What does lidocaine mean?
Lidocaine is a synthetic local anesthetic used to numb a small area of tissue, commonly before painful medical, dental, or minor surgical procedures. It may be administered by injection, applied as a cream, gel, or patch, or given intravenously for specific heart-rhythm disorders. The word is especially familiar to many English speakers because dentists and clinicians routinely use it to reduce discomfort during treatment. Although lidocaine can be highly effective, its use by trained professionals is important because excessive dosing or improper application can cause potentially serious adverse effects. In British English, the same substance is often called lignocaine. Lidocaine is therefore useful both as a precise pharmacological term and as a familiar reminder of a medicine widely used in routine healthcare.
nounLidocaine is a synthetic local anesthetic that temporarily numbs tissue and reduces pain signals. It is also used medically to treat certain abnormal heart rhythms.
- A local anesthetic used to numb tissue and reduce pain during medical or dental procedures.
- A medication used intravenously to treat certain abnormal heart rhythms.
"The dentist applied lidocaine before removing the tooth."
"A topical lidocaine cream can relieve minor localized pain."
"The hospital administered intravenous lidocaine to treat the patient's abnormal heart rhythm."
Rarely used; lidocaine is normally referred to in the singular when naming the drug or its substance.
"The formulations contain different concentrations of lidocaines for topical use."
Lidocaine helped transform minor medical procedures by making previously painful moments briefly numb.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does lidocaine come from?
The name lidocaine was coined in the 20th century for this synthetic local anesthetic, combining the element "lid-" with the suffix "-caine," a term used for several local anesthetics and ultimately associated with cocaine. British pharmaceutical usage also employs the name lignocaine for the same compound, while lidocaine is the customary form in American English.
How lidocaine is actually used
Lidocaine is primarily used in medical and pharmaceutical contexts. In British English, lignocaine remains a common name, especially in clinical and pharmaceutical usage.
Easily confused with lidocaine
Lignocaine and lidocaine are names for the same drug; lignocaine is the form traditionally used in British English, while lidocaine is common in US English.