What is the maximum recommended dose of lidocaine 2% with epinephrine for a 70 kg patient?

To determine the maximum recommended dose of lidocaine 2% with epinephrine for a 70 kg patient, it is important to consider the safety guidelines for the use of lidocaine, particularly when combined with epinephrine.

Lidocaine's maximum allowable dose is typically 5 mg/kg when used without epinephrine, and this can be increased when epinephrine is present to about 7 mg/kg due to the vasoconstrictive effects of epinephrine, which prolong the duration of action and reduce systemic absorption. Thus, for a 70 kg patient, the calculation for the maximum dose would be:

7 mg/kg x 70 kg = 490 mg.

This calculation aligns with standard clinical practices and safety profiles, indicating that the maximum recommended dose for a 70 kg patient receiving lidocaine 2% with epinephrine is indeed 490 mg. This information is crucial as it helps ensure patient safety by minimizing the risk of systemic toxicity while allowing for effective local anesthesia.