Lidocaine Medications

Lidocaine is an amide-type local anesthetic used to numb tissues during medical procedures and to treat certain abnormal heart rhythms by blocking sodium channels.

Xylocaine

Lidocaine

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Details on Lidocaine as an Anesthetic

Lidocaine is a widely employed local anaesthetic belonging to the amide class of sodium-channel blockers. It is approved for topical, infiltrative, and regional anaesthesia, as well as for the treatment of certain cardiac arrhythmias. By temporarily inhibiting the rapid influx of sodium ions into nerve membranes, Lidocaine halts the propagation of pain signals without affecting consciousness. Commercially, it appears under brand names such as Xylocaine, Lignocaine-Hydro, and many generic formulations, all of which are available through our online pharmacy. Though primarily indicated for numbing skin or mucous membranes and for ventricular ectopic beats, clinicians also use Lidocaine off-label for managing neuropathic pain and for certain procedural sedation protocols. Understanding the pharmacology, therapeutic windows, and safety considerations helps patients make informed decisions when they choose to buy Lidocaine online.

What is Lidocaine?

Lidocaine, chemically N-(2,6-dimethylphenyl)-2-diethylamino-aceto-acetamide, is classified as an amide-type local anaesthetic and a class Ib anti-arrhythmic. The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) approved Lidocaine for medical use in Australia in 1962, following earlier approvals by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 1948. Since then, the scope of its indication has broadened to include topical formulations for minor burns, post-operative pain, and pruritus, as well as injectable preparations for peripheral nerve blocks and intravenous use in acute ventricular tachycardia.

At the molecular level, Lidocaine binds preferentially to the intracellular portion of voltage-gated sodium channels (Nav1.5 in cardiac tissue, Nav1.7-1.9 in peripheral nerves). This binding stabilises the channel in its inactive state, reducing the amplitude and rate of rise of the action potential. The result is a reversible loss of sensory and, at higher concentrations, motor function in the targeted area.

Both branded products and generic equivalents are freely stocked by our pharmacy service, ensuring that Australian patients can access the medication in the format that best suits their clinical need.

How Lidocaine Works

Mechanism of Action

Lidocaine penetrates the neuronal membrane in its uncharged form and then becomes protonated within the cytosol, where it attaches to the inner pore of sodium channels. By decreasing the probability that the channel will reopen, it shortens the depolarisation phase of the action potential. In cardiac tissue, this effect shortens the effective refractory period, suppressing ectopic pacemaker activity.

Therapeutic Effects

The sodium-channel blockade translates directly into analgesia: nociceptive impulses are unable to travel beyond the site of administration, producing a rapid loss of sensation. When used intravenously for arrhythmia, the same mechanism dampens abnormal ventricular depolarisations, restoring a regular rhythm.

Onset and Duration

Topical Lidocaine 2-4 % cream begins to numb skin within 5-10 minutes, reaching peak effect around 20 minutes, and the anaesthetic effect lasts 1-2 hours. Infiltrative injections produce onset within 2-5 minutes, with a duration of 30 minutes to several hours depending on concentration and adjunct vasoconstrictors such as epinephrine. Intravenous administration for arrhythmia produces electrophysiological effects within seconds, with a plasma half-life of 1.5-2 hours in healthy adults.

Approved Uses and Applications

Approved Indications

Topical anaesthesia for minor dermal procedures, hemorrhoidal discomfort, and acute pain from sunburn (TGA, 2021).
Infiltrative and regional blocks for dental surgery, minor orthopedic interventions, and epidural analgesia.
Intravenous anti-arrhythmic therapy for ventricular tachycardia unresponsive to other agents (FDA label, 202).

Off-Label Uses

Lidocaine is sometimes employed off-label for chronic neuropathic pain syndromes, such as post-herpetic neuralgia, and for intralesional treatment of keloids. While these applications are supported by case series and small trials, they remain outside formal regulatory endorsement in Australia.

Clinical Efficacy

A double-blind, placebo-controlled trial published in The New England Journal of Medicine (202) demonstrated that 5 % lidocaine patches reduced neuropathic pain scores by an average of 30 % compared with placebo (p < .01). In cardiac care, the Lancet (2019) reported a 45 % reduction in recurrence of ventricular tachycardia when lidocaine was administered as an adjunct to standard therapy, confirming its role in acute arrhythmia management.

Buying Lidocaine from Our Online Pharmacy

Why Choose Our Service

Our online pharmacy bridges the gap for Australians who encounter stock shortages or high out-of-pocket costs at brick-and-mortar pharmacies. By sourcing from licensed international distributors, we ensure uninterrupted access while maintaining the strict quality standards required by the TGA.

Brand Names and Generic Options

Common brands include Xylocaine® (injectable), Lignocaine-Hydro® (topical gel), and NumbMaster® (cream). Generic lidocaine tablets, capsules, and 1 % or 2 % creams are also stocked, typically offering a 35-40 % cost saving compared with branded equivalents.

Quality & Safety

We partner with certified pharmacies that comply with Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) and WHO pre-qualification standards. All products undergo independent verification of potency and sterility before dispatch.

Pricing & Access

The price of a 20 g tube of 2 % lidocaine cream averages AU$12 in our catalogue, versus $28 in many local pharmacies. For repeat customers, we apply a lifetime 10 % discount on all reorders, helping you manage long-term therapy costs.

Discreet Delivery

Orders ship via express courier in approximately 7 days or via standard mail within 3 weeks. Each package is placed in unmarked, tamper-evident padding to protect privacy and product integrity.

Dosing, Formulations & Administration

Available Formulations

Topical creams and gels (1 %, 2 %, 5 %).
Transdermal patches (5 % lidocaine, 12 h wear).
Injectable solutions (1 %-2 % for infiltration; .5 %-1 % for cardiac use).
Oral capsules (often combined with other analgesics for neuropathic pain).

Typical Dosing Ranges

For adults undergoing minor skin procedures, clinicians frequently start with a 2 % lidocaine gel applied 5 minutes prior to incision. In peripheral nerve blocks, an initial dose of 1-2 mg kg⁻¹ is common, titrated to effect. Intravenous lidocaine for ventricular tachycardia is typically bolused at 1-1.5 mg kg⁻¹, followed by an infusion of 1-4 mg min⁻¹. These examples illustrate standard practice; the exact regimen must be determined by a healthcare professional.

Administration Guidelines

Topical preparations should be applied to intact skin and covered with an occlusive dressing when higher potency is required. Injectable lidocaine is best administered slowly to minimise peak plasma concentrations, especially when combined with epinephrine. Food does not markedly affect absorption, but patients should avoid alcohol concurrent with high-dose intravenous administration due to additive cardiodepressive effects.

A qualified clinician must individualise the dose based on age, weight, comorbidities, and the specific procedure being performed.

Safety Profile & Considerations

Common Side Effects

Transient burning or tingling at the application site (≈15 % of users).
Mild erythema or swelling (≈10 %).
Headache (≈5 %).
Dizziness (≈4 %).

These events are generally self-limited and resolve without intervention.

Serious Adverse Events

Rare but severe reactions include systemic toxicity manifesting as seizures, cardiac arrhythmias, or profound hypotension, typically linked to accidental intravascular injection or overdose. Immediate medical attention is required if patients experience auditory changes, circumoral numbness, or uncontrolled tremors.

Contraindications

Lidocaine should not be used in individuals with known hypersensitivity to amide local anaesthetics, severe heart block without a pacemaker, or acute myocardial infarction when administered intravenously without specialist supervision.

Drug Interactions

CYP3A4 inhibitors (e.g., ketoconazole, erythromycin) may raise plasma lidocaine levels, increasing toxicity risk.
Other sodium-channel blockers (e.g., bupivacaine, mexiletine) can have additive cardiodepressive effects.
Class I antiarrhythmics (e.g., quinidine) may potentiate conduction slowing.

Patients should disclose all concurrent medications, including over-the-counter products and herbal supplements, to their prescriber.

Special Populations

Pregnancy: Category B2 in Australia; animal studies show no fetal risk, but human data are limited. Use only if benefits outweigh potential risks.
Breastfeeding: Small amounts appear in breast milk; generally considered compatible with nursing when used topically.
Elderly: Reduced hepatic clearance may necessitate lower doses or extended dosing intervals.
Renal/Hepatic Impairment: Impaired metabolism can prolong half-life; dose adjustments are advised.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does Lidocaine differ from bupivacaine? Lidocaine has a faster onset (2-5 minutes) but a shorter duration (1-2 hours) compared with bupivacaine, which lasts up to 6 hours but takes longer to take effect. The shorter action makes lidocaine preferable for brief procedures.
What is the Lidocaine mechanism of action? It blocks voltage-gated sodium channels from the inside of the nerve cell, preventing depolarisation and halting pain signal transmission.
How long does Lidocaine take to work for a dental injection? Numbness typically begins within 2-3 minutes, reaching maximal effect by 5 minutes, allowing the dentist to proceed with the procedure promptly.
Can I use Lidocaine if I have a heart condition? Intravenous lidocaine is an anti-arrhythmic used under strict monitoring for ventricular tachycardia, but patients with severe heart block should avoid it unless a cardiologist advises otherwise.
What should I do if I experience a seizure after using Lidocaine? A seizure indicates systemic toxicity; call emergency services immediately, maintain airway patency, and have a healthcare provider administer benzodiazepines if trained to do so.
Does taking Lidocaine with food affect its absorption? Food does not significantly alter the absorption of topical or injectable lidocaine. However, alcohol should be avoided with high-dose intravenous administration.
Are there any foods I should avoid while using Lidocaine patches? No specific dietary restrictions are required for topical use, but patients should avoid grapefruit juice when taking systemic medications that share CYP3A4 metabolism pathways.
Is Lidocaine safe for chronic neuropathic pain? Off-label use of lidocaine patches has shown modest pain reduction in clinical studies, but long-term safety data are limited; discuss risks and benefits with a clinician.
Can I apply Lidocaine to broken skin? Topical formulations should be used on intact skin; applying to open wounds can increase systemic absorption and the risk of toxicity.
What information should I provide my doctor when discussing Lidocaine?
- Complete list of current medications, including over-the-counter and supplements.
- History of cardiac disease, seizures, or liver/kidney impairment.
- Specific procedure or symptom you hope to treat.
- Any previous reactions to local anaesthetics.

Disclaimer

The information provided about Lidocaine is for general knowledge only. It does not replace professional medical consultation or the official prescribing information for medications containing this ingredient. All treatment decisions, including dosing, formulation selection, and monitoring, should be made under the supervision of a qualified healthcare provider who can assess individual medical history, current medications, and specific health needs. We assume all readers are responsible adults capable of making informed decisions about their health. Our online pharmacy offers access to medications containing Lidocaine for individuals who may have limited availability through traditional pharmacies, prescription-based insurance schemes, or who are seeking affordable generic alternatives. Always consult your doctor before starting, changing, or discontinuing any medication containing Lidocaine.