Adrenaline with local anaesthetic: what patients should know

Whether this combination is suitable depends on the procedure, injection site, dose, medicines, and health history. The clinician selects the formulation rather than expecting the patient to choose it.

Local anaesthetic temporarily interrupts pain signals from a targeted area. Adrenaline constricts blood vessels near the injection, slowing removal of the anaesthetic from that site. The clinician still checks that the area is adequately numb before starting.

A brief racing heartbeat, shakiness, or feeling of alertness can occur, especially if adrenaline reaches the circulation quickly. Pain, pressure, or bruising can also come from the needle or procedure itself. Tell the clinician immediately about sudden palpitations, chest discomfort, dizziness, breathing difficulty, or feeling faint.

Before treatment, disclose heart rhythm problems, significant heart or circulation conditions, thyroid disease, previous reactions to anaesthetics, pregnancy, and every medicine or supplement you take. Include non-prescription products and any medicine that affects heart rate, blood pressure, or bleeding.

Afterward, protect the numb area from heat, pressure, biting, or accidental injury until normal sensation returns. Follow the procedure-specific advice about activity, dressings, and pain relief. Do not test numb skin with a sharp object. If you feel unwell before leaving, remain with the clinical team for assessment.

Get urgent help for breathing difficulty, swelling of the lips or tongue, widespread hives, collapse, severe chest pain, or a sustained very fast or irregular heartbeat. These symptoms need immediate medical assessment.

Contact the treating service promptly if numbness lasts much longer than they advised, pain rapidly worsens, the injection area becomes increasingly red or swollen, or you develop new weakness or altered sensation. The correct response depends on the site and procedure.

Ask why adrenaline is useful for your particular procedure, how long numbness may last, what sensations are expected, which symptoms should trigger a call, and whether your medicines or cardiovascular history change the plan.