What is a Lidocaine Infusion?

Lidocaine is a local anaesthetic medicine that, when administered slowly into a vein, may help reduce pain and hypersensitivity in certain persistent pain conditions. It works by temporarily calming overactive pain-signalling pathways.

The use of intravenous lidocaine for persistent pain is generally considered “off-label.” This means that the medicine is being used outside the specific terms of its product licence. However, it is used in specialist pain practice when clinically appropriate and with suitable monitoring.

 
 
 

Why is it used?

Lidocaine infusion may be recommended if other pain treatments have not provided sufficient relief. It is sometimes used for:

  • Neuropathic pain (nerve-related pain)
  • Widespread pain conditions such as fibromyalgia
  • Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS)
  • Certain headache or facial pain disorders
  • Abdominal pain
  • Pelvic pain

 

How is the infusion given?

  • You will have a small cannula (plastic tube) placed into a vein, usually in your arm or
    hand.
  • Lidocaine is given as a slow infusion over 30–45 minutes.
  • Your heart rate, blood pressure, and oxygen levels will be monitored throughout.
  • You will usually be observed for a short period after the infusion before going home.

Benefits

  • May reduce pain intensity.
  • May improve mobility, sleep, and quality of life.
  • May help you reduce reliance of  pain medications
  • Benefits, when experienced, may last from a few weeks to several months.
  • Some people may require repeat infusions.

 

Is Lidocaine safe?

IV lidocaine has been used extensively in clinical practice and is generally well tolerated in carefully selected patients when administered with appropriate monitoring.

Please inform us if you:

  • Are pregnant or breastfeeding
  • Have a heart rhythm abnormality or an abnormal ECG
  • Have a seizure disorder
  • Have significant heart, kidney or liver problems
  • Have previously experienced an allergic reaction to a local anaesthetic

These conditions do not always exclude treatment, but they require careful assessment before an infusion can be offered. NHS patient guidance

 

Risks and Side Effects

Most people tolerate lidocaine well, but some may experience:
  • Light-headedness or dizziness, which may last a few days
  • Numbness around the mouth or tongue
  • Temporary increase in fatigue
  • Metallic taste
  • Blurred or double vision
  • Ringing in the ears
  • Nausea

Rare but more serious side effects include:

  • Allergic reaction
  • Seizures
  • Abnormal heart rhythms

Your clinical team is trained to recognise and treat these promptly.

 

After the procedure

  • You should arrange for someone to drive you home.
  • Rest for the remainder of the day.
  • You can eat and drink normally.
  • Avoid alcohol for 24 hours.

Follow-up

The doctor will review your response at your next appointment to decide if further infusions are appropriate.

Important Information

Please tell your doctor if you have heart disease, liver problems, heart failure, seizures, or are taking anti-arrhythmic drugs.

Inform us if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or have allergies to local anaesthetics.

Continue your regular pain medicines unless advised otherwise.