Lidocaine Injection: A Local Anesthetic for Pain Relief
Lidocaine injection, also known as lignocaine injection, is a medication that can block the sensation of pain in a specific area of your body. It belongs to a group of drugs called local anesthetics, which work by preventing the nerves from sending pain signals to the brain.
Lidocaine injection can be used for various purposes, such as:
- Minor operations, such as skin biopsies, suturing, or removal of foreign bodies
- Dental surgery, such as tooth extraction, root canal treatment, or filling
- Insertion of a catheter or breathing tube
- Epidural anesthesia during labor and delivery
- Treatment of irregular heart rhythms that may signal a possible heart attack
Lidocaine injection is usually given by a doctor or a nurse, who will inject it into the skin, muscle, vein, or spine, depending on the procedure and the area to be numbed. The dose and duration of lidocaine injection depend on several factors, such as your age, weight, medical condition, and response to the drug.
Side Effects and Precautions of Lidocaine Injection
Lidocaine injection is generally safe and effective when used as directed by your doctor. However, like any medication, it can cause some side effects and complications in some people. Some of the common side effects of lidocaine injection include:
- Drowsiness, dizziness, or lightheadedness
- Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea
- Feeling hot or cold
- Confusion, ringing in the ears, blurred vision, or double vision
- Numbness or tingling in places where the medicine is accidentally applied
Some of the serious side effects of lidocaine injection include:
- Allergic reaction, such as hives, difficulty breathing, or swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
- Twitching, tremors, seizures, or convulsions
- Slow heart rate, weak pulse, low blood pressure, or cardiac arrest
- Sudden feeling of heat, cold, or numbness
- Muscle stiffness and pain
- Severe anxiety, unusual fear or uneasy feeling
- Blue appearance of the skin (cyanosis)
If you experience any of these side effects, you should seek medical attention immediately. You should also tell your doctor if you have any allergies to lidocaine or other local anesthetics before receiving lidocaine injection. You should also inform your doctor if you have any medical conditions that may affect your heart function or blood circulation.
Lidocaine injection should not be used if you have:
- Severe heart block (a problem with the electrical signals in your heart)
- A heart rhythm disorder called Stokes-Adams syndrome or Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome (sudden slow or fast heartbeats that can cause you to faint)
- An allergy to corn products (some lidocaine products may contain corn starch)
Prices of Lidocaine Injection in Different Countries
| Country | Price per 20 ml vial of 2% solution (USD) | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Pakistan | 0.65 | Dawaai.pk |
| India | 0.75 | Practo |
| United States | 3.50 | Drugs.com |
| Canada | 4.00 | Well.ca |
| Australia | 5.00 | Chemist Warehouse |
| United Kingdom | 6.00 | Medicines.org.uk |
The prices of lidocaine injection may vary depending on the brand, strength, and availability of the product in different countries. You should always compare the prices of different sources before buying lidocaine injection online or offline. You should also check the expiry date and the quality of the product before using it.
Conclusion
Lidocaine injection is a local anesthetic that can help you reduce pain and discomfort during various medical procedures. It is generally safe and effective when used as directed by your doctor, but it can also cause some side effects and complications in some people. You should always follow your doctor’s instructions and precautions when receiving lidocaine injection. You should also be aware of the prices of lidocaine injection in different countries and compare them before buying the product.