Adult dose and durationPlain lidocaine 0.5% or 1% infiltrated around the digital nerves - the label's range for percutaneous infiltration is 1 to 60 mL and 5 to 300 mg in total, and a digit needs only the low end. Never exceed 4.5 mg/kg or 300 mg. - Single block; do not repeat within 2 hours
Paediatric doseUse a solution weaker than 2% so the volume can be larger, and keep the total below 5 mg/kg and below the adult ceiling of 300 mg per dose; do not repeat within 2 hours.
Dose sourceLidocaine Hydrochloride Injection DailyMed label, SetID 01679d29-a592-8cbb-e063-6394a90ad82a, Dosage and Administration Table 1 - verbatim: "Infiltration Percutaneous 0.5 or 1.0 1−60 5−300"
WhyA finger dislocation is reduced in the clinic, and the article makes a digital block a precondition of even attempting it; without it there is a procedure and no anaesthetic.
Cautions- Use a plain preparation. Do not use lidocaine premixed with adrenaline for a finger block.
- Aspirate before injecting and inject slowly - accidental intravascular injection causes the tingling lips, ringing ears, confusion and fits of local anaesthetic toxicity.
- Work out the ceiling for the patient's weight before drawing up, and stay well under it: 4.5 mg/kg and never more than 300 mg without adrenaline.
- Check and record the sensation and capillary refill of the finger before and after the block, and X-ray after reduction.
- Lower the dose in the elderly, the debilitated, and in heart or liver disease.