lidocaine anesthetic

Discovered in 1946, Lidocaine is a medication used to numb tissue in a specific area. Besides, it is also used to treat ventricular tachycardia and to perform nerve blocks. As a matter of fact, Lidocaine mixed with a small amount of adrenaline is usually used to allow larger doses for numbing, to decrease bleeding, and to make the numbing effect last longer. Generally, anesthetics work by blocking nerves from sending pain signals to the brain, resulting in a temporary numbness of the area on which they are applied. When it comes to the side effects of Lidocaine, they include sleepiness, muscle twitching, confusion, changes in vision, numbness, tingling, and vomiting. Lidocaine can also cause low blood pressure and an irregular heart rate. There are in fact concerns that injecting this medication into a joint can cause problems with the cartilage. However, Lidocaine appears to be generally safe for use in pregnancy. Plus, it is also generally safe to use in those allergic to tetracaine or benzocaine.