Is Lidocaine Harmful to the Liver?

Question

I have been told I am a good candidate for fractional co2. My only reservation is I have read that topical lidocaine is still absorbed into the blood stream and metabolized by the liver. I was diagnosed with hepatitis c three years ago, but have remained symptom free and have a normal liver count. Before I make the appointment I would just like to know if this already excludes me from the procedure? Thank you very much. Any information would be greatly appreciated.

Larry S. Nichter, MD, MS, FACS · Answer

Check with you Hepatitis doctor for the final opinion but there are ways to minimize the amount of lidocaine injected: such as nerve blocks which inject small amounts then use topical lidocaine only on those areas not numbed. The other suggestion is to mix it with Bupivacaine (marcaine) which has a different metabolic pathway. I do not think you will have a problem using these techniques

F. Victor Rueckl, MD (in memoriam) · Answer

Anything you put into your body is technically absorbed and processed in the liver. However, lidocaine used in a procedure like this is minimal, and will have zero affect on your liver long-term, even if you have Hep C.

Is Lidocaine Harmful to the Liver?

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Is Lidocaine Harmful to the Liver?

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