Anaphylactic reaction to lidocaine.

Lidocaine hydrochloride is an amide-type local anesthetic, commonly used for facial plastic as well as other surgical procedures. In an unusual case of reproducible anaphylactic reaction to lidocaine, early treatment with epinephrine, oxygenation, and intravenous fluid resuscitation resulted in relief of the symptoms. This case demonstrates the importance of sensitivity testing and choosing an appropriate alternative local anesthetic in a patient with a history of possible allergy to lidocaine.