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Pregnancy: Although animal studies have revealed no evidence of harm to the foetus, lidocaine should not be administered during early pregnancy unless the benefits are considered to outweigh the risks. Lidocaine readily crosses the placental barrier after epidural or intravenous administration to the mother. The foetus appears to be capable of metabolising lidocaine at term. Elevated lidocaine levels may persist in the newborn for at least 48 hours after delivery. Foetal bradycardia or tachycardia, neonatal bradycardia, hypotonia or respiratory depression may occur.
Breast-feeding: Small amounts of lidocaine are secreted into breast milk and the possibility of an allergic reaction in the infant, albeit remote, should be borne in mind when using lidocaine in nursing mothers.
