Intravenous Lidocaine for Relief of Chronic Neuropathic Pain.

The purpose of this study was to describe the therapeutic effectiveness/pain relief of moderate-dose lidocaine infusions in patients with chronic neuropathic pain. Retrospective reviews of medical records were conducted for 40 patients referred to a midwestern pain clinic for management of intractable neuropathic pain despite use of multiple medications and treatment modalities. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize patients' demographic data, lidocaine dosing and infusion rate, daily opioid intake, adjuvant medication use, and medication allergies and intolerances.

Intravenous Lidocaine for Chronic Neuropathic Pain A Systematic Review Addressing Nursing Care.

Background: The intravenous administration of lidocaine for patients with chronic neuropathic pain is well documented in the literature. However, little is known about the role of the nurse caring for patients receiving the infusion.

Aim: The purpose of this systematic review was to examine and describe common side effects associated with the intravenous administration of lidocaine to patients with chronic neuropathic pain and outline nursing care described in an effort to develop evidence-based protocols for care.