Intravenous Lignocaine Infusion

​

 

What is a Lidocaine Intravenous Infusion? 

A Lidocaine/lignocaine infusion is when local anaesthetic is given by a pump, approximately up-to 120 minutes, into a vein. It is not specifically licensed for use in this way, but it is known to have beneficial results. 

​

How does it work? 

Lidocaine is a local anaesthetic that you get when you go to the dentist. It numbs the nerves when injected into the veins. It works by decreasing nerve activity and the spread of pain signals in nerve fibres. 

​

What does the infusion involve? 

This treatment requires you to attend the clinic for a morning or afternoon session where you will meet your doctor and staff. You will stay in the clinic for about 3-4 hours. You will be monitored throughout the procedure and allowed home when we are confident you have not suffered any significant side effects. The treatment works over many days so may not any benefit immediately. A pain specialist will determine how beneficial the treatment has been during a follow up assessment and arrange further treatment if necessary. 

​

What are the Benefits?

If this treatment helps, then you may find a decrease in pain from severe to a more manageable level. You may be able to decrease the amount of painkillers you regularly consume and you might be able to do more. Unfortunately, we cannot guarantee you will benefit from this particular treatment. If you are benefitted this can be repeated.

​

What are the side effects of the infusion? 

As with any procedure there are side effects to this procedure. Please discuss these in detail with your doctor before agreeing to this therapy as there can be alternatives. Fortunately, serious side effects or complications are very rare and by being continuously monitored, the chances of problems arising are minimised. 

However, even at the recommended dose, side effects can occur. These include dizziness, headaches, drowsiness, tingling or numbness around your mouth, metallic taste, garbled speech, tunnel vision, ringing in your ears or a tremor, a sense of being drunk and nausea. If any of these side effects do occur, they usually disappear once the infusion is slowed down or stopped. 

Recognised potential complications of Lidocaine infusions include low or high blood pressure, a slow or fast pulse rate, irregular heartbeats, fainting, seizures or allergic reactions to Lidocaine which, in extremely rare cases, can lead to death. 

If you like to know more about this, please contact us for further information. 

​

For prices: please visit