- Systemic Actions:
   - see: class I cardiac agents
   - for management of ventricular ectopy ( >5 PVC/min or any PVC after acute MI) including VT & V Fib;
   - initial bolus:
           - given as a bolus of 1 mg/kg (50-100mg) initially;
           - additional boluses of 0.5 mg/kg are given subsequently (q8-10 min) to total dose of 3 mg/kg as needed;
           - ET & IV push given undiluted;
   - maintenence drip:
           - constant infusion at 2-4 mg/min;
           - dilution for infusion: 1 gm/250 ml D5W (= 4mg/ml);
   - peds: 1mg/kg dose IV, then 30 ug/kg/min drip;

   - supplied: injection: 1%, 2%, 4%, 10%, 20%;
   - precautions:
          - dosage reduction required w/ liver disease, elderly, CHF;
          - signs of toxicity include dizziness, confusion, slurred speech, paresthesias, convulsions and hypotension;
          - toxic levels:  >6-8ug/ml