Lignocaine (Lidocaine): What You Need to Know

If you’ve ever had a dental filling, minor skin procedure, or a nerve block, there’s a good chance lignocaine (also called lidocaine) was used. It’s a fast-acting local anesthetic that numbs a small area so you don’t feel pain during minor procedures. This page gives clear, practical info — how it’s used, basic dosing ideas, and what to watch for.

How lignocaine is used

Lignocaine comes in several forms: injectable solutions (commonly 1% or 2%), topical gels and creams, sprays, and 5% patches (like Lidoderm). Dentists and doctors inject it around nerves or into tissues for short procedures. Topical forms numb the skin or mucous membranes before minor dermatology work, IV insertions, or catheter placement. The 5% patch is for nerve pain (post-herpetic neuralgia) and sticks to the painful area for up to 12 hours.

When mixed with a small amount of adrenaline (epinephrine), lignocaine lasts longer and bleeding is reduced at the site. That mix is often used for skin and dental work. Always let the provider know if you’re on blood pressure meds or have heart problems — adrenaline can matter.

Basic dosing and safety tips

Exact dose depends on your weight, the procedure, and the formulation. As a quick rule of thumb used by many clinicians: the maximum total dose of lignocaine without adrenaline is often cited around 4.5 mg/kg, and with adrenaline about 7 mg/kg. Those numbers are general — kids, older adults, and people with liver disease need lower limits because lignocaine is processed by the liver.

Watch for signs of overdose. Early symptoms include dizziness, tinnitus (ringing in the ears), a metallic taste, or double vision. Higher levels can cause tremors, confusion, seizures, slow heartbeat, or very low blood pressure. If you feel any odd symptoms after an injection or topical use, tell the clinician right away or seek medical help.

True allergic reactions to lignocaine are rare because it’s an amide-type local anesthetic. If you had hives, swelling, or trouble breathing after a local anesthetic in the past, mention it — alternatives exist.

Drug interactions and cautions: tell your provider about other local anesthetics, antiarrhythmic drugs, or strong liver medicines. Avoid heavy alcohol or sedatives right after a procedure if you’re dizzy. Pregnant and breastfeeding people should discuss risks with their clinician; lignocaine can cross the placenta but is commonly used when needed under supervision.

Bottom line: lignocaine is a reliable, widely used anesthetic for short procedures and nerve pain. Know the form you’re getting, speak up about past reactions or liver/heart issues, and report any strange symptoms quickly. If you want specifics for a procedure or child dosing, ask your healthcare provider — they’ll tailor dose and safety to you.