Lidocaine+adrenaline
About
Lidocaine+adrenaline belongs to the class of local anaesthetics known as numbing medication used to produce local numbness (anaesthesia) on skin before surgical procedure and reduce pain and discomfort caused by invasive medical procedures such as surgery. It is also used to reduce the discomfort of contractions during labour. Lidocaine+adrenaline is also used to treat certain types of chronic pain. Pain is a symptom triggered by the nervous system, which causes uncomfortable sensations in the body. Pain may be dull or sharp, it might be constant or may come and go. The tolerance level of pain might vary from person to person.
Lidocaine+adrenaline is a combination of two drugs: Lidocaine (local anesthetic) and Adrenaline (vasoconstrictor). Lidocaine works by blocking the influx (entry) of sodium ions into the membrane that surrounds the nerves, thereby preventing initiation and conduction of impulses. Hence, it gives an anaesthetic effect and helps decrease the sensation of pain. Adrenaline works by constricting and narrowing blood vessels to slow the dispersal. Thereby prolong the effect of Lidocaine.
Lidocaine+adrenaline will be administered by a healthcare professional. Do not self-administer. In some cases, you may experience certain common side-effects such as reactions at the application site (burning, itching, redness, and irritation), nausea, vomiting and allergy. Most of these side-effects do not require medical attention and will resolve gradually over time. However, you are advised to talk to your doctor if you experience these side-effects persistently.
The usage of Lidocaine+adrenaline is not allowed in patients who are hypersensitive to any of the components present in it as it may cause serious side effects. Before starting the medication, tell your doctor about your medical history, especially if you have high blood pressure or heart problems such as a slow heart beat, hypovolaemia (decreased volume of blood), epilepsy, diabetes, liver disease, a certain blood disorder (methemoglobinemia). Please consult a doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding before taking Lidocaine+adrenaline. Lidocaine+adrenaline is not recommended for children.
Uses of Lidocaine+adrenaline
Medicinal Benefits
Lidocaine+adrenaline is a combination of two medicines, namely; Lidocaine (local anesthetic) and Adrenaline (vasoconstrictor). Lidocaine+adrenaline is used to produce local numbness (anaesthesia). Lidocaine is a local anesthetic which works by blocking the transmission of the nerve signals in the body, thereby helps in decreasing the sensation of pain. Adrenaline is a vasoconstrictor which works by constricting and narrowing blood vessels to slow the dispersal. Thereby prolong the effect of Lidocaine. Lidocaine+adrenaline is used to reduce pain and discomfort caused by invasive medical procedures such as surgery, needle punctures or insertion of a breathing tube or catheter. It is also used to reduce the discomfort of contractions during labour. Lidocaine+adrenaline will start to work rapidly after being injected and will slowly wear off when the surgical procedure is over.
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of Lidocaine+adrenaline
- Pale skin
- Burning sensation
- Stinging sensation
- Erythema (skin redness)
- Itching
- Pain at the site of application
- Petechiae (red or purple spot caused by bleeding into the skin)
In-Depth Precautions and Warning
Drug Warnings
Do not exceed the dose and duration prescribed by your doctor. Consult your doctor before taking Lidocaine+adrenaline if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, your doctor will prescribe you Lidocaine+adrenaline only if the benefits outweigh the risks. Lidocaine+adrenaline causes drowsiness, so drive with caution. Avoid consuming alcohol along with Lidocaine+adrenaline as it could lead to increased drowsiness. Lidocaine+adrenaline may not be suitable for people with respiratory disease, heart disease, epilepsy, low blood pressure, kidney or liver problems. Inform your doctor about your health condition and medications before taking Lidocaine+adrenaline to rule out any side-effects.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interaction: Lidocaine+adrenaline may have interaction with used to treat anxiety (lorazepam, alprazolam), medicines used to induce anaesthesia (halothane, prilocaine), a medicine used to relieve pain (tramadol), medicines used to treat an uneven heartbeat (arrhythmia) and hypertension (amiodarone, propranolol, sodium nitrite), medicines for sickness (domperidone), medicines for mental problems (haloperidol, chlorpromazine) antidepressants (isocarboxazid, phenelzine, selegiline, tranylcypromine), antiulcer (cimetidine).
Drug-Food Interaction: Avoid consuming alcohol along with Lidocaine+adrenaline as it could lead to increased drowsiness.
Drug-Disease Interaction: Lidocaine+adrenaline may interact with heart dysfunction, seizures (fits), electrolyte imbalance, liver problems and kidney dysfunction.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
cautionYou are recommended to avoid alcohol consumption while taking Lidocaine+adrenaline. Alcohol intake, along with Lidocaine+adrenaline, may cause increased drowsiness.
Pregnancy
unsafeIt is not recommended to take Lidocaine+adrenaline while you are pregnant. Please consult your doctor if you have any concerns regarding this, your doctor will prescribe you Lidocaine+adrenaline only if the benefits outweigh the risks.
Breast Feeding
unsafePlease consult your doctor if you have any concerns regarding this, your doctor will decide whether breastfeeding mothers can take Lidocaine+adrenaline or not.
Driving
cautionLidocaine+adrenaline may cause drowsiness and vision disturbances, do not drive or operate heavy machinery if you feel drowsy.
Liver
cautionLidocaine+adrenaline should be used with caution in patients with liver impairment/liver disease. Dose adjustment may be needed. Please consult your doctor if you have a liver impairment or any concerns regarding this.
Kidney
cautionLidocaine+adrenaline should be used with caution in patients with kidney impairment/kidney disease. Dose adjustment may be needed. Please consult your doctor if you have kidney impairment or any concerns regarding this.
Children
unsafeLidocaine+adrenaline should not be used by children, as the efficacy and safety have not been established.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Indulge yourself in mindfulness activities like yoga that help in reducing stress levels and pain management.
- Never forget to get about 7-8 hours of sleep as it will help your muscles to heal fast and reduces inflammation and swelling.
- Take out some time for meditation, read books, take a warm bubble bath, spend time with family or listen to relaxing music.
- Make a habit of eating food rich in antioxidants such as berries, onion, milk, spinach, kidney beans, dark chocolate, etc.
- Foods rich in flavonoids helps the body to heal faster by reducing inflammation. These include soy, berries, broccoli, grapes and green tea.
- Strictly limit smoking and alcohol consumption as it may worsen the side effects of the drug.
Special Advise
Inform your doctor about any blood diseases/problems like hypovolaemia (decreased volume of blood), heart problems such as a slow heart beat, difficulty breathing or ever had a stroke.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Pain is a symptom triggered by the nervous system, causing uncomfortable sensations in the body. Pain may be dull or sharp, it might be constant or may come and go. The tolerance level of pain might vary from person to person. Pain can be generalized (overall body aches) or localized (affecting a specific area of the body). Pain can be considered a good thing as it helps us know that something is wrong in the body and thereby helps diagnose the condition. The common causes of pain include headache, muscle strain, cramps, cuts, bone fractures, arthritis and stomach ache.
FAQs
Lidocaine+adrenaline contains Lidocaine and Adrenaline. Lidocaine blocks the influx of sodium ions into the membrane that surrounds the nerves, thereby preventing initiation and conduction of impulses (nerve signal). Hence, it gives an anesthetic effect and decreases the sensation of pain. Adrenaline works by constricting and narrowing blood vessels by acting on alpha receptors that cause muscle contractions. Thus, it decreasing the bleeding and the effects of Lidocaine+adrenaline will last longer.
You are not recommended to take duloxetine (antidepressant) with Lidocaine+adrenaline as co-administration of these two medicines may increase the risk of high blood pressure and heart rate. However, please consult your doctor before taking other medicines with Lidocaine+adrenaline.
Lidocaine+adrenaline causes drowsiness and vision disturbances. So, drive only if you are alert and omit driving or operating machinery if you feel dizzy or drowsy.
A person of age 65 or older should use Lidocaine+adrenaline with caution, as directed by the doctor as the chances of occurrence of side effects increase in older people.
Lidocaine+adrenaline should be used with caution in patients suffering from heart rhythm disorders as it may increase the risk of severe adverse effects. Therefore, inform your doctor if you have any heart problems before taking Lidocaine+adrenaline so that the dose may be adjusted appropriately or an alternate medicine may be prescribed.
