Lidocaine hydrochloride injection

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How does it work?

This medicine contains the active ingredient lidocaine hydrochloride (previously known as lignocaine hydrochloride in the UK). Lidocaine hydrochloride is used to treat disturbances in the heart's rhythm. The pumping action of the heart is controlled by electrical impulses that are under the control of the nervous system. If the pumping action of the heart is seriously disturbed, this affects the ability of the heart to pump blood effectively around the body. Lidocaine hydrochloride acts by decreasing the sensitivity of heart muscle to electrical impulses. This slows the conduction of electrical signals in the heart muscle, which in turn, helps to restore a regular heart rhythm. This enables the heart to pump blood effectively around the body. It is used in the emergency treatment of heart rhythm disturbances in cases of suspected or proven heart attack. It is given by intravenous infusion or intravenous bolus injection.

What is it used for?

- Irregular and increased contraction of the two lower chambers of the heart (ventricular tachyarrhythmias)

Warning!

- It is recommended that an electrocardiogram (ECG) is carried out before starting and regularly throughout treatment, to monitor the functioning of the heart.
- You should have regular blood tests to monitor the amount of potassium in your blood while you are taking this medicine.

Use with caution in

- Congestive heart failure
- Irregular heart beats (arrhythmias)
- Low blood potassium levels (hypokalaemia)
- Low blood pressure (hypotension)
- Severely decreased kidney function
- Severely decreased liver function
- Slow heart rate (bradycardia)

Not to be used in

- Allergy to local anaesthetics, eg lidocaine
- Defect of the heart's electrical message pathways resulting in decreased function of the heart (heart block)
- Problems with the transfer of electrical signals within the heart (heart conduction defects)

This medicine should not be used if you are allergic to one or any of its ingredients. Please inform your doctor or pharmacist if you have previously experienced such an allergy. If you feel you have experienced an allergic reaction, stop using this medicine and inform your doctor or pharmacist immediately.

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