Lidocaine HCl Injection (1% and 2%)

Lidocaine HCl is available in 1% (10mg/mL) and 2% (20mg/mL) for fast-acting, localized procedural anesthesia in vein care, dermatology, and minor surgery. Available as a compounded alternative during commercial drug shortage.

Lidocaine HCl Injection: Local Anesthetic in 1% and 2% Concentrations

Lidocaine hydrochloride is the most widely used local anesthetic in clinical practice. It blocks voltage-gated sodium channels in nerve membranes, preventing pain signal transmission in the targeted area without affecting patient alertness or orientation. Available in two concentrations to match the procedural need — 1% for standard vein care and dermatological applications, 2% for larger areas or longer procedures.

Both concentrations are also available as compounded alternatives during periods of commercial drug shortage, when commercially manufactured Lidocaine 1% and 2% have had recurring supply disruptions.

Formula

Specification1%2%
Active ingredientLidocaine HClLidocaine HCl
Concentration1% (10 mg/mL)2% (20 mg/mL)
RouteIM, IV, or SQIM, IV, or SQ
StorageRoom temperature; protect from lightRoom temperature; protect from light

1% vs. 2%: How to Choose

Choose 1% (10mg/mL) for most vein care, dermatological, and superficial procedures — the standard concentration for office-based procedural settings. Most commonly used in sclerotherapy, skin biopsies, and minor aesthetic interventions.

Choose 2% (20mg/mL) when higher concentration is needed for larger treatment areas, deeper tissue infiltration, or procedures requiring a longer anesthetic window. Also the standard concentration for dental-adjacent procedures.

Why Clinics Choose Lidocaine HCl

Rapid onset: Local anesthesia typically within 1–2 minutes of injection — practical for office-based procedures with efficient patient throughput.

Localized effect: Patients remain fully alert and oriented. Effect is confined to the targeted tissue only.

Sclerotherapy buffering: When mixed with Sodium Bicarbonate 8.4% at a 9:1 ratio, Lidocaine’s pH is raised toward physiological levels — significantly reducing the injection burning sensation during sclerotherapy and improving patient tolerability.

Drug shortage coverage: Both concentrations have experienced commercial supply disruptions. Compounded Lidocaine provides consistent access when commercially manufactured product is limited or unavailable.

Clinical Applications

  • Vein care and sclerotherapy: Local anesthesia at treatment sites and as the base for Sodium Bicarbonate buffering
  • Dermatology: Skin biopsies, excisions, mole removals, cyst removals, laser procedures
  • Aesthetic medicine: Filler preparation, cannula procedures, minor surgical interventions
  • Minor surgery: Office-based procedures requiring localized pain control

Who It’s For

  • Vein care specialists and phlebologists needing local anesthetic alongside their sclerosant supply
  • Dermatologists and plastic surgeons performing office-based procedures
  • Aesthetic medicine providers requiring consistent local anesthetic access

Pairs Well With

Sodium Bicarbonate 8.4% Injection — The standard buffering partner. Mix at 9:1 (9 parts Lidocaine to 1 part Sodium Bicarbonate) to significantly reduce injection burning and improve patient comfort during sclerotherapy.

Polidocanol 2% Injection — Lidocaine provides local anesthesia at treatment sites before or during Polidocanol sclerotherapy for larger or more sensitive treatment areas.

Glycerin 72% Injection — For fine spider vein treatment where additional patient comfort support at the injection site is desired alongside the sclerosant.

Precautions

Contraindications:

  • Known allergy or hypersensitivity to Lidocaine, other amide-type anesthetics (bupivacaine, prilocaine), or any components of the formulation
  • History of methemoglobinemia

Medical history requiring provider review:

  • Heart disease or cardiac arrhythmia
  • Liver disease — Lidocaine is hepatically metabolized; impaired clearance increases toxicity risk
  • Kidney disease
  • Active cuts, sores, or bleeding at the planned injection site

Signs of Lidocaine toxicity — seek immediate attention:

  • Seizures
  • Slow, shallow, or irregular breathing
  • Fast or irregular heartbeat
  • Extreme dizziness or fainting
  • Confusion or nervousness
  • Pale, bluish, or grey skin
  • Double or blurred vision
  • Ringing in the ears

Monitor patients during and after administration. Lidocaine toxicity is dose-related — do not exceed recommended doses for the procedure type and patient weight.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding: consult clinical specialists before use.

As a compounded Rx product, Lidocaine HCl Injection has not been evaluated by the FDA for safety, efficacy, or quality. Administer only under the supervision of a licensed healthcare provider.

FAQs

Is a prescription required to order Lidocaine HCl Injection?
Yes. Available exclusively to licensed healthcare providers and medical practices.

What concentrations are available?
1% (10mg/mL) for standard vein care and dermatological procedures, and 2% (20mg/mL) for larger areas or longer procedures requiring a higher concentration.

Why is compounded Lidocaine available?
Both concentrations have experienced commercial drug shortages. Compounded Lidocaine provides consistent access when commercially manufactured product is unavailable or in limited supply.

What is the standard buffering ratio with Sodium Bicarbonate?
9 parts Lidocaine to 1 part Sodium Bicarbonate 8.4%. This raises pH toward physiological levels, significantly reducing injection burning and improving patient comfort during procedures.

This is a compounded medication. Compounded drugs are not FDA-approved and have not been evaluated by the FDA for safety, efficacy, or quality. This product is available by prescription only and is intended for use by or on the order of a licensed healthcare provider.

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