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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

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

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 →

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)

Educational reference only

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.

Educational reference only

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.

Educational reference only

References

The PetCare.AI drug reference is built from 13 authoritative sources cited across 580 drug monographs.

Textbooks & handbooks — 5

Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook
Withrow & MacEwen's Small Animal Clinical Oncology
Merck Veterinary Manual
NRC Nutrient Requirements of Dogs and Cats
Veterinary Pharmacology and Therapeutics (Riviere & Papich)

Clinical guidelines & consensus — 4

ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center Guidelines
AAHA Diabetes Management Guidelines
ASPCA Poison Control Guidelines
RECOVER CPR Guidelines

Journals & peer-reviewed studies — 2

EPIC Study (J Vet Intern Med 2016)
JVIM FAT CAT Study

Regulatory & approvals — 1

CDSCO Veterinary Drug Approval Registry (1969–2026)

Databases — 1

Washington State University VCPL MDR1 Database