Asystole following a conventional therapeutic dose of lidocaine

Lidocaine is one of the most frequently used drugs to suppress ventricular arrhythmias; however, it has caused sinus arrest when given in excess or along with other antiarrhythmics (quinidine, phenytoin, amiodorane). A case of asystole after a conventional dose of lidocaine and resuscitation following discontinuance is reported. Although such complications are rare, the widespread utilization of this drug requires emergency physicians to recognize the potential for this problem.