Recent media reports highlighted another tragic case of incorrect lignocaine dosing for local anaesthesia resulting in the death of a teenage boy. We covered this topic in January 2024, but have decide to repeat it this month:

In an effort to avoid iatrogenic errors, the attached National Department of Health circular highlights the importance of correct dosing by weight (mg/kg) for children requiring local anaesthesia with lignocaine (lidocaine) for suturing.

Overdosing can cause severe systemic effects including cardiac arrest. The risk of errors may be exacerbated by the availability of a 2%, 20 mL vial and it is suggested that these vials should not be used for suturing doses if possible.

Access the circular here.