Abstract
The blood concentration of lidocaine was studied in 22 patients with continuous epidural blockade, using 0.4 per cent lidocaine (Xylocain®) drip for postoperative pain relief after cholecystectomy. In 12 patients with thoracic blockade, mean infusion dose rate was 3.2 ±0.1 mg/h.kg, and in 10 patients with thoraco‐lumbar blockade 4.5±0.3 mg/h.lg body weight. Mean infusion time was 38 hours. A ‘steady state’ blood concentration of lidocaine of 4–5 μg/ml was not reached until after about 38 hours in both groups. After the end of the infusion the lidocaine, concentration in the blood reached half of the ‘steady state’ value after 2–3 hours. After about 4 hours the elimination was definitely slower. Signs of central nervous system toxicity were seen at blood concentrations of about 6 μg/ml, which occasionally occurred following superimposed bolus injections of 2 per cent lidocaine.
Published Version
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