Journal Published Online: 01 October 1984
Volume 29, Issue 4

Tissue Distribution of Lidocaine After Fatal Accidental Injection

CODEN: JFSCAS

Abstract

The accidental death of a 64-year-old heart patient as a result of the injection of an incorrect dose of lidocaine is presented. The attending nurse inadvertently administered an intravenous bolus of 10 mL of 20% lidocaine (2 g). The patient should have received 5 mL of 2% lidocaine (0.1 g). Such iatrogenic overdoses of lidocaine arise from confusion between prepackaged dosage forms. Lidocaine concentrations (mg/L or mg/kg were: blood, 30; brain, 135; heart, 106; kidney, 204; lung, 89; spleen, 115; skeletal muscle, 20; and adipose, 1.3. The results indicate that even during cardiopulmonary resuscitation as much as 38% of the administered dose of lidocaine may be found in poorly perfused tissue such as skeletal muscle and adipose.

Author Information

Poklis, A
St. Louis University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO
Mackell, MA
St. Louis University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO
Tucker, EF
St. Louis University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO
Pages: 8
Price: $25.00
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Stock #: JFS11794J
ISSN: 0022-1198
DOI: 10.1520/JFS11794J