Lidocaine Dose Calculator
Calculate maximum safe lidocaine dose for local anesthesia with weight-based dosing
Calculate Maximum Lidocaine Dose
Patient body weight for dose calculation
Standard lidocaine concentrations available
Epinephrine increases maximum safe dose by reducing systemic absorption
Critical Medical Warning
This calculator provides maximum safe dosing guidelines only. Actual dosing must be determined by qualified medical professionals considering patient factors, injection site, and clinical conditions. Lidocaine toxicity can be life-threatening.
Lidocaine Clinical Information
Mechanism of Action
• Sodium channel blocker: Prevents nerve signal transmission
• Onset: 2-5 minutes after injection
• Duration: 30-120 minutes (depending on epinephrine)
• Half-life: 90-120 minutes
Clinical Applications
• Minor surgery: Skin lesion removal, suturing
• Dental procedures: Tooth extraction, fillings
• Invasive procedures: Biopsies, catheter insertion
• Pain management: Chronic pain conditions
Epinephrine Benefits
Vasoconstriction
Reduces bleeding at injection site
Longer Duration
Extends anesthetic effect 2-4x
Higher Safe Dose
Allows 7 mg/kg vs 4.5 mg/kg
Lidocaine Toxicity Signs
Central Nervous System
Confusion, seizures, drowsiness, tinnitus
Cardiovascular
Bradycardia, hypotension, arrhythmias
Respiratory
Respiratory depression, apnea
Local Effects
Tissue necrosis, nerve damage
Contraindications
Hypersensitivity to amide local anesthetics
Severe heart block (without pacemaker)
Methemoglobinemia, G6PD deficiency
Severe respiratory impairment
Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome
Understanding Lidocaine Dosing
Maximum Safe Doses
Lidocaine dosing is calculated based on patient weight to prevent systemic toxicity. The maximum safe dose varies depending on whether epinephrine is included in the formulation.
Dosing Formulas
Without Epinephrine:
Maximum dose (mg) = 4.5 × weight (kg)
With Epinephrine:
Maximum dose (mg) = 7 × weight (kg)
Volume Calculation:
Volume (mL) = dose (mg) ÷ concentration (mg/mL)
Clinical Considerations
Patient Factors:
- • Age and weight
- • Cardiovascular status
- • Liver function
- • Concurrent medications
- • Injection site vascularity
Clinical Pearl: Always aspirate before injection to avoid intravascular administration. Consider using ultrasound guidance for deep injections near major vessels or nerves to improve safety and efficacy.