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Toxicity--seizures in an infant caused by (or related to) oral viscous lidocaine use
1Department of Surgery, University of Florida Health Science Center-Jacksonville 32209.
Insights
Oral viscous lidocaine toxicity can cause seizures in infants. This case highlights the need for greater awareness among healthcare providers regarding the risks of topical lidocaine in pediatric patients.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Medicine
- Clinical Toxicology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Topical lidocaine is frequently used for symptomatic relief in infants.
- Awareness of potential toxicity, particularly with oral viscous formulations, remains suboptimal among practitioners.
- Adverse events associated with lidocaine use in children necessitate careful consideration of dosing and administration.
Observation:
- A 5-month-old infant presented with seizures.
- The seizures were directly linked to toxicity from orally administered viscous lidocaine.
- This case underscores a known but under-recognized complication of topical lidocaine in pediatrics.
Findings:
- Oral viscous lidocaine can lead to severe central nervous system toxicity, including seizures, in infants.
- Despite existing literature, many clinicians lack awareness of these risks.
- The study discusses complications and provides recommendations for safe pediatric use.
Implications:
- Enhanced practitioner education on safe lidocaine use in pediatric populations is crucial.
- Revised guidelines or warnings regarding oral viscous lidocaine in infants may be warranted.
- Minimizing risks requires vigilant monitoring and adherence to appropriate usage protocols for pediatric patients.
Abstract:
A 5-month-old infant with seizures secondary to oral viscous lidocaine toxicity is described. Despite prior reports of this complication in the literature, many practitioners are unaware of the potential adverse effects of topical lidocaine usage in the pediatric patient. Complications of topical lidocaine use and recommendations regarding its use in the pediatric patient are discussed.