Pharmacokinetic Approach to the Clinical Use of Lidocaine Intravenously
- David J. Greenblatt, MD;
- Victoria Bolognini, RN;
- Jan Koch-Weser, MD;
- Jerold S. Harmatz
Abstract
The time course of lidocaine plasma concentrations following various modes of administration were predicted by computer. Initiating therapy with a single intravenous bolus dose was unsatisfactory; plasma levels during the first hour were potentially toxic after a 200-mg bolus and subtherapeutic after a 50- to 100-mg bolus. After two bolus doses of 100 mg, separated by 20 to 30 minutes, or a rapid loading infusion over 15 to 60 minutes, therapeutic concentrations were achieved and maintained. Pharmacokinetic principles can be of value in devising rational approaches to lidocaine dosage.
(JAMA 236:273-277, 1976)
Footnotes
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Reprint requests to the Clinical Pharmacology Unit, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA 02114 (Dr Greenblatt).
