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Lidocaine, also known as lignocaine, is a local anesthetic of the amino amide type. It is commonly used in dentistry and is available as a generic medication. In Australia, lidocaine is not illegal, but it is a regulated substance. It is available as an active ingredient in prescription and non-prescription medicines, as well as biologicals, devices, and export-only products. There are concerns about the potential for abuse and overdose of lidocaine, particularly when used in throat sprays or as an adjuvant to street drugs.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Legal Status in Australia | Available as an active ingredient in over-the-counter and prescription medicines |
| Brand Name | Xylocaine |
| Type | Local anaesthetic of the amino amide type |
| Uses | Treating ventricular tachycardia, ventricular fibrillation, anaesthesia, nerve blocks, skin treatments, eye procedures, neonatal seizures |
| Side Effects | Confusion, changes in vision, numbness, tingling, vomiting, low blood pressure, irregular heart rate |
| Safety | Generally safe for use in pregnancy and for those allergic to tetracaine or benzocaine |
| Availability | Available as a generic medication |
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What You'll Learn
Lidocaine's legality in Australia
In Australia, lidocaine is a prescription medicine that can be used as an active ingredient in biologicals, export-only, and over-the-counter products. It is also available as an excipient ingredient in biologicals, devices, and prescription medicines. As of January 2019, there were 188 products containing lidocaine or its derivatives listed on the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods (ARTG), with 38 being prescription medicines and 94 being non-prescription medicines.
Lidocaine, also known as lignocaine, is a local anesthetic of the amino amide type. It was discovered in 1946 and went on sale in 1948. It is commonly used in dentistry as a nerve block or infiltration, and for surface anesthesia in endoscopies and intubations. Lidocaine drops can also be used on the eyes for short ophthalmic procedures. It is also used to treat ventricular tachycardia and ventricular fibrillation.
In Australia, the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) is responsible for regulating medicines, including lidocaine. The TGA has made an interim decision to amend the Schedule 2 entry of lidocaine in the Poisons Standard, as lidocaine spray products containing up to 0.6% lidocaine do not meet the Scheduling Factors for Schedule 2. The TGA also notes that lidocaine in throat sprays warrants additional vigilance as inadvertent misuse or overuse can have significant negative outcomes.
While lidocaine is a regulated medicine in Australia, it is not considered a prohibited substance. It is not listed by the World Anti-Doping Agency as a banned substance in sports, and it is also not listed as a prohibited medicine or substance by the Australian Border Force.
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Lidocaine's use in sports
In Australia, lidocaine is available for use as an active ingredient in biologicals, export-only, and over-the-counter and prescription medicines. It can be used as an excipient ingredient in biologicals, devices, and prescription medicines. It is also available as an equivalent ingredient in prescription medicines. As of January 2019, there were 188 products containing lidocaine or its derivatives listed on the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods (ARTG). Of these, 38 were prescription medicines and 94 were non-prescription medicines.
Lidocaine is a local anesthetic that can be used to treat a variety of conditions, including muscle pain, nerve pain, itching, and joint pain. It is often administered through prescription pain relief patches that are applied to the skin.
In the field of sports medicine, lidocaine is commonly used in soft tissue injections to relieve pain and facilitate a quicker return to play. Its use in sports is particularly notable in the context of ankle sprains, where local lidocaine injections can help diminish pain without suppressing muscle activity. According to researchers, local anesthetic injections have been utilized for many years at the highest levels of sport.
However, it is important to note that the use of local anesthetics in sports injuries is relatively uncommon, and there are concerns about their potential for abuse. Additionally, the use of lidocaine throat sprays warrants vigilance due to the risk of misuse or overuse, which can lead to significant negative outcomes.
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Lidocaine's pregnancy safety
Lidocaine is a local anesthetic that can be injected, administered intravenously, or applied topically. It is used to numb areas of the body for short periods and is often used in medical or dental procedures. It can also be used to treat abnormal heart rhythms and provide pain relief during labor or surgical delivery.
While lidocaine is generally considered safe to use during pregnancy, there are some considerations to keep in mind. It is recommended that lidocaine only be used during pregnancy if clearly needed and when the benefits outweigh the risks. Lidocaine is classified as US FDA pregnancy category B, indicating that animal reproduction studies have not shown a risk to the fetus, but there are no well-controlled studies in pregnant women.
There is a risk of maternal and fetal toxicity when lidocaine is used during labor and delivery. Local anesthetics can cross the placenta and affect the fetus, potentially causing hypotension and alterations in the central nervous system, peripheral vascular tone, and cardiac function in the fetus or newborn. Fetal bradycardia, fetal acidosis, and hypoxia have also been associated with paracervical block administration. Therefore, continuous fetal heart rate monitoring is advised during labor and delivery.
Studies have not found an increased risk of miscarriage or birth defects associated with lidocaine use during pregnancy. Additionally, there is no evidence to suggest that lidocaine exposure during pregnancy affects the future behavior or learning of the child.
Lidocaine can be passed into breast milk in small amounts, but it is not well absorbed by the baby, and side effects are unlikely. However, it is recommended to wash hands after using lidocaine treatments and before holding the baby.
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Lidocaine's prescription status
Lidocaine, also known as lignocaine, is a local anaesthetic of the amino amide type. It is also used to treat ventricular tachycardia and ventricular fibrillation. In Australia, lidocaine is available as an active ingredient in biologicals, export-only, and over-the-counter and prescription medicines. It is also available as an excipient ingredient in biologicals, devices, and prescription medicines, and as an equivalent ingredient in prescription medicines.
Of the 188 products containing lidocaine or its derivatives, 38 are prescription medicines, and 94 are non-prescription medicines. The formulation types include sprays, ointments, gels, lozenges, dermal patches, medicated dressings, creams, pellets, lotions, liquids, jelly, and injectables.
Lidocaine was previously scheduled under the name lignocaine, and as a result, the two names are used interchangeably. In 1987, the Drugs and Poisons Schedule Committee (DPSC) recommended a new Schedule 4 entry for lignocaine, as the proposed use of a cream product containing lignocaine and prilocaine requires medical supervision and approval.
There are concerns about the potential for abuse of lidocaine, as it is used as an adjuvant, adulterant, and diluent to street drugs such as cocaine and heroin. It is also one of the three common ingredients in site enhancement oil used by bodybuilders. The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) has noted that the use of lidocaine in throat sprays warrants additional vigilance as inadvertent misuse or overuse can have significant negative outcomes.
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Lidocaine's availability in Australia
In Australia, lidocaine is available as an active ingredient in biologicals, export-only, and over-the-counter and prescription medicines. It is also used as an excipient ingredient in biologicals, devices, and prescription medicines, and as an equivalent ingredient in prescription medicines. There are 188 products containing lidocaine or its derivatives for therapeutic use currently listed on the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods (ARTG). Of these, 38 are prescription medicines and 94 are non-prescription medicines. The formulation types include sprays, ointments, gels, lozenges, dermal patches, medicated dressings, creams, pellets, lotions, liquids, jellies, and injectables.
Lidocaine, also known as lignocaine, is a local anaesthetic of the amino amide type. It is commonly used in dentistry and ophthalmology, and for nerve blocks and infiltration anaesthesia. It can also be applied topically to the skin or mucous membranes to numb the area.
Lidocaine was discovered in 1946 and went on sale in 1948. It is on the World Health Organization's List of Essential Medicines and is available as a generic medication. It is one of the most commonly prescribed medications in the United States, and it is not banned by the World Anti-Doping Agency for use in sports.
In Australia, there have been concerns about the potential for lidocaine throat sprays to be misused or overused, and the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) has recommended that products containing up to 0.6% lidocaine be available without a prescription. However, lidocaine products containing higher concentrations of the drug may be scheduled as prescription-only medicines.
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Frequently asked questions
No, lidocaine is not illegal in Australia. It is available as a prescription medicine and as a non-prescription medicine.
Lidocaine is a local anesthetic of the amino amide type. It is also used to treat ventricular tachycardia and ventricular fibrillation. It is one of the most commonly used local anaesthetics in dentistry.
The formulation types include spray (aerosol), ointment, gel, lozenges, dermal patches, medicated dressings, cream, pellets, lotion, liquid, jelly, and injectables.
If injected intravenously, lidocaine may cause cerebral effects such as confusion, changes in vision, numbness, tingling, and vomiting. It can also cause low blood pressure and an irregular heart rate.
