Der Anaesthesist
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To re-evaluate dosage requirements for i.v. and endobronchial (e.b.) lidocaine therapy under the conditions of cardiac arrest, we investigated the pharmacokinetics of lidocaine after i.v. and e.b. administration in an animal cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) model. METHODS. We induced cardiac arrest by ventricular fibrillation in 16 normoventilated pigs under i.v. anesthesia. ⋯ CONCLUSION. An i.v. bolus of lidocaine during CPR should not exceed 2 mg/kg. During CPR without i.v. access the e.b. instillation of lidocaine can be recommended, but to ensure therapeutic concentrations a minimum dosage of 2 mg/kg is suggested.