Xylocaine 2% Plain Injection Use In Pregnancy & Lactation

MDV: Adequate data from treatment of pregnant women is unavailable.
Lidocaine passes the placenta. It is reasonable to assume that a large number of pregnant women and women of child-bearing age have been given lidocaine. No specific disturbances to the reproductive process have so far been reported, e.g., no increased incidence of malformations, or direct or indirect effect on the foetus. However, the risks for human are not completely investigated.
At temporary use during pregnancy and labour, the benefit is judged to overweigh the possible risks.
Paracervical blockade or pudendal blockade with lidocaine increases the risk for reactions of the foetus, such as bradycardia/tachycardia. Therefore, the heart rate of the foetus must be carefully monitored. See also Pharmacology: Pharmacokinetics under Actions.
Lactation: Lidocaine is excreted into breastmilk in small amounts.
The use of Xylocaine at recommended doses is unlikely to affect the neonate. Breastfeeding can therefore be continued during use of Xylocaine.
Polyamp: Use in Pregnancy - Category A: The safe use of lignocaine during pregnancy has not been established. Although lignocaine has been used extensively for surgical procedures during pregnancy with no reports of ill effects to mother or fetus, there are no adequate or well-controlled studies in pregnant women of the effect of lignocaine on the developing foetus.
Lignocaine has been effectively used for obstetrical analgesia and adverse effects on the course of labour or delivery are rare. After epidural administration of lignocaine to women in labour, lignocaine crosses the placental barrier. However, concentrations in umbilical veins are lower than those found in the maternal circulation. It has been suggested that blood glucose levels should be checked in newborns after obstetric regional anaesthesia.
Use during Lactation: Lignocaine passes into breast milk. The amount of lignocaine appearing in breast milk from a nursing mother receiving parenteral lignocaine is unlikely to lead to a significant accumulation of the parent drug in the breast-fed infant. The remote possibility of an idiosyncratic or allergic reaction in the breast-fed infant from lignocaine remains to be determined.