If injected intravenously, it may cause cerebral effects such as confusion, changes in vision, numbness, tingling, and vomiting. It is often used mixed with a small amount of adrenaline (epinephrine) to prolong its local effects and to decrease bleeding. Lidocaine mixtures may also be applied directly to the skin or mucous membranes to numb the area. When used for local anaesthesia or in nerve blocks, lidocaine typically begins working within several minutes and lasts for half an hour to three hours. It is also used to treat ventricular tachycardia. Lidocaine, also known as lignocaine and sold under the brand name Xylocaine among others, is a local anesthetic of the amino amide type.
