Blocks voltage-gated sodium channels, preventing depolarization and nerve impulse conduction (local anesthesia); in cardiac tissue, shortens action potential duration and suppresses ventricular arrhythmias
At a glance
Class
Local anesthetic / Class IB antiarrhythmic
Storage
Below 25°C, protect from light
Dosing
Local/regional anesthesia, ventricular arrhythmias (IV CRI)
Route
SC, epidural, IV (bolus for arrhythmia)
Frequency
Single dose local; IV bolus then CRI 25–80 mcg/kg/min for arrhythmias
Max dose
6 mg/kg total dose/dose; 0 mg/kg total dose/day
Duration: 1–2 hours local effect; CRI as needed
Local/regional anesthesia — USE WITH EXTREME CAUTION
Frequency
Single dose; do not exceed maximum
Max dose
4 mg/kg total dose/dose; 0 mg/kg total dose/day
Duration: 1–2 hours local effect
Safety
Absolute contraindications — do not use
Severe SA, AV, or intraventricular heart block
Known hypersensitivity to amide local anesthetics
Adverse effects
Common
Drowsiness
Muscle twitching at higher doses
Serious
Seizures
Cardiotoxicity (bradycardia, asystole)
Respiratory depression
Methemoglobinemia (cats)
ECG (IV use)Heart rateSigns of CNS toxicity (tremors, seizures)Respiratory rate
Interactions
No documented interactions.
Brands
International
Lidocaine Injection
Various
FAQs
Frequently asked questions
›What is Lidocaine (Injectable)?
Lidocaine (Injectable) is a local anesthetic / class ib antiarrhythmic used in pets. Blocks voltage-gated sodium channels, preventing depolarization and nerve impulse conduction (local anesthesia); in cardiac tissue, shortens action potential duration and suppresses ventricular arrhythmias
›What is Lidocaine (Injectable) used for in pets?
Lidocaine (Injectable) is used in veterinary medicine for: Local/regional anesthesia, ventricular arrhythmias (IV CRI); Local/regional anesthesia — USE WITH EXTREME CAUTION.
›What is the Lidocaine (Injectable) dose for dogs?
For dogs, Lidocaine (Injectable) is typically dosed as follows — Local/regional anesthesia, ventricular arrhythmias (IV CRI): 1–4 mg/kg SC/epidural/IV (bolus for arrhythmia) Single dose local; IV bolus then CRI 25–80 mcg/kg/min for arrhythmias. Always consult your veterinarian for a dose tailored to your pet's weight, age, and condition.
›What is the Lidocaine (Injectable) dose for cats?
For cats, Lidocaine (Injectable) is typically dosed as follows — Local/regional anesthesia — USE WITH EXTREME CAUTION: 0.5–2 mg/kg SC/epidural Single dose; do not exceed maximum. Always consult your veterinarian for a dose tailored to your pet's weight, age, and condition.
›What are the side effects of Lidocaine (Injectable)?
Common: Drowsiness, Muscle twitching at higher doses. Serious (call your vet immediately): Seizures, Cardiotoxicity (bradycardia, asystole), Respiratory depression, Methemoglobinemia (cats).
›Does Lidocaine (Injectable) need a prescription?
Yes. Lidocaine (Injectable) is a prescription medication and should only be administered under veterinary supervision.
›When should Lidocaine (Injectable) not be used?
Do not use Lidocaine (Injectable) if: Severe SA, AV, or intraventricular heart block; Known hypersensitivity to amide local anesthetics.
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.
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