LoginLignocaine Injection
Generic Name: lignocaine hydrochloride
Product Name: Lignocaine Injection
Indication: What Lignocaine Injection is used for
Lignocaine Injection belongs to two groups of medicines known as local anaesthetics and anti-arrhythmic drugs. Local anaesthetics stop pain and feeling in the area around where it is injected, and anti-arrhythmic drugs work by restoring irregular and/or rapid heartbeats to normal.
Lignocaine Injection may be used for the management of other conditions that are not mentioned above. Your doctor will be able to tell you about the specific condition for which you have been prescribed Lignocaine Injection.
This medicine is available only with a doctor’s prescription.
Action: How Lignocaine Injection works
Lignocaine stabilises all potentially excitable membranes and prevents the initiation and transmission of nerve impulses. This produces a local anaesthetic effect. The onset of action is rapid and blockade may last 60 – 90 minutes.
Lignocaine Injection contains lignocaine hydrochloride 1% or 2% as the active ingredient and sodium chloride and water for Injections as the excipients. It does not contain a preservative.
Dose advice: How to use Lignocaine Injection
Before you are given Lignocaine Injection
When you must not be given it
Do not use Lignocaine Injection if:
- You have an allergy to lignocaine or any of the ingredients listed here. Symptoms of an allergic reaction may include shortness of breath, wheezing or difficulty breathing, swelling of the face, lips, tongue or other parts of the body, rash, itching or hives on the skin;
- You have an infection or swelling where the injection will be given;
- You have blood infections or disorders;
- You are in severe shock;
- You have low blood pressure;
- You have diseases of the brain and spinal cord;
- You have sudden frequent episodes of loss of consciousness;
- You have myasthenia gravis, a severe muscle weakness;
- You have certain heart problems.
If you are not sure whether any of these apply to you, check with your doctor.
Before you are given it
Tell your doctor if:
- You have any allergies to:
- Any other medicine;
- Any other substances, such as foods, preservatives or dyes;
- You are pregnant or intend to become pregnant;
- You are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed;
- You have or have had any medical conditions, especially the following:
- Liver and/or kidney problems;
- Epilepsy;
- Diseases of the brain and spinal cord;
- Heart problems;
- Severe fever;
- Problems with your blood pressure or circulation;
- Slow heartbeat;
- Low potassium level;
- Breathing difficulties;
- Low oxygen in blood;
- Problems with the clotting of your blood.
Taking other medicines
Tell your doctor if you are taking any other medicines, including any that you buy without a prescription from your pharmacy, supermarket or health food shop.
Some medicines and lignocaine may interfere with each other. These include:
- Anti-arrhythmics, medicines to control irregular heartbeats, e.g. amiodarone;
- Heart or blood pressure tablets, e.g. propanolol, metoprolol, atenolol;
- Cimetidine, a medicine used to treat reflux and ulcers;
- Medicines to control fits or epilepsy, e.g. phenytoin, carbamazepine, primidone, phenobarbitone;
- Warfarin, a medicine used to stop blood clots;
- Aspirin, salicylates or other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), medicines to relieve pain and inflammation;
- Some anaesthetics;
- Some medicines that relax the skeletal muscles, e.g. suxamethonium.
Your doctor will have more information on medicines to be careful with or avoid while you are being given Lignocaine Injection. Your doctor will advise you about continuing to take other medicines while you are receiving Lignocaine Injection.
How Lignocaine Injection is given
Lignocaine Injection is given by injection into the skin, directly into the bloodstream or into an organ. It must only be given by a doctor or nurse.
Your doctor will decide what dose and how long you will receive Lignocaine Injection.
If you are given too much (overdose)
This rarely happens as Lignocaine Injection is administered under the care of a highly trained doctor.
However, if you are given too much lignocaine, you may experience some of the effects listed under “Side Effects” below.
Your doctor has information on how to recognise and treat an overdose. Ask your doctor if you have any concerns.
While you are being given Lignocaine Injection
Things to be careful of
Be careful driving or operating machinery after you have been given Lignocaine Injection. You may be drowsy or your reflexes may be slow.
Do not drink alcohol while you are being given Lignocaine Injection. If you drink alcohol while you are being given Lignocaine Injection, your blood pressure may drop making you feel dizzy and faint.
Storage
Lignocaine Injection will be stored in the pharmacy or on the ward. The injection is kept in a cool dry place, where the temperature stays below 25 degrees C.
Schedule of Lignocaine Injection
Lignocaine Injection is a Schedule 4 – Prescription Only Medicine.
Side effects of Lignocaine Injection
Tell your doctor, nurse or pharmacist as soon as possible if you do not feel well while you are being given lignocaine.
Like other medicines, lignocaine can cause some side effects. If they occur, most are likely to be minor or temporary. However, some may be serious and need medical attention.
Ask your doctor or pharmacist to answer any questions that you may have.
Do not be alarmed by this list of possible side effects. You may not experience any of them.
Tell your doctor or nurse if you notice any of the following:
- Weakness, confusion, nervousness, agitation, drowsiness, disorientation or unconsciousness;
- Nausea, vomiting, difficulty in swallowing;
- Headache, dizziness or lightheadedness especially if you get up suddenly from a lying or sitting position;
- Ringing in the ears;
- Slurred speech, sensations of heat and cold;
- Numbness, tremors, twitching;
- Slow heartbeat, low blood pressure;
- Breathing difficulties;
- Blurred or double vision.
These are the mild side effects of Lignocaine Injection.
Serious side effects of Lignocaine Injection include:
- Fits or convulsions;
- Skin rash, hives or itching;
- Unconsciousness;
- Breathing problems;
- Low blood pressure;
- Slow heartbeat;
- Collapse.
For further information talk to your doctor.
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