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Lidocaine

Prescription
Amide Local Anesthetic / Class IB Antiarrhythmic
Last reviewed 21 Apr 2026 · PetCare.AI Editorial Team
Species
Dog, Cat
Brands
2 available
Interactions
2 documented
Formulations
4

Mechanism of action

Blocks voltage-gated sodium channels, preventing depolarization and action potential propagation in sensory and motor neurons. As an antiarrhythmic (Class IB), it suppresses ventricular ectopy by stabilizing myocardial cell membranes.

At a glance

Class
Amide Local Anesthetic / Class IB Antiarrhythmic
Schedule
Prescription
Storage
Store at room temperature, protect from light; check expiry (epinephrine-containing solutions degrade faster)

Dosing

🐕

Dog

Versatile drug: local anesthesia, ventricular antiarrhythmic (VPC, VT), systemic
Dose
1–4 mg/kg
Route
Local infiltration, IV
Frequency
Single bolus (local); IV CRI (antiarrhythmic/analgesic)
🐈

Cat

Cats are highly sensitive to systemic lidocaine toxicity (seizures, bradycardia)
Dose
0.25–0.5 mg/kg
Route
Local infiltration
Frequency
Single local dose; IV bolus with caution

Formulations

💊

Other — 4

Strength
—
Strength
—
Strength
—
Strength
—

Storage

Store at room temperature, protect from light; check expiry (epinephrine-containing solutions degrade faster)

Safety

Monitoring parameters

ECG (antiarrhythmic use)Signs of CNS toxicityBlood pressureSerum lidocaine levels (therapeutic 1.5–5 mcg/mL)

Interactions

Moderate — 2

Propranolol
moderate
Propranolol reduces hepatic blood flow, decreasing lidocaine first-pass clearance and increasing systemic lidocaine levels. Also additive negative cardiac effects.
Management: Reduce lidocaine CRI rate by 25-40% in patients on propranolol. Monitor for lidocaine toxicity (tremors, seizures).
Mexiletine
moderate
Both are Class IB sodium channel blockers. Additive sodium channel blockade may cause excessive cardiac depression.
Management: Usually not combined — mexiletine is oral replacement for lidocaine CRI. When transitioning, overlap briefly and monitor ECG.

Brands

Other markets

Xylocaine
Lignocaine

FAQs

Frequently asked questions

›What is Lidocaine?
Lidocaine is a amide local anesthetic / class ib antiarrhythmic used in pets. Blocks voltage-gated sodium channels, preventing depolarization and action potential propagation in sensory and motor neurons. As an antiarrhythmic (Class IB), it suppresses ventricular ectopy by stabilizing myocardial cell membranes.
›What is Lidocaine used for in pets?
Lidocaine is used in veterinary medicine for: Versatile drug: local anesthesia, ventricular antiarrhythmic (VPC, VT), systemic; Cats are highly sensitive to systemic lidocaine toxicity (seizures, bradycardia).
›What is the Lidocaine dose for dogs?
For dogs, Lidocaine is typically dosed as follows — Versatile drug: local anesthesia, ventricular antiarrhythmic (VPC, VT), systemic: 1–4 mg/kg Local infiltration/IV Single bolus (local); IV CRI (antiarrhythmic/analgesic). Always consult your veterinarian for a dose tailored to your pet's weight, age, and condition.
›What is the Lidocaine dose for cats?
For cats, Lidocaine is typically dosed as follows — Cats are highly sensitive to systemic lidocaine toxicity (seizures, bradycardia): 0.25–0.5 mg/kg Local infiltration Single local dose; IV bolus with caution. Always consult your veterinarian for a dose tailored to your pet's weight, age, and condition.
›Does Lidocaine need a prescription?
Yes. Lidocaine is a prescription medication and should only be administered under veterinary supervision.

References

References

Textbooks & handbooks

  • Plumb, D.C. Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook. 10th ed., Wiley-Blackwell, 2023.
  • Vail, D.M., Thamm, D.H., & Liptak, J.M. (eds.). Withrow & MacEwen's Small Animal Clinical Oncology. 6th ed., Saunders/Elsevier, 2020.
  • Riviere, J.E., & Papich, M.G. (eds.). Veterinary Pharmacology and Therapeutics. 10th ed., Wiley-Blackwell, 2018.
  • National Research Council. Nutrient Requirements of Dogs and Cats. National Academies Press, Washington DC, 2006.
  • The Merck Veterinary Manual. Merck & Co., Online edition. https://www.merckvetmanual.com/

Clinical guidelines & consensus

  • Fletcher, D.J., Boller, M., Brainard, B.M., et al. "RECOVER Evidence and Knowledge Gap Analysis on Veterinary CPR." Journal of Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care, 2012;22(S1):S102–S131.
  • American Animal Hospital Association. 2018 AAHA Diabetes Management Guidelines for Dogs and Cats. AAHA Press.

Journals & peer-reviewed studies

  • Hogan, D.F., Fox, P.R., Jacob, K., et al. "Secondary prevention of cardiogenic arterial thromboembolism in the cat: The FAT CAT study." Journal of Veterinary Cardiology, 2015;17(Suppl 1):S306–S317.
  • Boswood, A., Häggström, J., Gordon, S.G., et al. "Effect of Pimobendan in Dogs with Preclinical Myxomatous Mitral Valve Disease and Cardiomegaly: The EPIC Study — A Randomized Clinical Trial." Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine, 2016;30(6):1765–1779.
  • ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center. Toxicology and Poison Management Guidelines. American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control

Regulatory & approvals

  • Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO), Government of India. Veterinary Drug Approval Registry, 1969–2026. Directorate General of Health Services. https://cdsco.gov.in/

Databases

  • Washington State University, College of Veterinary Medicine. Veterinary Clinical Pharmacology Laboratory (VCPL) — MDR1 Multidrug Sensitivity Database. https://vcpl.vetmed.wsu.edu/
Educational reference only
This information is provided for educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified veterinarian before administering any medication to your pet. Find a vet near you →