Neural blockade and pharmacokinetics following subarachnoid lidocaine in the rhesus monkey. I. Effects of epinephrine.

A sensitive and reliable animal model for the objective physiologic and pharmacokinetic evaluation of spinal anesthesia has been developed. Using this model, spinal anesthesia using lidocaine (30 mg) in 7.5% dextrose with and without epinephrine was compared. Epinephrine did not alter the degree or duration of time to achieve maximum motor block. However, epinephrine did significantly increase the time for complete motor recovery. A significantly higher dermatome level of sensory block was achieved in the epinephrine-containing solutions, as well as a significantly longer time for complete recovery. This reflects a latent effect of epinephrine, as the time for two-segment regression was independent of epinephrine. Pharmacokinetic analysis showed no effect of epinephrine on absorption and elimination constants. The maximum plasma concentration and time to reach maximum plasma concentration were equal with and without epinephrine.