Maximum Recommended Doses and Duration of Local Anesthetics (Lidocaine)

Example calculation - Lidocaine when administered without vasoconstriction

• Total dose that can be used

  • Maximum dose of lidocaine (plain, without vasoconstrictor)  is 4.5 mg/kg (not to exceed 300 mg)

  • Example patient weight - 10 kg

  • Total dose that can be used for this patient = 4.5 mg/kg x 10 kg = 45 mg

• Maximum volume of lidocaine administered

  • Depends on concentration (see conversion table below)

  • E.g. for 1% lidocaine: contains 10 mg of lidocaine per 1 mL

  • Max volume of 1% lidocaine that can be administered to a 10 kg patient  = 45 mg / 10mg/mL = 4.5 mL