Prophylactic lidocaine use preintubation: a review

Abstract

This article is a review of the use of prophylactic lidocaine as a preintubation medication. Intubation is associated with a cardiovascular response of elevated blood pressure and pulse, cough reflexes, occasional dysrhythmias, increased intracranial pressure, and increased intraocular pressure. In patients with atherosclerotic heart disease, potential intracranial lesions, and potential penetrating eye injuries, these responses to intubation are of greater risk. Various studies have reviewed the effect of lidocaine to blunt these responses. It is agreed that lidocaine blunts cough reflexes and dysrhythmias. Some studies note a response of lidocaine in blunting rises in pulse, blood pressure, intracranial and intraocular pressure. No studies document any harmful effects of prophylactic lidocaine given preintubation. A dose of prophylactic lidocaine of 1.5 mg/kg given intravenously 3 minutes before intubation is optimal. For suctioning of intubated patients, lidocaine can be given endotracheally in a 5-6 mg/kg dose diluted in 6 cc via simple administration at the entrance to the endotracheal tube.