Skip to main content

Lidocaine Antiarrhythmic

Xylocaine(without epinephrine)

Calculate dosage
Sourced from published veterinary references. Awaiting credentialed clinical reviewer — our editorial process.

Drug Class

Cardiovascular

Routes

IV

Indications

arrhythmiasendotoxemiaPost-operative ileusVentricular premature complexesVentricular tachycardia

Mechanism of Action

Class IB antiarrhythmic blocking fast sodium channels preferentially in depolarized/ischemic tissue. Suppresses ventricular ectopy.

Side effects & warnings

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 with Lidocaine Antiarrhythmic dosing data (3 dose rules)

Dog (Domestic)Horse (Equine)

Species references:All Dog (Domestic) drugsAll Horse (Equine) drugs

Evidence levels across 3 dose rules

Strong×3

Each ExoticRx dose rule is graded by the strength of its primary evidence — see the editorial process.

Backed by 2 published sources

  • · Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook
  • · Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 9th Ed

Constant rate infusion (CRI)

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.

  • Dog (Domestic)IV
    2–4 mg/kgIV bolus, then CRI 25-80 mcg/kg/min

    Ventricular tachycardia

    StrongPlumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 9th Ed
  • Dog (Domestic)IV
    2–8 mg/kgBolus then CRI 25-80 mcg/kg/min

    Ventricular premature complexes

    StrongPlumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 9th Ed

Sample dosing (2 of 3 cited rules)

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.

SpeciesRouteDoseFrequencyEvidenceSource
Dog (Domestic)IV2–4 mg/kgIV bolus, then CRI 25-80 mcg/kg/minStrongPlumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 9th Ed
Dog (Domestic)IV2–8 mg/kgBolus then CRI 25-80 mcg/kg/minStrongPlumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 9th Ed

Upgrade for Full Details

Upgrade to Pro or Student to unlock the full dose ranges and frequency for every species. The drug's mechanism, warnings, indications, and cited sources are free to read.

View Plans

More Cardiovascular drugs

Calculate Dosage for Lidocaine Antiarrhythmic