Indication of Xylocard:
- This drug is used in the treatment or prophylaxis (prevention) of life threatening ventricular arrhythmias (abnormal heart rhythms) associated with myocardial infarction (heart attack), general anaesthesia in susceptible patients, digitalis (drug induced) toxicity or following resuscitation after cardiac arrest
Action of Xylocard:
- Lignocaine is a membrane stabilising agent, local anaesthetic and antiarrhythmic agent- It depresses the slow spontaneous depolarization of Purkinje fibres (electrical pathways in the heart), shortens the action potential period (electrical conduction) and refractory period of Purkinje and ventricular cells and depresses membrane responsiveness (hence cardiac conduction velocity) in Purkinje fibres and the ventricular myocardium
Dose Advice of Xylocard:
Arrhythmias: - Dosing should be individualized- Therapeutic serum concentration range is from 5-20micromol/L- Treatment for ventricular arrhythmias begins with an intravenous injection followed by an intravenous infusionPreinfusion: - Intravenous injection should be given initially to obtain therapeutic blood levels rapidly at a dose of 1mg/kg bodyweight. Infusion: - A drip rate of 2-4mg/min is recommended- Infusion duration is normally 2 or more days (at least 24 hours after the last signs of ventricular arrhythmia is evident)
Schedule of Xylocard:
S4
Common side effects of Xylocard:
- lightheadedness- nervousness- euphoria- confusion- dizziness- drowsiness- disorientation- visual disturbances- vomiting- tremors
Uncommon side effects of Xylocard:
- tremors- convulsions- psychosis- difficulty swallowing- slurred speech- slow heart rate- low blood pressure- allergic reactions
