[Effect of lidocaine on thrombocytic hemostasis]

New antiaggregative and antianginal effects of an oral antiarrhythmic drug, lidocaine, are reported. Platelet hemostasis was investigated in 55 patients, with platelet function and morphology examined prior to and seven days after the onset of the lidocaine treatment. A significant decrease was noted in platelet aggregation with the dose of 2.5 (2.3-2.7) mg lidocaine per 1 kg of body weight taken four times daily at least. As the dosage increased, the drug antiaggregative properties were enhanced accordingly. Large doses, however, were associated with side-effects. The reported dose produced a nearly two-fold reduction in platelet aggregation rate, and anginal attacks were arrested in 80% of the patients, whereas platelet morphology was not affected.