Xylocaine

Xylocaine is a brand name for lidocaine, an amide-type local anesthetic and class Ib antiarrhythmic used to numb tissue and to treat certain cardiac rhythm problems. It inhibits voltage-gated sodium channels, reducing nerve excitability and slowing or stopping conduction of impulses.

Medical uses include local anesthesia for procedures (infiltration, nerve blocks, regional anesthesia) and topical forms for mucous membranes. It may also be used intravenously to treat certain ventricular arrhythmias in acute care settings. When combined with epinephrine, lidocaine’s duration of action can be extended and bleeding reduced in some procedures.

Xylocaine is supplied as injectable lidocaine solutions (commonly 1% or 2%), with or without epinephrine, and is also available in topical forms such as gels, sprays, ointments, and patches. Onset and duration depend on the route of administration, dose, and presence of epinephrine; topical products act within minutes, while injectable anesthesia lasts from tens of minutes to a few hours.

Pharmacologically, lidocaine is rapidly absorbed and primarily metabolized in the liver, with metabolites excreted in the urine. Plasma levels are carefully monitored since systemic toxicity can affect both the central nervous system and the heart. Early signs of toxicity include circumoral numbness, tingling, dizziness, and blurred vision; higher levels can cause seizures, coma, or arrhythmias.

Contraindications include hypersensitivity to lidocaine or other amide-type anesthetics and certain conduction disturbances without pacing. Caution is advised in liver disease, heart failure, pregnancy, and when used with other anesthetic or antiarrhythmic drugs.

Xylocaine is a widely marketed preparation and is used in many countries, with dosing and indications guided by labeling and clinical guidelines.