Definition

Noun: A synthetic compound used medically as a local anesthetic. It works by blocking nerve signals in a specific area of the body, temporarily numbing the skin or mucous membranes to prevent pain during procedures.

Usage

Lidocaine is used as a non-count noun (uncountable) to refer to the anesthetic substance itself. It is typically administered via injection, cream, gel, spray, or patch. - The dentist applied lidocaine before filling the cavity. - Lidocaine is effective for minor surgical procedures.

Examples

• The doctor prescribed a patch for the patient's back pain.
• A small amount of was injected to numb the area for the biopsy.
• Topical can relieve the discomfort of sunburn.

Advanced Usage

• Medical Context: In professional medical terminology, is also classified as an antiarrhythmic drug when administered intravenously to treat certain heart rhythm disorders.
  • The emergency protocol included intravenous lidocaine to stabilize the patient's heartbeat.

Variants and Related Words

• Lidocaine hydrochloride: The salt form commonly used in pharmaceutical preparations.
  • The solution contained lidocaine hydrochloride.

Synonyms

• Local anesthetic: The general category of drugs to which lidocaine belongs.
• Xylocaine: A major brand name for lidocaine preparations.

Noun

1. a local anesthetic (trade names Lidocaine and Xylocaine) used topically on the skin and mucous membranes