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  1. Robert D. Ouellette, MD and
  2. Carol Bahde, RN
  1. From the Department of Anesthesiology, St. Vincent Hospital, Worcester, Massachusetts

Abstract

Plasma concentrations of lidocaine were measured over a period of 3 hours following endotracheal intubation of patients with tubes which were lubricated with lidocaine 5% (Xylocaine®) ointment (18 patients) or lidocaine 2% (Xylocaine® HCI) Jelly (16 patients). The average amount of ointment or jelly used on the tubes was 1.25 g (0.49-2.45 g). Peak blood levels were obtained within 5 to 15 minutes after intubation. The mean peak level was about 0.5 μg/ml for the ointment and below the accurately measurable level for the jelly. The highest peak plasma concentration of 0.9 μg/ml was obtained with the ointment in one patient within the first 5 minutes after intubation. Following use of the jelly, at no time did plasma concentration exceed 0.2 mcg/ml. With both preparations the levels of lidocaine were far below those producing systemic effects.

  • Plasma concentrations
  • Lidocaine
  • Xylocaine®
  • Ointment
  • Jelly
  • Endotracheal intubation

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