ExoticRx · exoticrx.com/drugs/lidocaine-antiarrhythmic
US brand names:Xylocaine(without epinephrine)
Also known as: Lignocaine, Lignocaine Antiarrhythmic
Lidocaine Antiarrhythmic is dosed at 2–4 mg/kg IV IV bolus, then CRI 25-80 mcg/kg/min in dogs, per Ware WA. Management of arrhythmias. In: Ware WA, ed. Cardiovascular Disease in Small Animal Medicine. Manson Publishing, Limited; 2011:194-226. — Verified against Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 10th Ed, p.785 (2026-08-01).. Verify against current literature before clinical use.
Class IB antiarrhythmic blocking fast sodium channels preferentially in depolarized/ischemic tissue. Suppresses ventricular ectopy.
DOGS primarily — cats very sensitive to toxicity (lower doses). IV bolus then CRI. CNS toxicity (tremors, seizures) at excessive doses. Do not use with epinephrine formulation.
Species references:All Dog (Domestic) drugsAll Horse (Equine) drugs
Each ExoticRx dose rule is graded by the strength of its primary evidence — see the editorial process.
Lidocaine Antiarrhythmic CRI dose rules from the ExoticRx formulary. Verify against current literature before clinical use; CRI rates differ from bolus dosing and route, dilution, and monitoring matter. Sign in for the complete per-species CRI protocol set.
| Species | Route | Rate | Indication | Evidence | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dog (Domestic) | IV | 2–4 mg/kgIV bolus, then CRI 25-80 mcg/kg/min | Ventricular tachycardia | Strong | Ware WA. Management of arrhythmias. In: Ware WA, ed. Cardiovascular Disease in Small Animal Medicine. Manson Publishing, Limited; 2011:194-226. — Verified against Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 10th Ed, p.785 (2026-08-01). |
| Dog (Domestic) | IV | 2–8 mg/kgBolus then CRI 25-80 mcg/kg/min | Ventricular premature complexes | Strong | Ware WA. Management of arrhythmias. In: Ware WA, ed. Cardiovascular Disease in Small Animal Medicine. Manson Publishing, Limited; 2011:194-226. — Verified against Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 10th Ed, p.785 (2026-08-01). |
A dog/cat sample is shown here. Cited dosing for all 2 species — reptiles, birds, pocket pets, livestock, and equine — is free on the per-species pages above. Pro adds the weight-based calculator for every species.
| Species | Route | Dose | Frequency | Evidence | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dog (Domestic) | IV | 2–4 mg/kg | IV bolus, then CRI 25-80 mcg/kg/min | Strong | Ware WA. Management of arrhythmias. In: Ware WA, ed. Cardiovascular Disease in Small Animal Medicine. Manson Publishing, Limited; 2011:194-226. — Verified against Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 10th Ed, p.785 (2026-08-01). |
| Dog (Domestic) | IV | 2–8 mg/kg | Bolus then CRI 25-80 mcg/kg/min | Strong | Ware WA. Management of arrhythmias. In: Ware WA, ed. Cardiovascular Disease in Small Animal Medicine. Manson Publishing, Limited; 2011:194-226. — Verified against Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 10th Ed, p.785 (2026-08-01). |
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View PlansSource citations and evidence levels available on the live page. Reference only — verify against current literature before clinical use.
Ventricular tachycardia
Ventricular premature complexes