Acute toxicity of etidocaine following various routes of administration in the dog

Abstract

When plasma concentrations of etidocaine of 2.7 μg/ml were achieved in the dog following iv administration, signs of CNS toxicity such as mydriasis, nystagmus, and head tremor were observed. Convulsions occurred at plasma concentrations of about 5.0 μg/ml. Cardiovascular effects were minimal at these concentrations or could be related to the convulsive state of the animal. Toxicity observed after repeated peridural administration is related to the spread of etidocaine in the peridural space and the resultant plasma concentrations. Etidocaine has less of a tendency to spread up the spinal column than lidocaine, which results in fewer instances of Horner's syndrome and respiratory depression.