IV Lidocaine Lowers Propofol EC50 for Loss of Consciousness

This dose-finding trial quantifies lidocaine's hypnotic-sparing effect at induction, showing a reduction in the propofol effect-site concentration required for loss of consciousness before any surgical stimulation.

📅 Journal publication: Sep 8, 2026 · Last updated: Oct 13, 2026

lidocainepropofolremifentaniltotal intravenous anesthesiaEC50loss of consciousnesssurgical pleth indexgynecological laparoscopyanesthetic-sparingrandomized controlled trialDixon up-and-down Perioperative / Anesthesia

Background Information

Lidocaine may reduce anesthetic needs in gynecological surgery.

Optimizing anesthetic drug use can reduce side effects and enhance recovery in surgical procedures. Intravenous lidocaine decreased the propofol median effective concentration (EC50) from 3.89 to 3.32 μg/mL and reduced propofol and remifentanil usage during anesthesia. These results suggest intravenous lidocaine may have anesthetic-sparing effects in gynecological laparoscopy. Further research is needed to confirm in larger trials. Intravenous lidocaine reduces anesthetic requirement, potentially enhancing safety in gynecological surgery.

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