lidocaine hydrochloride + methylprednisolone at a glance
Medicine class
Local corticosteroid plus amide local anaesthetic
Usual role
Relieves inflammation and symptoms in selected joints and nearby soft tissues; it does not cure the underlying condition.
Administration
Injected by a trained healthcare professional into or around a joint, into a bursa or into a tendon sheath.
After treatment
Avoid overusing the treated joint and follow the clinician’s activity advice.
What is lidocaine hydrochloride + methylprednisolone used for?
Licensed local uses include inflammatory conditions where both a glucocorticoid and local anaesthetic effect are considered useful.
Injection into a joint for rheumatoid arthritis or osteoarthritis with an inflammatory component.
Injection around a joint for epicondylitis.
Injection into a bursa for subacromial, prepatellar or olecranon bursitis.
Injection into a tendon sheath for tendinitis, tenosynovitis or epicondylitis.
How does lidocaine hydrochloride + methylprednisolone work?
Methylprednisolone acetate suppresses inflammatory and immune signalling, reducing swelling and related symptoms. Lidocaine temporarily blocks nearby nerve conduction, producing local numbness. The injection improves symptoms but does not remove the underlying cause.
How to take lidocaine hydrochloride + methylprednisolone
A trained healthcare professional must administer this suspension using sterile technique. It may be injected into or around a joint, into a bursa or into a tendon sheath. It must not be injected intravenously, intramuscularly or intrathecally.
Tell the clinician about infections, allergies, pregnancy, breastfeeding, diabetes and all medicines before treatment.
The Achilles tendon must not be injected.
Do not overuse the treated joint after symptom relief.
Do not drive or operate machinery until numbness and any impairment of movement or coordination have fully resolved.
lidocaine hydrochloride + methylprednisolone side effects
Common or expected effects
- Temporary pain flare or injection-site discomfort
- Facial flushing
- Bruising or bleeding at the injection site
- Temporary rise in blood glucose, particularly in people with diabetes
- Skin thinning, dimpling or colour change near the injection site
- Temporary menstrual irregularity
Get urgent medical advice
- Severe allergic reaction, including facial or throat swelling, breathing difficulty or collapse
- Injection-site or joint infection, with worsening heat, swelling, pain, restricted movement, fever or malaise
- Lidocaine toxicity, including mouth or tongue numbness, tinnitus, marked dizziness, tremor, seizure, slow or irregular heartbeat or loss of consciousness
- New severe psychiatric symptoms, including suicidal thoughts, mania, hallucinations or marked confusion
- New or worsening visual disturbance
- Tendon rupture
lidocaine hydrochloride + methylprednisolone in pregnancy
Adequate pregnancy studies of this specific combination are unavailable. Both active ingredients can cross the placenta, and the formulation contains benzyl alcohol. The prescriber should assess the expected benefit and potential fetal risk before treatment.
lidocaine hydrochloride + methylprednisolone while breastfeeding
An individual benefit–risk assessment is advised because methylprednisolone and lidocaine can enter breast milk and the formulation contains benzyl alcohol. Injected methylprednisolone is considered compatible with breastfeeding in many circumstances, although injection into a joint may temporarily reduce milk production. Specialist advice is appropriate for premature or unwell infants or complex circumstances.
lidocaine hydrochloride + methylprednisolone interactions
Tell the clinician about all prescribed, over-the-counter and complementary products. Interactions can occur because methylprednisolone may be absorbed systemically.
Strong CYP3A inhibitors, including clarithromycin, itraconazole, ketoconazole, ritonavir and cobicistat
May increase methylprednisolone exposure and systemic corticosteroid adverse effects.
CYP3A inducers, including rifampicin, carbamazepine, phenytoin and phenobarbital
May increase corticosteroid metabolism and reduce its effect.
Warfarin and other vitamin K antagonists
The anticoagulant effect may increase or decrease, so closer clotting monitoring may be required.
Common questions about lidocaine hydrochloride + methylprednisolone
Answers are fully visible for fast scanning and source review.
What is it used for?
Selected inflammatory joint, bursa and tendon-sheath conditions when temporary local anaesthesia is also useful.
Does it cure arthritis?
No. It may reduce inflammation and symptoms but does not cure arthritis or remove the underlying cause.
Can I drive afterwards?
Sources
These sources were used to prepare and review this medicine page.
Prepared and reviewed by the iatroX editorial team.