Lidocaine in Tanzania: NEMLIT level, who can prescribe it and STG references

Lidocaine is on Tanzania's National Essential Medicines List (NEMLIT, 7th edition, 2026) at levels B and D, from level B (health centre). It is not on the DukaDawa pharmacy network yet, so we show no brands or prices for it. The Standard Treatment Guidelines mention it in 8 or more sections.

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Is lidocaine available on the DukaDawa pharmacy network?

Not yet. Lidocaine is not in the DukaDawa network catalogue, so we have no brands, prices or stock for it.

Prescribers can still write it on a DukadawaRx prescription, and we show it here as soon as a network pharmacy lists it.

Is lidocaine on the NEMLIT, and who can prescribe it?

Yes. Lidocaine is on Tanzania's National Essential Medicines List (NEMLIT, 7th edition, 2026) at levels B and D, from level B (health centre). At level B it may be prescribed by specialists, medical officers, dental officers, assistant medical officers and clinical officers.

Level
B (health centre), D (regional referral hospital)
Category
Local Anaesthetics (Anaesthetics, Preoperative Medicines and Medical Gases)
Listed forms
Gel 2% & 5%; Spray 10%; patches 5%
Page
NEMLIT, p. 4
Who may prescribe at each NEMLIT level (STG/NEMLIT 7th edition, Part I, Table 1). Levels listed for this medicine are highlighted.
LevelFacilityWho may prescribe
ADispensarySpecialist, Medical Officer, Dental Officer, Assistant Medical Officer, Clinical Officer, Assistant Clinical Officer
B (listed)Health centreSpecialist, Medical Officer, Dental Officer, Assistant Medical Officer, Clinical Officer
CCouncil or district hospitalSpecialist, Medical Officer, Dental Officer, Assistant Medical Officer
D (listed)Regional referral hospitalSpecialist, Medical Officer, Dental Officer
SZonal, special and national hospitalsSpecialist

A medicine is listed from the lowest facility level where it should be available.

Where is lidocaine in the Standard Treatment Guidelines?

The Standard Treatment Guidelines (7th edition, 2026) mention lidocaine in 8 or more sections, most often section 2.1.4.2 Anaesthesia > Locoregional Anesthesia (Local Anesthesia, Neuraxial anesthesia, Peripheral nerve block) > Topical Anaesthesia (p. 60). See the STG for treatment details.

  • 2.1.4.2 Anaesthesia > Locoregional Anesthesia (Local Anesthesia, Neuraxial anesthesia, Peripheral nerve block) > Topical Anaesthesia, p. 60
  • 14.1.2 Major Blinding Eye Diseases > Cataract, p. 333
  • 20.16.3.1 Cardiac Arrhythmias/ Dysrhythmias > Wide QRS (Ventricular) Tachyarrhythmias (VTs) > Regular Wide QRS Tachycardias, p. 517
  • 2.1.4.8 Anaesthesia > Locoregional Anesthesia (Local Anesthesia, Neuraxial anesthesia, Peripheral nerve block) > Peripheral Nerve Blocks:, p. 61
  • 11.7.5 Antenatal Care > Eclampsia, p. 276
  • 16.8 Tooth extraction/ exodontia, p. 405
  • 20.16.3.3 Cardiac Arrhythmias/ Dysrhythmias > Wide QRS (Ventricular) Tachyarrhythmias (VTs) > Non-Sustained (< 30 Sec) Irregular Wide QRS Tachycardias, p. 517
  • 2.1.4.4 Anaesthesia > Locoregional Anesthesia (Local Anesthesia, Neuraxial anesthesia, Peripheral nerve block) > Epidural Anesthesia, p. 60

Sections that mention Lidocaine, most mentions first. Positions only: see the STG for treatment details.

All local anaesthetics on the NEMLIT

Sources

  • Standard Treatment Guidelines and National Essential Medicines List (STG/NEMLIT), 7th edition, 2026, Ministry of Health, United Republic of Tanzania

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STG positions are section numbers and printed page numbers only.

This page supports licensed prescribers and pharmacists. It is not medical advice and does not replace the Standard Treatment Guidelines, the product information or professional judgement. Prices and stock change often: confirm with the pharmacy.

For licensed prescribers and pharmacists. Not medical advice. Check the Standard Treatment Guidelines before prescribing.