Drugs & Vitamins

Xylocaine for Cardiac Arrhythmias Active Ingredients: Lidocaine Injection Representative Names: Xylocaine for Cardiac Arrhythmias What is lidocaine injection? What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine? How should I use this medicine? What if I miss a dose? What drug(s) may interact with lidocaine injection? What side effects may I notice from receiving lidocaine injection? What should I watch for while taking lidocaine injection? Where can I keep my medicine? What is lidocaine injection? (Back to top) LIDOCAINE (Xylocaine®) is given to control irregular heart beats. Lidocaine may also be used to numb area of skin before surgery or other procedures. Generic lidocaine injections are available. What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine? (Back to top) They need to know if you have any of these conditions: •heart disease or problems other than rhythm and heart rate problems •infection •myasthenia gravis •liver disease •an unusual or allergic reaction to lidocaine, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives •pregnant or trying to get pregnant •breast-feeding How should I use this medicine? (Back to top) Lidocaine injection is given as an infusion into your veins to control your heart rate. Lidocaine may also be given as an injection into the skin or around your spine to numb the area before surgery or other procedures. It is usually given by a health-care professional in a hospital or clinic setting. Your prescriber or health care professional may instruct you on how to give yourself an injection if you get certain abnormal heart rhythms. In this case, you will be given a special self-injector unit with full instructions on how to use it. What if I miss a dose? (Back to top) This does not apply. What drug(s) may interact with lidocaine injection? (Back to top) •beta-blockers, often used for high blood pressure or heart problems •bosentan •certain medicines for fungal infection, such as voriconazole •cimetidine •bromocriptine •digoxin •medicines for high blood pressure •medicine for chest pain or angina •medicines for mental depression •medicines for mental problems and psychotic disturbances •medicines for migraine •medicines to control heart rhythm •phenytoin Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including non-prescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines. What side effects may I notice from receiving lidocaine injection? (Back to top) Depending upon what condition is being treated with lidocaine, you may experience different side effects. Discuss the possible side effects due to your treatment with your prescriber or health care professional. Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible: •chest pain, continued irregular heartbeats •difficulty breathing, wheezing •headache •seizures (convulsions) •swelling of the legs or feet •trembling, shaking •unusual weakness or tiredness Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome): •anxiety, nervousness •dizziness, drowsiness •feelings of coldness, heat, or numbness; or pain at the site of the injection •nausea, vomiting What should I watch for while taking lidocaine injection? (Back to top) Telephone your prescriber or health care professional at once if you have symptoms of a heart attack, and use the special device your prescriber or health care professional gave you to transmit your electrocardiogram (ECG) by telephone. Do not give this medication to yourself unless instructed to do so by your prescriber or health care professional. Be careful to avoid injury to the area of injection while it is numb and you are not aware of pain. Where can I keep my medicine? (Back to top) Keep out of reach of children. Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F); do not freeze. If you keep a self-injection kit at home, check the expiration date regularly and replace it before it expires so that it will be ready for use in case of emergency. Last Updated:09/17/2002 CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY© GOLD STANDARD MULTIMEDIA INC, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

Note: The above information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist, or other healthcare professional. It should not be construed to indicate that the use of the product is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. Consult your healthcare professional before taking the product.