Maximum LA Calc

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© Dr Ian Sidwell 2014-16
Drug Strength
(%)
Conc
(mg/ml)
Toxic Dose
(mg/kg)
Toxic Dose
(mg)
Max Dose
(ml)
Lidocaine 1% 10 mg/ml 3 mg/kg 210 mg 21 ml
2% 20 mg/ml 11 ml
Lidocaine with adrenaline 1% 10 mg/ml 6 mg/kg 420 mg 42 ml
2% 20 mg/ml 21 ml
 
Bupivacaine 0.25% 25 mg/ml 2 mg/kg 140 mg 56 ml
0.5% 50 mg/ml 28 ml
Bupivacaine with adrenaline 0.25% 25 mg/ml 2.5 mg/kg 175 mg 70 ml
0.5% 50 mg/ml 35 ml
 
Ropivacaine 0.2% 2 mg/ml 3 mg/kg 210 mg 105 ml
0.75% 7.5 mg/ml 28 ml
Ropivacaine with Adrenaline 0.2% 2 mg/ml 4 mg/kg 280 mg 140 ml
0.75% 7.5 mg/ml 37 ml
 
Prilocaine 1% 10 mg/ml 6 mg/kg 420 mg 42 ml
2% 20 mg/ml 21 ml
Prilocaine with adrenaline 1% 10 mg/ml 8 mg/kg 560 mg 56 ml
2% 20 mg/ml 28 ml
Intravenous Intralipid 20% rescue
Initial Dose of Intravenous Intralipid 20% 1.5 ml/kg 105 ml
Given over 1 minute. Can be repeated twice (5 minute interval).
Infusion rate
15 ml/kg/hr 1050 ml/h
Can be doubled to 2050 ml/h if cardiovascular stability has not been restored or an adequate circulation deteriorates.
Max dose 12 ml/kg 840 ml
Continue infusion until stable and adequate circulation restored or maximum dose given.

These are a guide - it depends where the LA is put. There is also variation in maximal doses depending on what one reads.

  • Source of figures:
  • "A nomogram for calculating the maximum dose of local anaesthetic, DJ Williams & JD Walker, Anaesthesia 12 May 2014".
  • AAGBI Safety Guidelines - "Management of Severe Local Anaesthetic Toxicity (2010)" (http://www.aagbi.org/sites/default/files/la_toxicity_2010_0.pdf)

Ian Sidwell. July 2016