Lidocaine Side Effects

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Jul 17, 2023.

Applies to lidocaine: intradermal powder.

Other dosage forms:

• injection solution

Serious side effects of lidocaine

Along with its needed effects, lidocaine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor or nurse immediately if any of the following side effects occur while taking lidocaine:

More common side effects

• flushing, redness of the skin
• small red or purple spots on the skin
• swelling at the site of application
• unusually warm skin

Less common side effects

• bruising, burning, pain, or bleeding at the site of application
• itching skin

Get emergency help immediately if any of the following symptoms of overdose occur while taking lidocaine:

Symptoms of overdose

• change in consciousness
• fainting
• fast, pounding, or irregular heartbeat or pulse
• loss of consciousness
• no blood pressure or pulse
• no breathing
• stopping of the heart
• unconsciousness

Other side effects of lidocaine

Some side effects of lidocaine may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects.

Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

Less common side effects

• nausea
• vomiting

For healthcare professionals

Applies to lidocaine: compounding powder, injectable solution, intravenous solution.

General adverse events

Adverse reactions following administration of this drug are similar in nature to those observed with other amide local anesthetic agents. The most serious adverse reactions tend to be systemic in nature. In general, these adverse reactions are dose-related and may result from high plasma levels caused by excessive dosage, rapid absorption, or inadvertent intravascular injection, or may result from a hypersensitivity, idiosyncrasy, or diminished tolerance on the part of the patient.^[Ref]

Cardiovascular

• Frequency not reported: Bradycardia, hypotension, cardiovascular collapse, cardiac arrest, circulatory collapse, hypertension, arrhythmia, maternal hypotension, shock, tachycardia, ventricular fibrillation, heart block, myocardial depression, peripheral vasodilation^[Ref]

Nervous system

• Frequency not reported: Lightheadedness, headache, dizziness, drowsiness, cold/numbness, tremor, convulsions, unconsciousness, positional headache, peripheral nerve symptoms, spinal cord deficit, paresthesia, speech slurred, arachnoiditis, peripheral nerve injury, coma, paralysis of the lower extremities, cauda equina syndrome, Horner's syndrome, hemiparesis, circumoral paresthesia, nystagmus^[Ref]

Gastrointestinal

• Frequency not reported: Vomiting, nausea, bowel control loss, swallowing difficult, numbness of tongue^[Ref]

Psychiatric

• Frequency not reported: Nervousness, apprehension, euphoria, confusion, agitation, disorientation, psychosis, restlessness, excitement^[Ref]

Hematologic

• Frequency not reported: Methemoglobinemia^[Ref]

Dermatologic

• Frequency not reported: Urticaria, cutaneous lesion, dermatitis, rash, angioedema, face edema^[Ref]

Genitourinary

• Frequency not reported: Bladder control loss, sexual function loss, perineal sensation loss, urinary retention^[Ref]

Immunologic

• Frequency not reported: Allergic reaction, anaphylaxis/anaphylactoid reaction^[Ref]

Local

• Frequency not reported: Persistent anesthesia^[Ref]

Metabolic

• Frequency not reported: Hypoglycemia^[Ref]

Musculoskeletal

• Frequency not reported: Twitching, backache, leg pain, buttock pain^[Ref]

Ocular

• Frequency not reported: Blurred/doubled vision, diplopia, transient amaurosis, bilateral amaurosis^[Ref]

Other

• Frequency not reported: Tinnitus, feeling hot, edema, shiver, total spinal block, hyperacusis, weakness, sphincter control loss^[Ref]

Respiratory

• Frequency not reported: Respiratory depression, respiratory arrest, dyspnea, bronchospasm, hypoventilation, apnea, respiratory inadequacy, respiratory failure, yawning^[Ref]

Further information

Lidocaine side effects can vary depending on the individual. Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Some side effects may not be reported. You may report them to the FDA.

Medical Disclaimer