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

When the lidocaine was injected into her cervix, Leah Wells said it felt like fuzzy lightning traveling up her body.

From Slate • Sep. 7, 2025

In the new update, “CDC retained both of those recommendations and added a new recommendation that topical lidocaine might also be useful for reducing patient pain.”

From Salon • Aug. 14, 2024

“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

Topical anesthetics like lidocaine creams or cold sprays can be applied to the skin at the injection site before the shot to reduce pain, said Dr. Diana Bottari, a pain specialist with Advocate Aurora Health.

From Seattle Times • Oct. 25, 2021