Lidocaine blood levels following aerosolization and intravenous administration.
OBJECTIVE
To determine whether, following aerosolization of lidocaine for topical airway anesthesia, intravenous (IV) lidocaine produces toxic lidocaine blood concentrations.


METHODS
Randomized, double-blind study.


METHODS
University-affiliated hospital.


METHODS
Forty healthy patients scheduled for outpatient surgery.


METHODS
The patients received in a randomized, double-blind manner aerosolized lidocaine or placebo followed 10 minutes later by IV lidocaine or placebo.


RESULTS
After completion of lidocaine or placebo aerosolization and 2 minutes following IV administration of either lidocaine or the placebo, venous blood samples were obtained. Lidocaine concentration was measured using a homogenous enzyme assay. The group receiving both aerosolized and IV placebo and the group receiving aerosolized lidocaine and an IV placebo had undetectable (less than 0.05 micrograms/ml) serum lidocaine levels. The groups that received either an aerosolized placebo or aerosolized lidocaine and IV lidocaine had similar serum lidocaine concentrations [3.34 +/- 0.46 vs. 3.24 +/- 0.55 micrograms/ml (mean +/- SEM); p greater than 0.05 by Mann-Whitney U test].


CONCLUSIONS
IV lidocaine can be safely administered following aerosolization of lidocaine in spontaneously breathing patients without producing toxic blood lidocaine concentrations.
Baughman
V L
VL
Department of Anesthesiology, Humana Hospital-Michael Reese, Chicago, IL 60616.
Laurito
C E
CE
Polek
W V
WV
D000336:Aerosols; D000771:Anesthesia, Intravenous; D000772:Anesthesia, Local; D001980:Bronchi; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D006801:Humans; D008012:Lidocaine / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000097:blood*; D010919:Placebos; D014132:Trachea
D000336:Aerosols; D010919:Placebos; D008012:Lidocaine