Near tripling in US reported lidocaine local anesthetic poisonings/deaths over past decade, analysis reveals

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July 21, 2025, 10:30 PM

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An analysis of the National Poison Data System (NPDS) reports reveals that poisonings and deaths linked to the use of the local anesthetic lidocaine have nearly tripled in the US over the past decade. This increase contrasts with the overall fall in reported poisonings and deaths from other types of local anesthetics. The study highlights the need for enhanced administrative guidance on lidocaine use, greater awareness of the risks of high doses, and improved strategies for preventing and managing severe lidocaine-induced toxicity. Researchers also acknowledge limitations to their findings, suggesting that changes in reported poisonings and deaths may not reflect actual incidence due to the absence of population-level exposure data.

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