Xylocaine Injection (Lidocaine) is a local anesthetic that is used to numb an area of your body to help reduce pain or discomfort caused by invasive medical procedures such as surgery, needle punctures, or insertion of a catheter or breathing tube. Xylocaine is sometimes used to treat irregular heart rhythms that may signal a possible heart attack. Xylocaine is also given in an epidural (spinal block) to reduce the discomfort of contractions during labour, and may sometimes be used to treat seizures. This medication may also be used for purposes not listed above.
When used as an anesthetic, Xylocaine works by altering signal conduction in neurons. It does this by prolonging the inactivation of sodium channels that are responsible for action potential in other cells. By blocking these sodium channels from opening, and in turn preventing the action potential, Xylocaine can effectively block sensory neurons from receiving input, and prevent the patient from feeling pain. When being used for the treatment of irregular heart rhythms, Xylocaine acts in a similar manner. Xylocaine blocks sodium channels in the muscles of the heart, which can prevent the heart from initiating action potentials too early that may cause an arrythmia. Xylocaine Injections typically begin working within four minutes, and lasts for half an hour to three hours.
Manufacturer Information
Canadian Pharmacy King currently offers the brand Xylocaine Injection from Canada by Aspen and AstraZeneca. It is available in the strength of 0.5 % plain vial injection, 1 % injection with Epinephrine, plain polyamp and plain vial, and 2 % plain MD, plain polyamp, and injection with epinephrine. The generic Lidocaine Injection is not currently available.
The common side effects of Xylocaine include drowsiness, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, or feeling hot or cold. Stop using this medication and contact your doctor immediately if you notice more serious side effects such as:
• Blue appearance of the skin;
• Light-headedness;
• Muscle stiffness and pain;
• Seizures;
• Severe anxiety, unusual fear, or uneasy feeling;
• Slow heart rate;
• Tremors;
• Twitching;
• Weak or shallow breathing
If you experience any serious side effects or signs of an allergic reaction, seek emergency medical attention.
Do not use Xylocaine if you are allergic to lidocaine or any other anesthetics, or if you have severe heart block, a heart rhythm disorder called Stokes-Adams syndrome, or a heart rhythm disorder called Wolff-Parkinson-White Syndrome. To make sure Xylocaine is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have ever had an allergy to corn products, liver disease, kidney disease, heart disease, coronary artery disease, circulation problems, or malignant hyperthermia. This medication can cause dizziness or drowsiness. Do not drive or operate heavy machinery until you know how this medication affects you. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding in order to discuss any risks. Xylocaine is safe for use in children. The dose may need to be adjusted. Follow your doctors’ instructions carefully.
Tell your doctor about any medications you are taking to reduce the risk of interactions, specifically cimetidine, fluvoxamine, nefazodone, St John’s wort, antibiotic or antifungal medication, antiviral medication to treat hepatitis or HIV/AIDS, heart or blood pressure medication (amiodarone, digoxin, nicardipine, procainamide, propranolol), seizure medication (carbamazepine, phenytoin), or tuberculosis medication (isoniazid, rifampin). This is not a complete list of interactions. Other drugs may affect Xylocaine, including prescription and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and herbal products.
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