What is the primary danger of using lignocaine in high doses?

The primary danger of using lignocaine in high doses is the potential for neurological side effects. Lignocaine, also known as lidocaine, is a local anesthetic and antiarrhythmic agent that can affect the central nervous system when administered in excessive amounts. High doses can lead to symptoms such as dizziness, seizures, confusion, and in severe cases, loss of consciousness or respiratory depression.

These neurological effects arise because lignocaine works by blocking sodium channels in nerve tissue. When levels become excessively high, it can disrupt normal neuronal signaling, leading to excitatory effects (such as seizures) followed by depressant effects (such as sedation or coma). Continuous monitoring of the patient's neurological status is crucial when administering lignocaine to prevent and manage these side effects effectively.

While excessive bradycardia and hypertensive crises are potential concerns with many anesthetic agents, they are not the primary risks associated with high doses of lignocaine. Increased vasoconstriction is typically not a direct effect of lignocaine either; instead, it primarily functions as a vasodilator in certain contexts. Thus, recognizing the risk of neurological side effects is vital to ensuring patient safety when administering this medication.