Management of severe local anaesthetic toxicity | Association of Anaesthetists

Management of severe local anaesthetic toxicity


The Association's 2010 laminate for management of LA toxicity has been withdrawn.

Since 2010, there have been some subtle changes to the recommended management of LA toxicity. Additionally, during that time, the Association has published its Quick Reference Handbook, which includes the most up to date treatment regime. The QRH version has therefore become the reference version.

Therefore, we now recommend that the relevant page (3-10) from the latest version of the Association's Quick Reference Handbook should be kept in the LA toxicity treatment box along with relevant drugs and equipment. The 2010 version should no longer be used.

If further information is required about LA toxicity and its treatment, we recommend this recent review of the topic.

Summary 

These guidelines cover the management of severe local anaesthetic toxicity.  

They cover but are not limited to: 

  • Signs of severe toxicity 
  • Immediate management of a patient with severe local anaesthetic toxicity 
  • Treatment  
  • Follow up