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Lidocaine Topical

EMLA(with prilocaine), LidoVex

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

Drug Class

Dermatologic

Routes

Topical

Indications

Topical anesthesiaTopical anesthesia (catheter placement)

Mechanism of Action

Blocks voltage-gated sodium channels in sensory nerve endings preventing pain signal transmission. Topical anesthesia.

Side effects & warnings

Apply 30-60 min before procedure under occlusive dressing. EMLA: prilocaine can cause methemoglobinemia in cats. Lidocaine patch: do not allow ingestion.

Species with Lidocaine Topical dosing data (2 dose rules)

Cat (Domestic)Dog (Domestic)

Species references:All Cat (Domestic) drugsAll Dog (Domestic) drugs

Evidence levels across 2 dose rules

Moderate×2

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

Backed by a published source

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

Sample dosing (2 of 2 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)Topical0 mg/kgEMLA 30-60 min before procedureModeratePlumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 9th Ed
Cat (Domestic)Topical0 mg/kgEMLA applied 30-60 min beforeModeratePlumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 9th Ed

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