hepatic impairment
Renal Impairment: Caution in severe kidney disease; dose adjustment may be needed.
Hepatic Impairment: Caution in liver disease; dose adjustment may be needed.
Overdose effects
Overdose symptoms: nervousness, dizziness, blurred vision, tremors, drowsiness, convulsions, unconsciousness, respiratory arrest, hypotension, bradycardia.
Storage conditions
Store below 30°C in a dry place, away from light; keep out of reach of children.
Chemical structure
Lidocaine + Epinephrine