Pharmacology · single question

Pregnant patient asks if lidocaine is safe to use during dental treatment.

  1. No problems — lidocaine is safe during pregnancy (FDA Category B)
  2. Lidocaine should never be used during pregnancy
  3. Only safe in the third trimester
  4. Only safe with vasoconstrictor-free formulations
Show answer and explanation

Correct answer: A. No problems — lidocaine is safe during pregnancy (FDA Category B)

  • A. Correct. Lidocaine is classified as FDA Pregnancy Category B and is considered safe for use during dental treatment in pregnant patients when used appropriately.
  • B. This is incorrect; lidocaine is not contraindicated throughout pregnancy.
  • C. Lidocaine is not restricted to only the third trimester; it can generally be used safely throughout pregnancy when clinically indicated, with usual precautions for elective treatment timing (often the second trimester is preferred for elective procedures).
  • D. Standard lidocaine with epinephrine, used at typical dental doses, is considered safe in pregnancy; avoiding vasoconstrictor is not a specific required modification per standard guidance.

Note: All distractor options in the original question had 'yes, but...' qualifiers. The direct, correct answer is that lidocaine is safe in pregnancy.

Practice Pharmacology questions Pharmacology study notes

More Pharmacology practice questions