Lidocaine maintenance infusion is run at which rate?

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Multiple Choice

Lidocaine maintenance infusion is run at which rate?

After giving a loading bolus to quickly reach effective levels, the goal is to keep lidocaine circulating at a rate that maintains those levels without causing toxicity. The maintenance infusion is typically set at a moderate pace so you stay in the therapeutic window. In adults, this usually means 1–4 mg per minute. Rates lower than this may not sustain the antiarrhythmic effect, while rates higher than this raise the risk of toxicity, which can show up as dizziness, perioral numbness, tinnitus, confusion, seizures, bradycardia, or hypotension. Dosing may be adjusted for liver disease, the elderly, or when signs of toxicity appear, but staying within 1–4 mg/min provides the needed balance between ongoing efficacy and safety.

After giving a loading bolus to quickly reach effective levels, the goal is to keep lidocaine circulating at a rate that maintains those levels without causing toxicity. The maintenance infusion is typically set at a moderate pace so you stay in the therapeutic window. In adults, this usually means 1–4 mg per minute. Rates lower than this may not sustain the antiarrhythmic effect, while rates higher than this raise the risk of toxicity, which can show up as dizziness, perioral numbness, tinnitus, confusion, seizures, bradycardia, or hypotension. Dosing may be adjusted for liver disease, the elderly, or when signs of toxicity appear, but staying within 1–4 mg/min provides the needed balance between ongoing efficacy and safety.

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