Tag: Lidocaine hydrochloride

Over 800,000 prescriptions for lidocaine were filled in the United States in 2023. Understanding **what is the difference between lidocaine and lidocaine hydrochloride** is crucial to appreciating why this medication is available in two distinct chemical forms for different medical purposes.

First synthesized in 1943, lidocaine is a prominent amide-class local anesthetic. The main ingredient in lidocaine is lidocaine hydrochloride, the active chemical compound responsible for its numbing effects. This key component works by temporarily blocking nerve signals to provide pain relief for various medical procedures.