Xylocaine HCl

Generic name: lidocaine injection [ LYE-doe-kane ]
Brand names: Xylocaine HCl, Xylocaine-MPF
Drug classes: Group I antiarrhythmics, Local injectable anesthetics

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com on Sep 29, 2023. Written by Cerner Multum.

What is Xylocaine HCl?

Lidocaine is a local anesthetic (numbing medication) 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 HCl is sometimes used to treat irregular heart rhythms that may signal a possible heart attack.

Xylocaine HCl is also given in an epidural (spinal block) to reduce the discomfort of contractions during labor.

Xylocaine HCl may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Xylocaine HCl side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Tell your caregiver right away if you have:

• twitching, tremors, seizure (convulsions);

• a light-headed feeling, like you might pass out;

• slow heart rate, weak pulse, weak or shallow breathing;

• sudden feeling of heat, cold, or numbness;

• muscle stiffness and pain;

• weak or shallow breathing;

• blue appearance of the skin; or

• severe anxiety, unusual fear or uneasy feeling.

Common side effects of Xylocaine HCl may include:

• drowsiness, dizziness;

• nausea, vomiting;

• feeling hot or cold;

• confusion, ringing in your ears, blurred vision, double vision; or

• numbness in places where the medicine is accidentally applied.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Warnings

You should not receive Xylocaine HCl if you have severe heart block, or a heart rhythm disorder called Stokes-Adams syndrome or Wolff-Parkinson-White Syndrome.

Before taking this medicine

You should not receive this medicine if you are allergic to Xylocaine HCl or any other type of numbing medicine, or if you have:

• severe heart block;

• a heart rhythm disorder called Stokes-Adams syndrome (sudden slow heart beats that can cause you to faint); or

• a heart rhythm disorder called Wolff-Parkinson-White Syndrome (sudden fast heartbeats that can cause you to faint or become easily tired).

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

• an allergy to corn products;

• liver disease;

• kidney disease;

• heart disease (unless you are being treated with Xylocaine HCl for a heart condition);

• coronary artery disease, circulation problems; or

• malignant hyperthermia.

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

How is Xylocaine HCl given?

A healthcare provider will give you this injection.

When used to treat heart rhythm problems, lidocaine is given as an infusion into a vein.

When used as a local anesthetic, lidocaine is injected through the skin directly into the body area to be numbed.

Your breathing, blood pressure, oxygen levels, and other vital signs will be watched closely while you are receiving Xylocaine HCl in a hospital setting.

If you are being treated for irregular heart rhythm, your heart rate will be constantly monitored using an electrocardiograph or ECG (sometimes called an EKG). This will help your doctor determine how long to treat you with Xylocaine HCl.

Related/similar drugs

amiodarone, lidocaine, fentanyl, verapamil, flecainide, ketamine, hyoscyamine, propofol, glycopyrrolate, propafenone

What happens if I miss a dose?

Since Xylocaine HCl is used only when needed in a clinical setting, you are not likely to miss a dose.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

What should I avoid after receiving Xylocaine HCl?

Xylocaine HCl can cause side effects that may impair your thinking or reactions. Unless absolutely necessary, do not drive after receiving Xylocaine HCl.

Avoid eating or chewing within 1 hour after Xylocaine HCl is used to numb your mouth or throat. You may have trouble swallowing which could lead to choking. You may also accidentally bite the inside of your mouth if you are still numb an hour after treatment with this medicine.

What other drugs will affect Xylocaine HCl?

Tell your doctor about all your other medicines, especially:

• cimetidine, fluvoxamine, nefazodone, St John's wort;

• antibiotic or antifungal medicine;

• antiviral medicine to treat hepatitis or HIV/AIDS;

• heart or blood pressure medicine--amiodarone, digoxin, nicardipine, procainamide, propranolol;

• seizure medicine--carbamazepine, phenytoin; or

• tuberculosis medicine--isoniazid, rifampin.

This list is not complete. Other drugs may affect lidocaine, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible drug interactions are listed here.

Further information

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer

Copyright 1996-2024 Cerner Multum, Inc. Version: 6.02.