Patients having a Lidocaine Infusion

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Lidocaine infusion – information for patients

The information provided is regarding a Lidocaine Infusion which was discussed with
you and your pain consultant as part of your pain management plan.

On the day of your treatment you will be admitted by the nursing staff of the day unit
and seen by the Specialist pain consultant who will discuss the procedure and fill the
consent form out with you.

Please inform the Doctor if your health has changed for example:

You have an infection or taking antibiotics

You have any allergies

If you are taking blood thinning medication such as aspirin, warfarin, heparin or
clopidogrel

You have a medical condition diagnosed after your clinic appointment involving your
heart, liver, kidney or brain.

You suffer from epilepsy or diabetes

If you have a cold or flu symptoms

You may be pregnant

You plan to fly in the next two weeks after the procedure

What is a Lidocaine Intravenous Infusion?
A lidocaine infusion is administered into your vein in your hand or arm and attached to
a pump and given over a two hour period. Lidocaine is placed in a bag of saline
(sodium chloride). It is prescribed for patients who have chronic pain. Even though the
drug is not specifically licensed for this use it is known to have beneficial outcomes.

How does it work?
It works by decreasing both spontaneous nerve activity and the spread of pain signals
in the nerve fibres. More simply it quietens the misbehaving nerves, thereby reducing
the pain.

What does the treatment involve?
The infusion will run over two hours but the preparation and observation period after
the infusion will require you to stay for at least 3 hours.
You will be lying down on a trolley for the treatment.
A cannula (small plastic tube) is placed into a vein usually in your hand or arm.
Your Blood Pressure, ECG, and Pulse will be monitored throughout the procedure and
up to 30 minutes after. Staff will be around to observe and monitor any side effects.

If you should require further information or support please contact your
Specialist Nurse:
Worcestershire Royal Hospital
Monday-Thursday
Tel: 01905-733313
Kidderminster Treatment Centre
Tel: 01562-512379
Evesham Community Hospital
Tel: 07436038681
Out of clinic hours if your symptoms or condition worsens, or if you are
concerned about anything, please call your GP, 111, or 999.

You will be able to sit up and read so please bring your glasses, book or newspaper to
occupy your time during the infusion.

The infusion does not start working on the day. It may take many days to notice any
benefit. The pain may decrease from a severe to a manageable level and physically
be able to do more. Unfortunately, some patients notice no benefit to this particular
treatment.

What are the side effects from a Lidocaine Infusion?
Serious Side Effects or complications are very rare and by being continuously
monitored throughout the procedure, the chances of problems arising are minimised.
The side effects that might happen include the following:

Headaches, dizziness, drowsiness, tingling or numbness around your mouth, metallic
taste, garbled speech, tunnel vision, ringing in your ears, or a tremor, or a fuzzy
sensation or nausea. If such side effects happen these tend to go once the infusion is
slowed down or stopped.

Recognised or potential complications of lidocaine infusion may include the
following:
Low or high blood pressure
A slow or fast heart rate
Irregular heartbeats
Fainting
Seizures
Allergic reactions to lidocaine, which in extremely rare cases can lead to death

During the procedure usually side effects wear off quickly without any problem,
but during the procedure they may also be warning signs of more severe
problems. You must tell a member of staff immediately if you are in any way
feeling unwell during the treatment.

Following the treatment?
You will be asked to stay for 30-45 minutes to rest and observations taken
You may feel a little tired after the infusion, this should pass after 24 hours
You should not drive for 24 hours after the treatment (your car insurance may be
invalid during this time)
Keep the injection site clean and dry and remove the dressing after 24 hours
Take it easy for the rest of the day. Avoid heavy work or strenuous exercise for a few
days
Do not use extreme heat such as saunas or heat rooms for 48 hours following the
treatment.
Continue taking your painkillers as advised by your doctor or until you feel the benefit
from your treatment. You must consult with your GP for advice on reducing pain
medication. Do not stop taking them suddenly.
A Specialist Pain Nurse will call you 6-8 weeks following the procedure to review the
outcome.

Alternative Treatments may be considered as part of your pain management
plan:
Pain relieving Medication
Physiotherapy/Hydrotherapy
TENS
Psychology
Pain Management Plan

If your symptoms or condition worsens, or if you are concerned about anything,
please call your GP, 111, or 999.

Patient Experience
We know that being admitted to hospital can be a difficult and unsettling time for you
and your loved ones. If you have any questions or concerns, please do speak with a
member of staff on the ward or in the relevant department who will do their best to
answer your questions and reassure you.

Feedback
Feedback is really important and useful to us – it can tell us where we are working well
and where improvements can be made. There are lots of ways you can share your
experience with us including completing our Friends and Family Test – cards are
available and can be posted on all wards, departments and clinics at our hospitals. We
value your comments and feedback and thank you for taking the time to share this with
us.

Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS)
If you have any concerns or questions about your care, we advise you to talk with the
nurse in charge or the department manager in the first instance as they are best
placed to answer any questions or resolve concerns quickly. If the relevant member of
staff is unable to help resolve your concern, you can contact the PALS Team. We offer
informal help, advice or support about any aspect of hospital services & experiences.

Our PALS team will liaise with the various departments in our hospitals on your behalf,
if you feel unable to do so, to resolve your problems and where appropriate refer to
outside help.

If you are still unhappy you can contact the Complaints Department, who can
investigate your concerns. You can make a complaint orally, electronically or in writing
and we can advise and guide you through the complaints procedure.

How to contact PALS:
Telephone Patient Services: 0300 123 1732 or via email at: wah-tr.PALS@nhs.net
Opening times:
The PALS telephone lines are open Monday to Thursday from 8.30am to 4.30pm and
Friday: 8.30am to 4.00pm. Please be aware that a voicemail service is in use at busy
times, but messages will be returned as quickly as possible.
If you are unable to understand this leaflet, please communicate with a member of
staff.

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