Hyperbaric lidocaine

Hyperbaric lidocaine is a local anesthetic formulation that contains lidocaine hydrochloride in a hyperbaric solution, typically with dextrose (glucose) added to increase the density of the solution. This hyperbaric property allows the anesthetic to settle in specific areas when administered via spinal anesthesia, providing targeted regional anesthesia. Hyperbaric lidocaine is a sterile, nonpyrogenic, hyperbaric solution used primarily for spinal anesthesia. The most common formulation is 5% lidocaine hydrochloride with 7.5% dextrose injection. The hyperbaric nature of the solution allows it to be distributed by gravity when administered into the subarachnoid space, making it useful for procedures requiring regional anesthesia. Lidocaine works by stabilizing the neuronal membrane through inhibition of ionic fluxes required for the initiation and conduction of nerve impulses, thereby producing local anesthetic effects.