Lidocaine + Epinephrine is a combination medicine used in eye surgery to numb the area and reduce bleeding.
| Drug class | Local Anaesthetic |
|---|---|
| Type | Combination |
| Forms | Injection |
| Common strength | 2% + 1:100,000/200,000 |
| Common Indian brands | Xylocaine with Adrenaline |
| Prescription status | Prescription (hospital use) |
What Lidocaine + Epinephrine is used for
Lidocaine + Epinephrine is a medicine primarily used in ophthalmology for:
- Eyelid/adnexal surgery: This includes operations on the eyelids and surrounding structures of the eye.
It serves two main purposes during these procedures: providing anaesthesia (numbing the area) and achieving haemostasis (reducing bleeding).
How it works
This medicine is a combination of two active ingredients: Lidocaine and Epinephrine (also known as Adrenaline).
- Lidocaine: This is a local anaesthetic. It works by temporarily blocking nerve signals in the area where it is injected. This prevents pain sensations from reaching the brain, effectively numbing the surgical site so you don’t feel discomfort during the procedure.
- Epinephrine (Adrenaline): This is a vasoconstrictor. It causes the blood vessels in the area to narrow (constrict). This constriction helps to reduce blood flow to the surgical site, which in turn minimises bleeding during the operation. By reducing bleeding, it also helps the surgeon to have a clearer view and can potentially shorten recovery time.
Together, these two components work synergistically: Lidocaine provides effective pain relief, while Epinephrine helps to control bleeding, making the surgical procedure safer and more efficient.
How it’s used
Lidocaine + Epinephrine is an injection that is administered by a qualified ophthalmologist or surgeon in a hospital or clinic setting. It is not a medicine for self-use or home administration.
The medicine is given by a technique called ‘infiltration’ before the surgery begins. This means the doctor will carefully inject the solution directly into the tissues around the eyelid or adnexal area that will be operated on. This ensures that the anaesthetic and vasoconstrictor effects are concentrated precisely where they are needed for the procedure.
The dosage and exact location of the injection will be determined by your ophthalmologist based on the specific type and extent of the surgery you are undergoing, as well as your individual medical history.
Always follow your ophthalmologist’s exact instructions.
Brands available in India
- Xylocaine with Adrenaline
Brand availability and pricing vary; confirm with your pharmacist.
Good to know
Prescription eye medicine — use only as directed by a qualified ophthalmologist. This page is for general education and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or a prescription. Do not self-medicate or reuse an old prescription. This is given only by specialists in a hospital or clinic setting and is never for self-use.
Precautions & side effects
As with any medical procedure or medication, there are certain precautions and considerations when using Lidocaine + Epinephrine. Your ophthalmologist will carefully assess your health before administering this medicine.
- Avoid adrenaline near end-arteries: Epinephrine, also known as adrenaline, causes blood vessels to narrow. In areas with ‘end-arteries’ (arteries that are the only blood supply to a particular tissue), using adrenaline can significantly reduce blood flow and potentially harm the tissue. Your doctor is well aware of these anatomical considerations and will avoid such areas.
- Caution in cardiac disease: If you have any heart conditions (cardiac disease), it is very important to inform your ophthalmologist. Epinephrine can affect the heart and blood pressure, so your doctor will need to take extra caution and monitor you closely during and after the administration of this medicine.
Always provide your complete medical history, including any existing conditions, allergies, and medications you are currently taking, to your ophthalmologist before any procedure. This helps them to ensure your safety and choose the most appropriate treatment plan for you.
Understanding Eyelid and Adnexal Conditions
Our eyes are complex organs, and the structures surrounding them, such as the eyelids and adnexa (which include tear glands, ducts, and surrounding tissues), play a crucial role in protecting our vision and maintaining eye health. Conditions affecting these areas can range from minor irritations to more serious issues requiring surgical intervention. Common problems might include styes, chalazia (lumps in the eyelid), entropion (inward turning eyelid), ectropion (outward turning eyelid), ptosis (drooping eyelid), or even growths and tumours that need to be removed. These conditions can cause discomfort, affect vision, or be a cosmetic concern. When surgery is necessary for these eyelid or adnexal issues, medicines like Lidocaine + Epinephrine are vital to ensure a comfortable and safe procedure for the patient.
The goal of such surgeries is to restore normal function, improve vision, alleviate discomfort, or address cosmetic concerns. Your ophthalmologist will explain your specific condition and the recommended surgical approach in detail, ensuring you understand why the procedure is necessary and what to expect.
General Advice for Eye Medicine and Hygiene
While Lidocaine + Epinephrine is administered by a specialist in a hospital setting and not for home use, maintaining good eye hygiene and understanding general principles of eye care are always important, especially when recovering from any eye procedure. Always follow any post-operative instructions given by your doctor meticulously. This includes taking any prescribed oral medications, using eye drops or ointments as directed, and attending follow-up appointments.
General eye hygiene tips include:
- Hand Hygiene: Always wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water before touching your eyes or applying any eye medication.
- Avoid Touching Eyes: Try to avoid rubbing or touching your eyes, especially during recovery, to prevent infection or irritation.
- Cleanliness: Keep any dressings or bandages clean and dry as instructed by your doctor.
- Follow Instructions: If you are given any eye drops or ointments for home use after your surgery, ensure you understand how to apply them correctly. Tilt your head back, pull down your lower eyelid to form a pocket, and gently squeeze the prescribed number of drops or a small ribbon of ointment into the pocket. Close your eye gently for a minute or two to allow the medicine to spread. Avoid touching the tip of the dropper or tube to your eye or any other surface to prevent contamination.
- Storage: Store all medicines as instructed, usually in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and out of reach of children. Do not use expired medications.
When to Seek Medical Help
After any eye procedure, it is crucial to be aware of signs that might indicate a complication or require immediate medical attention. While your doctor will provide specific post-operative instructions, generally, you should contact your ophthalmologist or seek emergency medical care if you experience any of the following:
- Sudden, severe, or worsening eye pain that is not relieved by prescribed pain medication.
- Significant decrease in vision or sudden changes in your vision.
- New or worsening redness, swelling, or discharge from the eye or around the surgical site.
- Fever or chills.
- Any unusual bleeding from the surgical site.
- Any other symptoms that concern you or were not explained as normal post-operative effects.
Remember, your ophthalmologist and the medical team at Pristine Eye Hospitals are there to support you throughout your treatment journey. Do not hesitate to reach out if you have any concerns or questions. Your health and vision are our priority.
Frequently asked questions
What is Lidocaine + Epinephrine used for?
Lidocaine + Epinephrine is an injection used in eye surgery, specifically for procedures on the eyelids and surrounding eye structures (adnexal surgery). It helps to numb the area (anaesthesia) and reduce bleeding (haemostasis) during the operation.
How does Lidocaine + Epinephrine work?
This medicine combines Lidocaine, which is a local anaesthetic that blocks pain signals, with Epinephrine (Adrenaline), which is a vasoconstrictor that narrows blood vessels to reduce bleeding at the surgical site. Together, they provide both pain relief and blood control during surgery.
What are the common Indian brands for Lidocaine + Epinephrine?
In India, a common brand for this combination medicine is Xylocaine with Adrenaline.
How is Lidocaine + Epinephrine administered?
Lidocaine + Epinephrine is given as an injection by a qualified ophthalmologist or surgeon. It is infiltrated (injected directly) into the tissues around the surgical area before the procedure begins. It is strictly for hospital or clinic use and never for self-administration.
Do I need a prescription for Lidocaine + Epinephrine?
Yes, Lidocaine + Epinephrine is a prescription medicine and is only administered by specialists in a hospital or clinic setting. It is not available for purchase for self-use.
What precautions should be taken with Lidocaine + Epinephrine?
Key precautions include avoiding adrenaline near end-arteries (blood vessels that are the sole supply to a tissue) and using it with caution in patients with cardiac (heart) disease. Always inform your doctor about your complete medical history and any existing conditions.
References
- Safety, efficacy, and patient acceptability of lidocaine hydrochloride ophthalmic gel as a topical ocular anesthetic for use in ophthalmic procedures – PMC
- Eye health – MedlinePlus (US National Library of Medicine)
- Eye health information – American Academy of Ophthalmology
- Learn about eye health – National Eye Institute (NIH)
- Blindness and vision impairment – World Health Organization
Medically reviewed by Dr. C Jagadesh Reddy, Chief Surgeon: Cornea, Cataract and Refractive Surgery — last reviewed 2026-07-28.
This page is for general education only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Never self-medicate or reuse an old prescription. Always consult a qualified ophthalmologist before starting, changing or stopping any eye medicine.