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Lidocaine

Generic Name
Lidocaine
Brand Names
Agoneaze, Akten, Alivio, Anestacon, Anodyne Lpt, Astero, Band-aid Hurt-free, Cathejell, Curacaine, Depo-medrol With Lidocaine, Dermacinrx Lido V Pak, Dermacinrx Phn Pak, Dermacinrx Prikaan, Diphen, Emla, Fortacin, Glydo, Instillagel, Kenalog, Lido Bdk, Lido-prilo Caine Pack, Lidocan, Lidodan, Lidoderm, Lidopac, Lidopril, Lidopro, Lidosol, Lidothol, Lidotral, Lignospan, Marcaine, Max-freeze, Medi-derm With Lidocaine, Neo-bex, Octocaine, Octocaine With Epinephrine, Oraqix, P-care, P-care X, Pliaglis, Prilolid, Prizotral, Procomycin, Readysharp Anesthetics Plus Ketorolac, Readysharp-A, Readysharp-p40, Readysharp-p80, Relador, Synera, Triple Antibiotic, Venipuncture Px1, Viadur, Xylocaine, Xylocaine With Epinephrine, Xylocard, Xylonor, Zingo, Ztlido
Drug Type
Small Molecule
Chemical Formula
C14H22N2O
CAS Number
137-58-6
Unique Ingredient Identifier
98PI200987

Overview

Ever since its discovery and availability for sale and use in the late 1940s, lidocaine has become an exceptionally commonly used medication . In particular, lidocaine's principal mode of action in acting as a local anesthetic that numbs the sensations of tissues means the agent is indicated for facilitating local anesthesia for a large variety of surgical procedures . It ultimately elicits its numbing activity by blocking sodium channels so that the neurons of local tissues that have the medication applied on are transiently incapable of signaling the brain regarding sensations . In doing so, however, it can block or decrease muscle contractile, resulting in effects like vasodilation, hypotension, and irregular heart rate, among others . As a result, lidocaine is also considered a class Ib anti-arrhythmic agent . Nevertheless, lidocaine's local anesthetic action sees its use in many medical situations or circumstances that may benefit from its action, including the treatment of premature ejaculation . Regardless, lidocaine is currently available as a relatively non-expensive generic medication that is written for in millions of prescriptions internationally on a yearly basis. It is even included in the World Health Organization's List of Essential Medicines .

Indication

Lidocaine is an anesthetic of the amide group indicated for production of local or regional anesthesia by infiltration techniques such as percutaneous injection and intravenous regional anesthesia by peripheral nerve block techniques such as brachial plexus and intercostal and by central neural techniques such as lumbar and caudal epidural blocks .

Associated Conditions

  • Acute Otitis Media (AOM)
  • Anorectal discomfort
  • Arrhythmia
  • Back Pain Lower Back
  • Bacterial Vaginosis (BV)
  • Burns
  • Cervical Syndrome
  • Earache
  • Fissure;Anal
  • Haemorrhoids
  • Infection
  • Inflammatory Reaction caused by ear infection-not otherwise specified
  • Insect Bites
  • Joint Pain
  • Mixed Vaginal Infections
  • Multiple Myeloma (MM)
  • Myringitis
  • Neuritis
  • Osteolysis caused by Bone Tumors
  • Osteoporosis
  • Otitis Externa
  • Pain caused by ear infection-not otherwise specified
  • Pain, Inflammatory
  • Postherpetic Neuralgia
  • Primary Hyperparathyroidism (PHPT)
  • Rheumatic Diseases
  • Rheumatic Joint Disease
  • Sciatica
  • Skin Irritation
  • Soft Tissue Inflammation
  • Sore Throat
  • Sunburn
  • Susceptible infections
  • Trichomonas Vaginitis
  • Ulcers, Leg
  • Urethral Strictures
  • Ventricular Arrhythmia
  • Vulvovaginal Candidiasis
  • Abrasions
  • Anal discomfort
  • Cutaneous lesions
  • Gum pain
  • Minor burns
  • Superficial Wounds
  • Susceptible Bacterial Infections
  • Ulceration of the mouth
  • Viral infections of the external ear canal

Research Report

Published: May 29, 2025

Lidocaine: A Comprehensive Pharmacological Report

1. Introduction to Lidocaine

1.1. Overview and Historical Context

Lidocaine, also known by its alternative name lignocaine, stands as a cornerstone medication in modern medicine, primarily recognized for its efficacy as an amino amide-type local anesthetic and as a Class Ib antiarrhythmic agent.[1] Its discovery in 1943 by Swedish chemists Nils Löfgren and Bengt Lundqvist, and subsequent introduction to the market around 1948-1949, represented a significant advancement in pharmacology.[2] Compared to its predecessors, such as procaine (Novocain), lidocaine offered a more rapid onset of action, greater potency, and a considerably lower potential for allergic reactions, leading to its swift adoption in clinical practice.[1] The initial brand name for lidocaine was Xylocaine.[5]

The enduring clinical relevance of lidocaine, decades after its introduction, is a testament to its favorable balance of efficacy, safety (when used appropriately), and cost-effectiveness. This is particularly evident when considering its widespread use for fundamental anesthetic needs and specific cardiac arrhythmias, where newer agents have not universally surpassed its utility. This long-standing prominence is further underscored by its consistent inclusion in the World Health Organization's (WHO) List of Essential Medicines, signifying its critical role in basic healthcare systems globally.[1] As an indicator of its continued importance, lidocaine was the 262nd most commonly prescribed medication in the United States in 2022.[2] The early and extensive clinical experience gained under the Xylocaine brand likely established a strong foundation of trust and familiarity among medical practitioners, contributing to its sustained use even after the advent of generic versions.[5] This illustrates how initial market presence and robust branding can significantly influence a drug's long-term therapeutic legacy.

Continue reading the full research report

Clinical Trials

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Title
Posted
Study ID
Phase
Status
Sponsor
2022/08/16
Not Applicable
Not yet recruiting
General Hospital of Ningxia Medical University
2022/08/16
Not Applicable
Recruiting
Kasr El Aini Hospital
2022/08/16
Not Applicable
UNKNOWN
General Hospital of Ningxia Medical University
2022/08/15
Phase 4
Completed
2022/08/15
Phase 1
Completed
Keith M Vogt
2022/08/09
Phase 3
Completed
2022/08/08
Phase 2
Recruiting
2022/07/22
Not Applicable
Completed
2022/07/05
Phase 4
Completed
2022/06/10
Phase 4
Completed

FDA Drug Approvals

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Approved Product
Manufacturer
NDC Code
Route
Strength
Effective Date
HF Acquisition Co LLC, DBA HealthFirst
51662-1389
TOPICAL
20 mg in 1 mL
1/25/2024
Asclemed USA, Inc.
76420-078
EPIDURAL, INFILTRATION, INTRACAUDAL
20 mg in 1 mL
10/12/2022
Seton Pharmaceuticals
13925-165
RECTAL
30 mg in 1 g
2/17/2019
HF Acquisition Co LLC, DBA HealthFirst
51662-1551
TOPICAL
20 mg in 1 mL
1/30/2024
PURETEK CORPORATION
59088-905
TOPICAL
700 mg in 1 1
7/14/2023
Darby Dental Supply, LLC
66467-9710
SUBMUCOSAL
20 mg in 1 mL
2/5/2024
REMEDYREPACK INC.
70518-3972
TOPICAL
50 mg in 1 g
4/5/2024
Aidarex Pharmaceuticals LLC
53217-064
TOPICAL
30 mg in 1 g
1/9/2014
Hikma Pharmaceuticals USA Inc.
0143-9594
EPIDURAL, INFILTRATION, INTRACAUDAL
20 mg in 1 mL
9/17/2018
Prescription Care LLC
70486-013
TOPICAL
50 g in 30 mL
5/3/2016

EMA Drug Approvals

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Authorization Holder
Status
Issued Date
No EMA approvals found for this drug.

HSA Drug Approvals

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Approval Number
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Strength
Approval Date
No HSA approvals found for this drug.

NMPA Drug Approvals

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Approved Product
Company
Approval Number
Drug Type
Dosage Form
Approval Date
Lidocaine Hydrochloride Injection
国药准字H43021924
化学药品
注射剂
10/8/2022
Lidocaine Hydrochloride Injection
国药准字H50021689
化学药品
注射剂
9/30/2020
Lidocaine Hydrochloride Injection
国药准字H14022578
化学药品
注射剂
3/9/2020
Lidocaine Hydrochloride Injection
国药准字H35020528
化学药品
注射剂
6/24/2021
Lidocaine Hydrochloride Injection
国药准字H37023396
化学药品
注射剂
8/13/2021
Lidocaine Hydrochloride Injection
国药准字H41024475
化学药品
注射剂
12/19/2019
Lidocaine Hydrochloride Ophthalmic Gel
国药准字H20223153
化学药品
眼用制剂
3/22/2022
Lidocaine Hydrochloride Gel
国药准字H20234545
化学药品
凝胶剂
11/28/2023
Lidocaine Hydrochloride Gel
国药准字H20243658
化学药品
凝胶剂
5/8/2024
Lidocaine Hydrochloride Gel
国药准字H11022396
化学药品
凝胶剂
5/8/2020

PPB Drug Approvals

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Company
Licence No.
Strength
Registration Date
No PPB approvals found for this drug.

TGA Drug Approvals

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ARTG ID
Sponsor
Registration Type
Status
Registration Date
No TGA approvals found for this drug.

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