Plain lidocaine injection comes in 0.5%, 1%, 1.5%, and 2%. Multiple-dose vials contain methylparaben. MPF vials and ampules are preservative-free and single-dose. 1% is 10 mg/mL. Here's how to pick the right vial and stop wasting the rest of it.
· 3 min read
Written and clinically reviewed by Jacob Fuchs, PharmD
Reviewed on
Plain lidocaine injection, sold as Xylocaine and as generics, comes in 0.5%, 1%, 1.5%, and 2%. 1% means 10 mg per mL. It comes in two kinds of container. Multiple-dose vials contain methylparaben as a preservative. MPF ("methylparaben-free") vials and ampules are preservative-free and single-dose (FDA label, rev. 10/2024).
Most procedure rooms only need one or two of those. The trick is buying the right container for how the drug actually gets used.
Here's the plain (no epinephrine) lineup from Fresenius Kabi's Xylocaine label (FDA label):
| Strength | Multiple-dose vials (with methylparaben) | MPF single-dose (preservative-free) |
|---|---|---|
| 0.5% (5 mg/mL) | 50 mL | 50 mL vial |
| 1% (10 mg/mL) | 20 mL, 50 mL | 2 mL and 5 mL vials, 10 mL ampule, 30 mL vial |
| 1.5% (15 mg/mL) | — | 10 mL and 20 mL ampules |
| 2% (20 mg/mL) | 10 mL, 20 mL, 50 mL | 2 mL and 5 mL vials, 10 mL ampule |
Other manufacturers sell similar sizes with their own NDCs. Check the label and the vial type on the exact product you buy.
The percentage-to-mg math is simple. 1% is 1 gram per 100 mL, which is 10 mg/mL. 2% is 20 mg/mL. The label says it directly: "1% Contains 10 mg lidocaine hydrochloride per mL." That's just converting units. It isn't a dose.
Two label rules decide it (FDA label):
For everyday infiltration in a clinic, most practices stock multiple-dose vials. Then the multiple-dose rules apply. That means 28 days after opening unless the manufacturer says otherwise, and the vial belongs to one patient if it goes into the treatment room (CDC). If a 50 mL vial goes into exam rooms every day, the math usually favors smaller vials. We walk through that in single-dose vs. multiple-dose vials.
Your clinicians decide that. Purchasing just needs to keep them apart. The two come in similar vials with similar labels. The epinephrine versions also contain a sulfite antioxidant, and plain versions don't need one. Our lidocaine with epinephrine guide covers those products separately.
The label says to store all solutions at 20°C to 25°C (68°F to 77°F), with excursions allowed between 15°C and 30°C, and to protect from light (FDA label). Keep it in the carton.
Premier Pharma supplies licensed physician offices, clinics, surgery centers, and pharmacies, and every invoice lists the lot number and expiration date for each item. We carry lidocaine 1% in 5 mL single-dose vials, 30 mL single-dose vials, 20 mL vials, and 50 mL vials. Each product page shows the NDC and vial type. The full Anesthesia & Surgery category has the rest. Open a free account. Credential review typically takes 1–2 business days.
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