A note on Nebulized lidocaine

 for intractable cough near the end of life

Nebulized lidocaine can be a very effective remedy for intractable cough near the end of life. Biggest advantage to nebulized lidocaine is the lack of significant side effects such as sedation, tremor, arrhythmias, hallucinations or dysphoria which may occurs from antitussives. Dose is 5 mL of 2% lidocaine solution (100 mg) with 4–6 L/min oxygen until completion of the nebulized therapy, typically 3–5 minutes. It is recommended to keep patients head of bed elevated for at least 30 minutes post treatment and to refrain from eating or drinking for 40 minutes after the treatment completed.