Review of the Analgesic, Prokinetic, and Anti-Inflammatory Uses of IV Lidocaine

Intravenous lidocaine has potential uses for adjunctive treatment of pain, ileus, and endotoxemia in horses. Although human clinical literature and experimental studies suggest that lidocaine may be effective for these conditions, the equine literature is limited and conflicting. A review of the mechanisms of action, pharmacokinetic studies, and clinical uses of lidocaine in horses is presented. Author’s address: The Ohio State University, Veterinary Teaching Hospital, 601 Vernon Tharp Street, Columbus, OH 43210; e-mail: [email protected]. © 2007 AAEP.