lidocaine

American  

[lahy-duh-keyn] / ˈlaɪ dəˌkeɪn /

noun

Pharmacology.

1. a synthetic crystalline powder, C 14 H 22 N 2 O, used as a local anesthetic and also in the management of certain arrhythmias.

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lidocaine British  

/ ˈlaɪdəˌkeɪn /

noun

1. Also called: lignocaine.  a powerful local anaesthetic administered by injection, or topically to mucous membranes. Formula: C 14 H 22 N 2 O.HCl.H 2 O

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lidocaine Scientific  

/ lī′də-kān′ /

1. A synthetic amide, C ₁₄ H ₂₂ N ₂ O, used chiefly in the form of its hydrochloride as a local anesthetic.

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Etymology

Origin of lidocaine

(acetani)lid(e) + -o- + -caine, extracted from cocaine (to designate an anesthetic)

Example Sentences

My scalp was a little bloody, but thanks to a few pokes of lidocaine, the injections were relatively painless.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 9, 2025

Because applying lidocaine takes extra time, Krajweski says some gynecologists look at her sideways for using it for IUDs, as well as endometrial biopsies.

From Slate • Sep. 7, 2025

According to the guidelines, the topical anesthetic lidocaine “might be useful for reducing patient pain” when injected as a local anesthetic or applied topically as a numbing gel, cream or spray.

From Salon • Aug. 14, 2024

Doctors might also offer a topical lidocaine gel or spray, but the evidence on its effectiveness is mixed, Goldstein said.

From Seattle Times • Dec. 14, 2023

“The local anesthesia we use is usually lidocaine, which doesn’t disrupt the mental abilities of our patients, so they are able to drive themselves home,” he said in an email.

From New York Times • Mar. 25, 2023