What is a side effect of lidocaine?

Lidocaine is a local anesthetic and antiarrhythmic agent commonly used to manage pain and control abnormal heart rhythms. Among its side effects, myonecrosis, which refers to the breakdown of muscle tissue, can occur as a rare but serious complication. This can happen if lidocaine is administered inappropriately or in excessive doses, especially during procedures involving the muscle such as injections.

In the context of other options, increased intracranial pressure, increased refractory period of cardiac muscle, and decreased fibrinolysis are not typical side effects associated with lidocaine. While it is true that lidocaine can affect cardiac muscle and potentially influence refractory periods, this is not typically categorized as a side effect in the same manner as myonecrosis, nor does it result in the adverse effects indicated by the other choices in a direct way. Therefore, myonecrosis stands out as a valid side effect of lidocaine in the context of potential complications from its use.