Tag: Lidocaine safety

The incidence of severe systemic toxicity from local anesthetics is estimated to be as high as 1 in 2,000 for certain peripheral nerve blocks [1.4.1]. Understanding where should lidocaine not be injected is crucial for patient safety and preventing adverse outcomes.

Lidocaine is not only a common local anesthetic but also a Class Ib antiarrhythmic drug used intravenously to treat life-threatening ventricular arrhythmias [1.2.2, 1.5.4]. The question 'Why is lidocaine not given IV?' stems from a misunderstanding of its different formulations and high-risk nature.

Millions of people seek tattoos annually, and a growing number consider numbing cream to manage the discomfort. However, before reaching for the bottle, it is crucial to ask: Is there a downside to using numbing cream for tattoos? The answer involves several important safety and aesthetic considerations that could affect both your health and the final artwork.

In 2007, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a public warning about potentially life-threatening risks, including seizures and irregular heartbeats, associated with the misuse of topical anesthetics. Knowing precisely where you should not put numbing cream is a critical piece of safety information, as improper application can dramatically increase the risk of severe systemic side effects, beyond simple skin irritation.